Memory Erosion MTG Card


Memory Erosion grants ongoing card advantage by milling opponents each time they cast a spell. It synergizes with decks that benefit from graveyard interactions and passive strategic play. Despite potential mana cost drawbacks, its constant effect can disrupt various strategies.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeEnchantment
Abilities Mill

Text of card

Whenever an opponent plays a spell, that player puts the top two cards of his or her library into his or her graveyard.

"The Filigree Texts do not compel you to act in accordance with their precepts. They only specify the consequences should you fail." —Lodus of the Ethersworn


Cards like Memory Erosion

Memory Erosion has an established place in the lineup of mill cards within MTG, defined by its passive milling strategy. Notably, cards such as Sphinx’s Tutelage carry the torch similarly, milling opponents each time a player draws a card. While both activate from draw mechanics, Memory Erosion triggers consistently whenever an opponent casts a spell, potentially disrupting strategies more frequently.

Owing to the power of forced deck depletion, Mesmeric Orb is also a comparable piece. It mills by capitalizing on untapped permanents, which can happen plentifully in a single turn. However, Memory Erosion is more selective, targeting only opponents’ libraries. In contrast, Mesmeric Orb is impartial, affecting all players and often leading to a double-edged sword scenario.

To round out a comparison with mill cards, Patient Rebuilding is another alternative that combines both drawing cards and milling opponents. Unlike the consistent effect on spellcast that Memory Erosion offers, Patient Rebuilding triggers once per turn during the controller’s upkeep but can lead to a more substantial number of cards milled each time. This introduces an element of variance and potential for a bigger impact in a single turn.

Choosing among these cards largely depends on desired mill rate, control over targets, and synergy with other elements of a deck. Memory Erosion stands out due to its ability to hinder opponents’ plans while they try to execute their own.

Sphinx's Tutelage - MTG Card versions
Mesmeric Orb - MTG Card versions
Patient Rebuilding - MTG Card versions
Sphinx's Tutelage - MTG Card versions
Mesmeric Orb - MTG Card versions
Patient Rebuilding - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Memory Erosion by color, type and mana cost

Feedback - MTG Card versions
In the Eye of Chaos - MTG Card versions
Undertow - MTG Card versions
Mana Vortex - MTG Card versions
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Mesmeric Trance - MTG Card versions
Soul Barrier - MTG Card versions
Puppet Master - MTG Card versions
Propaganda - MTG Card versions
Intruder Alarm - MTG Card versions
Equilibrium - MTG Card versions
Mana Breach - MTG Card versions
Checks and Balances - MTG Card versions
Douse - MTG Card versions
Veiled Crocodile - MTG Card versions
Charisma - MTG Card versions
Traveler's Cloak - MTG Card versions
Shifting Sky - MTG Card versions
Threads of Disloyalty - MTG Card versions
Feedback - MTG Card versions
In the Eye of Chaos - MTG Card versions
Undertow - MTG Card versions
Mana Vortex - MTG Card versions
Energy Flux - MTG Card versions
Gaseous Form - MTG Card versions
Mesmeric Trance - MTG Card versions
Soul Barrier - MTG Card versions
Puppet Master - MTG Card versions
Propaganda - MTG Card versions
Intruder Alarm - MTG Card versions
Equilibrium - MTG Card versions
Mana Breach - MTG Card versions
Checks and Balances - MTG Card versions
Douse - MTG Card versions
Veiled Crocodile - MTG Card versions
Charisma - MTG Card versions
Traveler's Cloak - MTG Card versions
Shifting Sky - MTG Card versions
Threads of Disloyalty - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Memory Erosion leverages the continuous flow of your opponent’s deck to give you an indirect card advantage. Each time an adversary casts a spell, they’re compelled to put the top two cards of their library into their graveyard. Over time, this mill effect can deplete key resources from your opponent’s arsenal, tipping the balance in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: While Memory Erosion itself doesn’t produce mana or tokens, the card’s persistent milling can lead to resource acceleration in decks that capitalize on graveyard interactions. As you send cards to the graveyard, you opportunistically set the stage for abilities that trigger off graveyard counts or specific card types being milled.

Instant Speed: Despite not being an instant itself, Memory Erosion rewards you for playing at instant speed. The enchantment remains on the battlefield passively affecting the game, which allows you to freely cast your instant speed spells without losing tempo. Your adversaries are forced to ponder the risk of losing crucial cards with every spell they cast, allowing you to dictate the pace of the game.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While not requiring an actual discard, Memory Erosion demands a continuous fuel of cards from the opponent’s library, which can sometimes be less impactful against decks with graveyard synergies or those that benefit from having cards in the graveyard.

Specific Mana Cost: Memory Erosion has a specific mana requirement of one blue and two other mana. This cost necessitates a strong commitment to blue mana sources within a deck, making it less flexible for multicolored deck strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three, Memory Erosion might come into play too late against fast-paced decks. Other lower-cost cards might disrupt opponents earlier or offer more immediate control over the board state.


Reasons to Include Memory Erosion in Your Collection

Versatility: Memory Erosion is a flexible inclusion in any deck that aims to manipulate opponents’ libraries. Its effect is constant and impacts all opponents, making it a solid choice in multiplayer formats.

Combo Potential: The card synergizes well with strategies that capitalize on each opponent’s discard. It can trigger powerful reactions with cards that benefit from milling, adding layers of strategy to your gameplay.

Meta-Relevance: In environments that rely heavily on graveyard mechanics or where decks are built with numerous synergies and combos, Memory Erosion can disrupt opponents’ plans and be a tactical advantage for you.


How to Beat

Memory Erosion is a unique enchantment in MTG that slowly grinds down an opponent’s library. Like a relentless tide eroding the shore, this card puts pressure on your opponent by milling two cards whenever they cast a spell. Overcoming this persistent threat requires foresight and a strategic deck configuration.

To counter Memory Erosion, consider incorporating cards that shuffle your graveyard back into your library. Elixir of Immortality stands out as a key tool, as it not only negates the milling effect but also provides life gain. Artifact and enchantment removal are also vital. Cards like Naturalize or Disenchant can dispel the enchantment before its impact becomes irreversible. Additionally, playing a graveyard-based strategy with cards like Splendid Reclamation can turn the tables, turning the mills into an advantage for you. By capitalizing on these strategies, Memory Erosion’s potential impact can be mitigated or even used to your advantage. Plan wisely, and this enchantment will be nothing but a minor setback in your path to victory.


BurnMana Recommendations

Determining the right balance in your MTG deck can be the difference between a good game and a great one. Memory Erosion is a card that commands attention for its relentless milling strategy, disrupting your opponent’s game plan with each spell they cast. It plays a dual role, offering both a tactical edge in game play and a worthy addition to collections focusing on library manipulation. When harnessing its power, it’s essential to consider how it can best integrate with your deck’s overall strategy. For those intrigued by the intricate dance of milling mechanics and looking to craft a deck that subtly undermines opponents turn by turn, dive deeper into the potential of Memory Erosion with us and discover how it can elevate your game to new heights.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Memory Erosion MTG card by a specific set like Shards of Alara and Commander 2011, 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 Memory Erosion and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Memory Erosion Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2008-10-03 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Howard Lyon.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12008-10-03Shards of AlaraALA 502003NormalBlackHoward Lyon
22011-06-17Commander 2011CMD 502003NormalBlackHoward Lyon
32018-06-08Commander Anthology Volume IICM2 452015NormalBlackHoward Lyon
42019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 4242015NormalBlackHoward Lyon
52020-09-26The ListPLST CM2-452015NormalBlackHoward Lyon

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Memory Erosion has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal