Mana Vault MTG Card


Mana Vault accelerates gameplay, providing potential for early imposing board states that are hard to counter. While beneficial, Mana Vault’s upkeep cost can deplete resources, including card advantage and life points. Crucial for competitive play, it offers decks explosive play potential, fitting well within fast-paced formats.
Card setsReleased in 22 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityRare
TypeArtifact

Text of card

Tap to add 3 colorless mana to your mana pool. Mana Vault doesn't untap normally during untap phase; to untap it, you must pay 4 mana. If Mana Vault remains tapped during upkeep it does 1 damage to you. Tapping this artifact can be played as an interrupt.


Cards like Mana Vault

Mana Vault holds a revered place among artifact cards in Magic: The Gathering, offering a substantial burst of colorless mana at a low initial cost. Gauntlet of Power is a card with a parallel purpose, magnifying mana of a specific color, which can be pivotal in mono-colored decks. However, it falls behind in terms of immediate mana acceleration compared to Mana Vault’s instant mana injection.

Another card, Sol Ring, stands out as a common comparison due to its low casting cost and consistent mana ramp, providing two colorless mana with each activation. While Sol Ring offers a steadier pace of mana generation, Mana Vault provides a larger but unsustainable surge, introducing a strategic element of resource management. Basalt Monolith also shares characteristics with Mana Vault, able to untap for an additional cost without the downside turn-based health chip seen with Mana Vault.

In essence, Mana Vault aligns closer to a high-risk, high-reward strategy, ideal for decks needing a rapid influx of mana at occasional costs. Its ability to unlock vast amounts of mana with immediate effect gives it an edge over similar mana-generating artifacts, despite the life point payment required to maintain that advantage.

Gauntlet of Power - MTG Card versions
Sol Ring - MTG Card versions
Basalt Monolith - MTG Card versions
Gauntlet of Power - MTG Card versions
Sol Ring - MTG Card versions
Basalt Monolith - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Mana Vault by color, type and mana cost

Glasses of Urza - MTG Card versions
Wooden Sphere - MTG Card versions
Sol Ring - MTG Card versions
Iron Star - MTG Card versions
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Urza's Chalice - MTG Card versions
Ivory Cup - MTG Card versions
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Soul Net - MTG Card versions
The Rack - MTG Card versions
Helm of Chatzuk - MTG Card versions
Obelisk of Undoing - MTG Card versions
Feldon's Cane - MTG Card versions
Ivory Tower - MTG Card versions
Meekstone - MTG Card versions
Triangle of War - MTG Card versions
Throne of Bone - MTG Card versions
Crystal Rod - MTG Card versions
Barbed Sextant - MTG Card versions
Glasses of Urza - MTG Card versions
Wooden Sphere - MTG Card versions
Sol Ring - MTG Card versions
Iron Star - MTG Card versions
Library of Leng - MTG Card versions
Black Vise - MTG Card versions
Urza's Chalice - MTG Card versions
Ivory Cup - MTG Card versions
Brass Man - MTG Card versions
Soul Net - MTG Card versions
The Rack - MTG Card versions
Helm of Chatzuk - MTG Card versions
Obelisk of Undoing - MTG Card versions
Feldon's Cane - MTG Card versions
Ivory Tower - MTG Card versions
Meekstone - MTG Card versions
Triangle of War - MTG Card versions
Throne of Bone - MTG Card versions
Crystal Rod - MTG Card versions
Barbed Sextant - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Mana Vault. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Jewel ShopsJewel Shops VintageJewel ShopsVintage Challenge 32 2024-04-20
Paradoxical OutcomeParadoxical Outcome VintageParadoxical OutcomeVintage Challenge 32 2024-04-20
Grixis Underworld BreachGrixis Underworld Breach VintageUnderworld BreachVintage League 2024-04-22
Turbo VaultTurbo Vault VintageTurbo VaultVintage Challenge 32 2024-04-20
Prison ShopsPrison Shops VintagePrison ShopsVintage Challenge 32 2024-04-20

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Mana Vault allows for a swift increase in resources, potentially leading to powerful plays much earlier than usual. This advantage can cascade into overwhelming board states that opponents find difficult to respond to effectively.

Resource Acceleration: Mana Vault offers a considerable boost by untapping to provide three colorless mana. This acceleration can be crucial for casting high-cost spells, activating abilities, or even enabling a game-winning combo several turns ahead of schedule.

Instant Speed: While Mana Vault itself does not operate at instant speed, the resources it provides allow players to keep mana open for instant speed interactions during opponents’ turns. This strategic flexibility often keeps adversaries guessing, making it harder for them to predict and play around your potential moves.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The activation of Mana Vault comes with a hefty price, necessitating the discard of a prized card which could lead to a disadvantageous position if you are already low on cards in hand.

Specific Mana Cost: Although Mana Vault produces colorless mana, its initial cost of one colorless mana may be problematic in early game scenarios, especially if your setup requires colored mana sources for a swift play progression.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While offering a substantial mana boost, the upkeep cost necessary to untap Mana Vault can be considered steep as it slowly chips away at a player’s life total if the artifact remains tapped. This can be detrimental in a prolonged game where every life point counts, potentially offsetting the advantage of the mana acceleration it provides.


Reasons to Include Mana Vault in Your Collection

Versatility: Mana Vault, a classic artifact, is a powerhouse in any deck that requires a sudden surge of mana. It’s a key inclusion in Commander and Vintage formats for explosive plays, by unlocking three colorless mana at the cost of just one.

Combo Potential: This card excels in combination with untap mechanics, allowing repeated use, or with cards that capitalize on artifact synergies. It’s a staple for infinite mana combos, making it a desirable piece for competitive play.

Meta-Relevance: As the competitive scene often sways towards fast-paced and powerful plays, Mana Vault remains a relevant choice to outpace opponents. It supports strategies that rely on quick deployment of high-cost cards, matching the ever-evolving meta with ease.


How to beat

The Mana Vault card in Magic: The Gathering is a powerful artifact known for ramping up mana. This allows players to cast expensive spells much earlier than usual. To counter such an asset, one strategy involves the use of artifact removal cards like Nature’s Claim or Abrade. These cards can destroy Mana Vault, reducing the opponent’s resource advantage.

Timing is also critical. Many players will untap Mana Vault on their turn to avoid damage, which is when it’s most vulnerable. Therefore, aiming removal spells during the upkeep phase can catch opponents off-guard, leaving them with less mana than expected. Another method is employing counterspells like Negate when the Vault is originally cast, preventing it from entering the battlefield altogether.

Additionally, you can take advantage of strategies that punish untapping artifacts. Cards like Damping Sphere or Stony Silence can hinder the functionality of Mana Vault significantly. The key is to either deny its entry to the battlefield or to minimize its impact through targeted removal or disruptive enchantments that dull its explosive mana-generating ability.


BurnMana Recommendations

Maneuvering the ebb and flow of MTG’s complex gameplay can often hinge on your ability to harness the right resources at the right time. Mana Vault stands out as an exceptional card that offers a significant mana boost, a prospect that can dramatically change the tide of a game. With its resource acceleration and combo potential, it’s a card worth considering for your deck, especially if you’re engaging in formats like Commander or Vintage. Dive deeper into strategy articles, acquire gameplay tips, and expand your understanding of MTG’s dynamic landscape. Elevate your gameplay and discover new aspects of Mana Vault with us.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Mana Vault MTG card by a specific set like Limited Edition Alpha and Limited Edition Beta, 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 Mana Vault and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Mana Vault Magic the Gathering card was released in 18 different sets between 1993-08-05 and 2022-11-28. Illustrated by 4 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11993-08-05Limited Edition AlphaLEA 2591993NormalBlackMark Tedin
21993-10-04Limited Edition BetaLEB 2601993NormalBlackMark Tedin
31993-12-01Unlimited Edition2ED 2601993NormalWhiteMark Tedin
41993-12-10Intl. Collectors' EditionCEI 2601993NormalBlackMark Tedin
51993-12-10Collectors' EditionCED 2601993NormalBlackMark Tedin
61994-04-01Revised Edition3ED 2631993NormalWhiteMark Tedin
71994-04-01Foreign Black BorderFBB 2631993NormalBlackMark Tedin
81994-06-21Summer Magic / EdgarSUM 2631993NormalWhiteMark Tedin
91995-04-01Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border4BB 3341993NormalBlackMark Tedin
101995-04-01Fourth Edition4ED 3341993NormalWhiteMark Tedin
111997-03-24Fifth Edition5ED 3881997NormalWhiteMark Tedin
122002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 469422003NormalBlackChristine Choi
132002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 1023432015NormalBlackSteve Prescott
142011-01-10Masters Edition IVME4 2141997NormalBlackMark Tedin
152014-06-16Vintage MastersVMA 2742015NormalBlackChristine Choi
162016-09-30Kaladesh InventionsMPS 172015NormalBlackKirsten Zirngibl
172018-12-07Ultimate MastersUMA 2292015NormalBlackChristine Choi
182022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 3082015NormalBlackChristine Choi
192022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 5602015NormalBlackChristine Choi
202022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 3942015NormalBorderlessSteve Prescott
212022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 5531997NormalBlackMark Tedin
222022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 2562015NormalBlackMark Tedin

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Mana Vault has restrictions

FormatLegality
OldschoolLegal
CommanderLegal
LegacyBanned
OathbreakerBanned
PremodernBanned
VintageRestricted
DuelBanned
PredhLegal