Sunset Pyramid MTG Card
2017-07-14 - Number 166
2019-11-07 - Number 1636
2020-08-13 - Number 280
2020-11-20 - Number 345
2020-09-26 - Number HOU-166
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Artifact |
| Abilities | Scry |
Text of card
Sunset Pyramid enters the battlefield with three brick counters on it. , , Remove a brick counter from Sunset Pyramid: Draw a card. , : Scry 1.
Decades to build. Hours to demolish.
Cards like Sunset Pyramid
Sunset Pyramid is a unique artifact within Magic: The Gathering, granting players the ability to draw cards over time. Similar in form to cards like Prophetic Prism, which also allows a card to be drawn upon entering the battlefield, Sunset Pyramid provides a sustained card draw with its three brick counters. Unlike Prophetic Prism, Sunset Pyramid requires no mana to draw the initial cards, although it has the drawback of being limited to three uses.
Another related card is Mind Stone, which can be tapped for mana and later sacrificed for immediate card draw. Unlike Sunset Pyramid, Mind Stone directly influences mana acceleration but offers only a single instance of card draw. Then comes Magnifying Glass, which generates Investigate tokens gradually leading to card draw. This artifact, however, operates at a slower pace than Sunset Pyramid, requiring four mana to draw each card using the tokens.
When evaluating the utility of card draw and resource allocation artifacts in Magic: The Gathering, Sunset Pyramid stands out for its upfront card advantage, despite other alternatives providing additional benefits over longer periods or offering secondary uses.
Cards similar to Sunset Pyramid by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Sunset Pyramid. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Rakdos Lutri | Pioneer | Rakdos Midrange | NRG Series $10,000 Showdown - Chicagoland, Illinois (Pioneer) |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Sunset Pyramid Mtg card provides a consistent method of card draw through its scry and draw abilities. Initially stocked with three brick counters, each activation brings you closer to the next card, potentially improving the quality of your draws and keeping your options open.
Resource Acceleration: Although it doesn’t directly provide mana acceleration, the Sunset Pyramid’s low casting cost of just three mana enables it to come on board early in the game. Its ability to draw extra cards can lead to quicker access to land drops and spells, indirectly accelerating your resources as the game progresses.
Instant Speed: While the abilities of Sunset Pyramid aren’t at instant speed, it shines in its flexibility. It allows you to use your mana effectively on an opponent’s turn if you’ve kept mana open for other responses and no action was required, using its abilities at the end of their turn to maintain or establish card advantage.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Sunset Pyramid offers the potential for card draw, it requires the expenditure of brick counters which must first be amassed by drawing and discarding cards. This requirement can leave players at a disadvantage during pivotal moments when maintaining hand advantage is crucial.
Specific Mana Cost: Sunset Pyramid has an initial investment of three colorless mana. Although this provides some flexibility in deck construction, it can be prohibitive in early game turns where mana resources are better allocated towards establishing a board presence or countering opponent strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Even though Sunset Pyramid grants incremental card advantage, its activation cost after the initial setup is still two mana per card. This can be cumbersome when compared to other card draw options in MTG that offer more immediate or cost-effective card advantage, sometimes providing additional benefits or having lower mana requirements for similar effects.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Sunset Pyramid is a non-restrictive draw engine that suits various deck archetypes. Whether you’re running control or an aggressive strategy, its card draw ability provides consistent value throughout the game.
Combo Potential: As you use Sunset Pyramid’s scry and draw abilities, it synergizes with deck strategies that thrive on card interactions and graveyard play, setting the stage for powerful combos as the game progresses.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state where card advantage is crucial, Sunset Pyramid holds its ground by fitting seamlessly into the metagame, offering much-needed deck filtering and refilling your hand to stay ahead of the competition.
How to beat
Sunset Pyramid is an intriguing utility card that offers card drawing capabilities to players in Magic: The Gathering. As an artifact, it provides the versatility to fit into any deck color, which is essential in any strategy that values card advantage. Boasting an initial supply of three brick counters, Sunset Pyramid allows for incremental card draw while counters remain.
Yet, even this desert relic has its weaknesses. To outplay someone using Sunset Pyramid, target the early game before the card draws are maximized. Since it enters the battlefield with three brick counters, attacking an opponent’s resources before they can draw could be key. Counteract the card advantage by employing artifact removal spells, such as Abrade or Nature’s Claim, to dismantle the pyramid before it becomes a source of card advantage. By doing so, you nullify the future benefit it could provide to your opponent. Implement aggressive board pressure as well, forcing the opponent to deal with threats over drawing cards. Assess your hand carefully—knowing when to prioritize threats or removal can make all the difference.
Understanding these strategies can help you maintain the upper hand against players relying on the longevity and incremental value that Sunset Pyramid brings to the table.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Sunset Pyramid MTG card by a specific set like Hour of Devastation and Mystery Booster, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.
For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.
Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.
Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Sunset Pyramid and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
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Printings
The Sunset Pyramid Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2017-07-14 and 2020-11-20. Illustrated by Jonas De Ro.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2017-07-14 | Hour of Devastation | HOU | 166 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jonas De Ro | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1636 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jonas De Ro | |
| 3 | 2020-08-13 | Amonkhet Remastered | AKR | 280 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jonas De Ro | |
| 4 | The List | PLST | HOU-166 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jonas De Ro | ||
| 5 | 2020-11-20 | Commander Legends | CMR | 345 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jonas De Ro |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Sunset Pyramid has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |