Universal Solvent MTG Card
2017-01-20 - Number 178
2019-11-07 - Number 1648
2020-11-12 - Number 273
2020-11-20 - Number 347
2022-06-10 - Number 342
2022-12-02 - Number 804
2020-09-26 - Number AER-178
| Card sets | Released in 7 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Artifact |
Text of card
, , Sacrifice Universal Solvent: Destroy target permanent.
"A few drops of this, and the trickiest problems simply melt away." —Thamaz, Weldfast inventor
Cards like Universal Solvent
Universal Solvent presents an intriguing option for those looking to manage threats on the board within Magic: The Gathering. It stands shoulder-to-shoulder with other removal artifacts like Scour from Existence, providing essential creature and permanent removal. Yet, Universal Solvent is unique with its low-cost commonality and its ability to be activated at any time, granting flexibility during gameplay. Scour from Existence, while not restricted to mana color, requires a hefty seven mana to cast, making Universal Solvent a more accessible choice for a variety of decks.
Another artifact in this realm is Spine of Ish Sah. This comparison reveals a significant difference in mana commitment, as Spine costs seven and also returns to your hand when it hits the graveyard, providing recurring removal possibilities. Universal Solvent offers a one-time-use solution for a smaller mana investment, favoring decks that need quick fixes over long-term strategies.
Looking at these options, it’s evident that while Universal Solvent may not offer the recurring use of Spine of Ish Sah or the immediate no-color restriction of Scour from Existence, it holds its ground as a versatile and economical removal tool for players at all levels.
Cards similar to Universal Solvent by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Universal Solvent doesn’t directly allow you to draw cards, its real strength lies in removing any permanent that’s causing trouble, potentially disrupting your opponent’s strategy and tipping the scales in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: Universal Solvent’s low casting cost makes it a great fit in any deck, providing flexibility without requiring much in terms of mana investment. This leaves your resources free for other pivotal plays throughout the game.
Instant Speed: The power of Universal Solvent is its activation at instant speed, enabling you to respond to threats immediately or at the most opportune moment without having to wait for your own turn, keeping your opponents always on their toes.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Universal Solvent doesn’t necessitate discarding, it does demand sacrificing itself, which means you lose the artifact permanently after a single use. This is a one-for-one trade that might not always benefit you, particularly if you’re in need of board presence or have strategies that require maintaining artifacts on the field.
Specific Mana Cost: The activation cost of Universal Solvent is seven mana of any color, but it’s still a substantial amount. This means it requires a significant mana investment to utilize its ability, which can be inefficient in faster games or mana-tight situations.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While one mana for casting is low, the total cost to both play and activate Universal Solvent’s ability culminates in eight mana. This is relatively high when compared to other removal options available in MTG. Players might opt for cards that offer more immediate impact or flexibility for less mana investment.
Reasons to Include Universal Solvent in Your Collection
Versatility: Universal Solvent proves its worth by being a viable inclusion in a wide variety of deck archetypes. Its ability to destroy any permanent, regardless of type, makes it a handy tool to have at your disposal when you’re up against an array of threats.
Combo Potential: This card can synergize well with decks that appreciate artifacts, specifically those that optimize sacrificing them for value. It can be a vital piece in combinations that benefit from permanent removal or that capitalize on artifact recursion.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where indestructible or heavily protected permanents are common, Universal Solvent offers a straightforward and unprejudiced solution. Its presence can be essential in dismantling hard-to-deal-with strategies and tipping the scales in your favor.
How to beat
Universal Solvent presents a unique utility in Magic: The Gathering, serving as an any-target removal at the cost of seven mana including its initial casting. Outmaneuvering this versatile artifact requires tactful play. Unlike spells that might offer instant speed interaction, Universal Solvent’s activation is limited to the speed at which mana can be amassed.
Therefore, it’s advantageous for players to apply pressure early on, compelling the opponent to expend other resources before they have the opportunity to leverage the Solvent’s removal capability. Quick, efficient creatures or spells that put a timer on the game can often outpace the Solvent’s high mana demand. Additionally, utilizing countermeasures like discard effects or direct artifact destruction can neutralize it before it becomes a threat on the board. In essence, speedy play and resource disruption are effective strategies to nullify the Universal Solvent’s impact in a match.
Reflecting on the Solvent’s strengths and weaknesses, it’s clear that while its universal removal is powerful, it can be circumvented with faster gameplay or targeted counteractions, emphasizing the importance of strategic deckbuilding and resource management in Magic: The Gathering.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Universal Solvent MTG card by a specific set like Aether Revolt 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 Universal Solvent 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
Printings
The Universal Solvent Magic the Gathering card was released in 7 different sets between 2017-01-20 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2017-01-20 | Aether Revolt | AER | 178 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Christopher Moeller | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1648 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Christopher Moeller | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | AER-178 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Christopher Moeller | ||
| 4 | 2020-11-12 | Kaladesh Remastered | KLR | 273 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Christopher Moeller | |
| 5 | 2020-11-20 | Commander Legends | CMR | 347 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Christopher Moeller | |
| 6 | 2022-06-10 | Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate | CLB | 342 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Joe Slucher | |
| 7 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 804 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Christopher Moeller |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Universal Solvent has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |