Mesmeric Orb MTG Card


Mesmeric Orb offers repeatable graveyard filling, crucial for strategies that thrive on a stocked graveyard. Enhances resource acceleration with its milling as it turns the graveyard into an asset for certain decks. Demands careful play, as its indiscriminate milling effect can also negatively impact your own game plan.
Card setsReleased in 6 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeArtifact
Abilities Mill

Text of card

Whenever a permanent becomes untapped, that permanent's controller puts the top card of his or her library into his or her graveyard.

A step in one direction is two steps away from another.


Cards like Mesmeric Orb

Mesmeric Orb is a unique artifact in Magic: The Gathering that passively mills players’ libraries as they untap permanents. In terms of mill-aiding artifacts, it often gets compared to Grinding Station, which also mills cards but requires the sacrifice of an artifact to activate. Mesmeric Orb stands out because it works automatically, affecting all players each turn without additional costs.

Another related card is Sands of Time, which alters untap steps, potentially increasing the number of cards that Mesmeric Orb will mill. Yet, this effect is double-edged, influencing the player as well. In contrast, Mesmeric Orb’s impact is more predictable and consistent. Then there’s Ghoulcaller’s Bell, a card with a global mill effect that’s activated at will. Although it only mills one card at a time, unlike Mesmeric Orb, it does so without requiring any special condition to be met.

Evaluating these cards shows Mesmeric Orb’s strength in environment where players untap many permanents, ensuring relentless milling and pressuring opponents’ resources. Its automatic and unbiased effect ensures that it remains a formidable presence in any game where prolonging a defensive position is critical.

Grinding Station - MTG Card versions
Sands of Time - MTG Card versions
Ghoulcaller's Bell - MTG Card versions
Grinding Station - MTG Card versions
Sands of Time - MTG Card versions
Ghoulcaller's Bell - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Mesmeric Orb by color, type and mana cost

Chaos Orb - MTG Card versions
Winter Orb - MTG Card versions
Amulet of Kroog - MTG Card versions
Nacre Talisman - MTG Card versions
Howling Mine - MTG Card versions
Essence Bottle - MTG Card versions
Emerald Medallion - MTG Card versions
Scrying Glass - MTG Card versions
Cursed Totem - MTG Card versions
Tsabo's Web - MTG Card versions
Millikin - MTG Card versions
Ark of Blight - MTG Card versions
Surestrike Trident - MTG Card versions
Energy Chamber - MTG Card versions
Water Gun Balloon Game - MTG Card versions
Angel's Feather - MTG Card versions
Demon's Horn - MTG Card versions
Elsewhere Flask - MTG Card versions
Steel Overseer - MTG Card versions
Wurm's Tooth - MTG Card versions
Chaos Orb - MTG Card versions
Winter Orb - MTG Card versions
Amulet of Kroog - MTG Card versions
Nacre Talisman - MTG Card versions
Howling Mine - MTG Card versions
Essence Bottle - MTG Card versions
Emerald Medallion - MTG Card versions
Scrying Glass - MTG Card versions
Cursed Totem - MTG Card versions
Tsabo's Web - MTG Card versions
Millikin - MTG Card versions
Ark of Blight - MTG Card versions
Surestrike Trident - MTG Card versions
Energy Chamber - MTG Card versions
Water Gun Balloon Game - MTG Card versions
Angel's Feather - MTG Card versions
Demon's Horn - MTG Card versions
Elsewhere Flask - MTG Card versions
Steel Overseer - MTG Card versions
Wurm's Tooth - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Azorius MillAzorius Mill ModernMillModern Last Chance 2024-03-19 (1)
Four-color MillFour-color Mill GladiatorGladiator Games: We're Back
Dimir MillDimir Mill Vintage2023 NA Vintage Champs
Mystic Forge ComboMystic Forge Combo LegacyMystic Forge ComboLegacy League 2023-12-02 (1)
Sultai MadnessSultai Madness GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 06 2024
Esper MillEsper Mill ModernMillModern League 2024-02-05
DecklistDecklist Free form1

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Mesmeric Orb card offers a unique form of card advantage to mill players by filling up the graveyard with potential resources. Unlike traditional draw mechanisms, it provides a repeatable process of potential card advantage through graveyard synergies, fueling strategies that rely on a well-stocked graveyard.

Resource Acceleration: This enchantment can act as a resource accelerator for decks that capitalize on having numerous cards in the graveyard. As players untap permanents, Mesmeric Orb fills the graveyard, which can accelerate strategies tied to delve, flashback, or threshold, turning what is commonly a liability into a powerful asset.

Instant Speed: While the Mesmeric Orb itself does not operate at instant speed, its trigger occurs at any untap step, offering a form of interaction on each player’s turn. This constant mill threat aligns well with instant-speed play, allowing you to further control the game’s pace without using mana during your own turn, keeping options open for reactive plays.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Mesmeric Orb requires each player to mill cards as it triggers, which can backfire if you’re forced to discard key elements of your own strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: Mesmeric Orb demands two generic mana, which, although flexible, can be a hurdle in early game turns where mana optimization is critical for setting up board presence.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a fixed cost of two mana to cast, this card might seem affordable, but the continuous effect has no additional cost, meaning it can’t be controlled once it’s in play. In longer games, this may result in milling yourself out if you can’t capitalize on the card’s milling strategy efficiently.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Mesmeric Orb is a flexible card that can be integrated into various deck strategies. Its ability to mill cards from a player’s library whenever a permanent becomes untapped allows it to serve both aggressive and control-based decks.

Combo Potential: This card shines in situations where it can be combined with effects that untap a large number of permanents, potentially milling opponents quickly. It can also be a key piece in self-mill strategies, enabling powerful graveyard synergies.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where graveyard strategies are prevalent, Mesmeric Orb can be a disruptive force. It’s capable of countering decks that rely heavily on specific cards, as it indiscriminately mills potential key pieces, thereby affecting the opponent’s game plan.


How to beat

Mesmeric Orb, a potent artifact in the realm of Magic the Gathering, can be a daunting card to face in a match with its ability to mill a player’s deck with each untap. If facing Mesmeric Orb on the battlefield, a savvy approach is imperative to overcome its relentless milling mechanism. Key tactics include enchantment and artifact removal cards, such as Naturalize or Disenchant, which allow a player to promptly dispatch the Orb from the field of play, halting its milling effect in its tracks. Moreover, running cards like Krosan Grip, which has split second, ensures the Mesmeric Orb is destroyed before your opponent can respond.

Beyond removal, one can also leverage graveyard strategies that benefit from a filled graveyard, turning Mesmeric Orb’s effect to your advantage. Cards like Elixir of Immortality can be an effective counter, shuffling your graveyard back into your library, thereby mitigating the incurred mill. Playing with an awareness of when to limit the number of untapped cards thus minimizing the mill, alongside an understanding of when to strategically remove Mesmeric Orb, forms a comprehensive strategy for conquering this formidable artifact during gameplay.


BurnMana Recommendations

The intricate mechanics of Mesmeric Orb present a unique opportunity for MTG players to alter the course of the game through strategic graveyard play. Considering both its strengths and potential drawbacks, this artifact demands a thoughtful approach to deck building and in-game tactics. Whether you’re looking to disrupt opponents or bolster your own graveyard-based strategies, understanding the full scope of Mesmeric Orb’s interactions is essential. Keen to delve deeper into the synergies that make this card a cornerstone in mill decks or to explore ways to safeguard your own strategy against it? Embark on a deep dive with us and discover how to integrate Mesmeric Orb into your arsenal and outmaneuver its challenges, solidifying your path to victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Mesmeric Orb MTG card by a specific set like Mirrodin and Salvat 2005, 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 Mesmeric Orb and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Mesmeric Orb Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2003-10-02 and 2022-11-18. Illustrated by David Martin.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12003-10-02MirrodinMRD 2042003NormalBlackDavid Martin
22005-08-22Salvat 2005PSAL H132003NormalWhiteDavid Martin
32020-08-07Double Masters2XM 2722015NormalBlackDavid Martin
42022-11-18The Brothers' War Retro ArtifactsBRR 941997NormalBlackDavid Martin
52022-11-18The Brothers' War Retro ArtifactsBRR 94z1997NormalBlackDavid Martin
62022-11-18The Brothers' War Retro ArtifactsBRR 311997NormalBlackDavid Martin

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Mesmeric Orb has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
GladiatorLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Mesmeric Orb card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2020-08-07 If permanents become untapped during the untap step, Mesmeric Orb's ability will trigger that many times. However, since no player gets priority during the untap step, those abilities wait to be put on the stack until the upkeep starts. At that time, any "beginning of upkeep" triggers will also trigger. Those abilities and Mesmeric Orb's triggers are put onto the stack at the same time.