Sunstone MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Artifact |
| Released | 1995-06-03 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Ice Age |
| Set code | ICE |
| Number | 341 |
| Frame | 1993 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Phil Foglio |
Text of card
: Sacrifice a snow-covered land to have all creatures deal no damage in combat this turn.
"I dispute Relicbane's hysterical allegations, Commissioner, but it is true that these artifacts can be dangerous." —Arcum Dagsson, Soldevi Machinist
Cards like Sunstone
Sunstone is a unique tool found within the universe of Magic: The Gathering, offering a distinct tactical advantage for players in the thick of battle. In practice, it shares its corner of ice with cards like Glacial Crevasses, which similarly offers the ability to prevent combat damage. Glacial Crevasses requires sacrificing a mountain to activate its effect, while Sunstone needs an investment of snow mana and the actual card itself for its activation.
Coralhelm Commander presents an alternative flexibility in board control but instead operates through leveling up and acquiring flying ability, dictating aerial battlefield terms. This offers a less direct approach compared to Sunstone’s immediate damage prevention. Ice Floe is another card that embodies a control playstyle by continually taking a creature out of combat without a constant resource demand, but it doesn’t provide the blanket protection that Sunstone can offer.
Assessing them side by side, Sunstone stands out for its repeatable nature and the immediate protective scope it offers. It does not just change one aspect of combat but provides a broader defense mechanism that can alter the course of a game. Its value becomes increasingly evident in the late game where it can be the key to surviving an overwhelming offense.
Cards similar to Sunstone by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Sunstone MTG card offers a distinct tactical edge by allowing players to maintain crucial card advantage in tight situations. By paying a small cost, players can put the control back in their hands, effectively maneuvering the game’s pace to their benefit, which can lead to maintaining or climbing back from a disadvantageous board state.
Resource Acceleration: Although Sunstone does not directly accelerate resources in the conventional sense, its ability to disrupt opponents’ combat strategies can indirectly conserve resources, such as creature health or other protective spells, allowing players to allocate resources more efficiently elsewhere in the game.
Instant Speed: The ability to activate Sunstone at instant speed provides a strategic asset by allowing players to wait until the most opportune moment within a turn cycle, ensuring maximum efficacy and strategic depth during gameplay. Timing the use of Sunstone can inhibit opponent attacks or turn an adversary’s aggression into a moment of advantage.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Sunstone card demands a player to discard another card, which could be particularly challenging when the player’s hand is already depleted or when every card in hand is vital for upcoming strategies.
Specific Mana Cost: With its specific requirement of snow mana, Sunstone’s activation can be restrictive, confining it largely to decks that can reliably generate this type of mana without compromising the deck’s overall mana base flexibility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Needing three mana to activate may seem steep for its defensive effect, especially when compared to other utility cards in MTG that may provide immediate board impact or more cost-effective disruption at a lower mana cost.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Sunstone offers a unique form of control and can be included in decks that aim to manipulate the battlefield. Its ability to establish a fog effect by preventing all combat damage can be game-changing and suitable for a variety of situations.
Combo Potential: This card shines when used in tandem with strategies that capitalize on land management or sacrifice mechanics, providing a recurring way to stave off attacks and protect your life total.
Meta-Relevance: In game environments where aggro decks are prevalent, Sunstone serves as a critical piece to tilt the scales in your favor, offering a consistent damage mitigation tool.
How to beat Sunstone
Sunstone, a unique tool in the arsenal of any MTG player, can be a tricky obstacle due to its ability to create an impenetrable defense by turning lands into a form of protection. This impressive capability allows a player to essentially “fog” incoming attacks, preserving their life total by sacrificing snow-covered lands. The key to overcoming Sunstone lies in anticipating and minimizing its impact. Effective strategies include ramping up aggression before the opponent has sufficient snowy terrain to fuel their icy fortress or employing direct removal spells to dismantle their defenses.
Additionally, consider applying pressure not just on the battlefield, but also to their resources directly. Land destruction or denial can prevent the accumulation of the snow-covered lands vital for Sunstone’s activation. Keeping the battlefield clear of creatures that benefit from Sunstone’s presence also works to your advantage. As a contingency, keep enchantment removal cards on hand; when your foe reaches for their Sunstone to stem your tide of attacks, a well-timed Disenchant or Naturalize can seamlessly clear your path to victory.
Ultimately, your capacity to outmaneuver Sunstone requires a blend of foresight and resource management. Remember, once you render their frosty artifact ineffective, the power dynamic shifts, paving your way to triumph in the multifaceted world of MTG.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Sunstone MTG card by a specific set like Ice Age, 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 Sunstone 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Sunstone has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |