Phyrexian Altar MTG Card


Altar facilitates card advantage via repeatable creature sacrifice and triggers powerful death-related abilities. Instant speed utilization of the Altar offers strategic flexibility and can adapt to a rapidly changing board. While powerful, the Altar’s need for creatures may limit its use in non-creature-focused decks.
Card setsReleased in 8 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeArtifact

Text of card

Sacrifice a creature: Add one mana of any color to your mana pool.

"Your life was meaningless, but your death will glorify Yawgmoth." —Tsabo Tavoc


Cards like Phyrexian Altar

Phyrexian Altar holds a unique position within the pantheon of sacrifice outlets in Magic the Gathering. It’s often compared to Ashnod’s Altar, which similarly provides mana via creature sacrifice. However, Phyrexian Altar offers a distinct edge with its ability to produce one mana of any color, offering unparalleled flexibility in multi-color decks. Conversely, Ashnod’s Altar generates colorless mana but offers twice the amount.

Another card often discussed alongside Phyrexian Altar is the Altar of Dementia, which enables a sacrifice strategy but operates on a different axis by milling opponents’ libraries instead of generating mana. While Phyrexian Altar facilitates mana ramp and color fixing, Altar of Dementia works to potentially end games by depleting libraries. It showcases how sacrifice mechanics can lead to diverse strategies in gameplay.

In essence, while there are numerous sacrifice outlets available to MTG deck builders, Phyrexian Altar’s versatile mana production allows it to shine in a variety of decks, from combo platforms to commander engines. It demonstrates a solid standing among such cards by allowing for immediate color-intensive plays post-sacrifice, a capability quite rare in this space.

Ashnod's Altar - MTG Card versions
Altar of Dementia - MTG Card versions
Ashnod's Altar - MTG Card versions
Altar of Dementia - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Phyrexian Altar by color, type and mana cost

Celestial Prism - MTG Card versions
Sunglasses of Urza - MTG Card versions
Ebony Horse - MTG Card versions
Runed Arch - MTG Card versions
Arena of the Ancients - MTG Card versions
Bösium Strip - MTG Card versions
Clay Pigeon - MTG Card versions
Ashnod's Altar - MTG Card versions
Jalum Tome - MTG Card versions
Static Orb - MTG Card versions
Patchwork Gnomes - MTG Card versions
The Stasis Coffin - MTG Card versions
Captain's Hook - MTG Card versions
Wall of Spears - MTG Card versions
Spellweaver Helix - MTG Card versions
Scale of Chiss-Goria - MTG Card versions
Lightning Coils - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Shackles - MTG Card versions
Oblivion Stone - MTG Card versions
Gem of Becoming - MTG Card versions
Celestial Prism - MTG Card versions
Sunglasses of Urza - MTG Card versions
Ebony Horse - MTG Card versions
Runed Arch - MTG Card versions
Arena of the Ancients - MTG Card versions
Bösium Strip - MTG Card versions
Clay Pigeon - MTG Card versions
Ashnod's Altar - MTG Card versions
Jalum Tome - MTG Card versions
Static Orb - MTG Card versions
Patchwork Gnomes - MTG Card versions
The Stasis Coffin - MTG Card versions
Captain's Hook - MTG Card versions
Wall of Spears - MTG Card versions
Spellweaver Helix - MTG Card versions
Scale of Chiss-Goria - MTG Card versions
Lightning Coils - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Shackles - MTG Card versions
Oblivion Stone - MTG Card versions
Gem of Becoming - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Phyrexian Altar offers unique and repeatable opportunities to sacrifice creatures, which can lead to advantageous interactions with other cards that benefit from this action. This can trigger abilities that activate upon creatures dying and offer an uninterrupted stream of value as you convert creatures into needed resources.

Resource Acceleration: This altar is a powerful engine for mana generation. By allowing you to sacrifice a creature to add one mana of any color to your mana pool, it opens the door for faster gameplay, enabling you to play high-cost cards earlier in the game or activate abilities that may be mana-intensive.

Instant Speed: The beauty of the Phyrexian Altar lies in its ability to be utilized at instant speed, giving you the flexibility to respond to your opponent’s moves during their turn. This reactive capability can provide a significant tactical advantage, as you can decide the best moment to sacrifice a creature and which color of mana you require, tailoring your response to the changing dynamics of the game.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Sacrificing a creature is mandatory to utilize Phyrexian Altar’s ability. In tight games, losing a vital creature can severely backfire or slow down your momentum, especially if your hand is creature-scarce.

Specific Mana Cost: The Altar generates one mana of any color, but the necessity to have a creature on the board to sacrifice can restrict your capacity to capitalize on this. Decks not centered around creatures or token generation may find this mana-producing method inconsistent.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Three mana to cast might not seem exorbitant, but in fast-paced games, this cost can hinder the development of your board state. Additionally, cards that offer quicker or more direct mana acceleration are available, potentially relegating Phyrexian Altar to a lesser choice for some strategies.


Reasons to Include Phyrexian Altar in Your Collection

Versatility: Phyrexian Altar is an artifact that complements a wide variety of decks, from commander to combo-centric builds. Its ability to sacrifice a creature for mana of any color fits seamlessly into strategies centered around creature recursion or tokens.

Combo Potential: This card is a linchpin in multiple combos due to its ability to generate mana without tapping. It pairs excellently with creatures that return to play or those that generate value when sacrificed, creating opportunities for infinite loops and game-winning plays.

Meta-Relevance: As the playing environment fluctuates, Phyrexian Altar remains a persistent force. Its utility is undeniable in a meta where efficient mana conversion can be the difference between victory and defeat, adapting to an array of strategic shifts.


How to beat

Phyrexian Altar is a potent artifact that allows players to convert creatures into mana, serving as a cornerstone for many combo and sacrifice-oriented decks in Magic: The Gathering. To dismantle strategies revolving around this altar, it is essential to disrupt the synergy before it fully materializes. Artifact removal spells like Nature’s Claim or Abrade offer immediate solutions by directly targeting and eliminating the altar from play. Implementing graveyard hate cards such as Relic of Progenitus can also prevent recurring creature loops that fuel the altar’s engine.

Counterspells serve as another layer of defense, ensuring that the altar never touches the battlefield. For those decks that aren’t equipped with traditional removal, leveraging universal answers such as Karn Liberated or Ugin, the Spirit Dragon provides a broader solution, capable of addressing the altar and other troublesome noncreature permanents. It’s critical to stay vigilant and strike at the opportune moment to halt the Phyrexian Altar’s impact.

Understanding the mechanics behind the Phyrexian Altar’s strength and preparing your deck with adequate countermeasures will keep you one step ahead. This awareness paired with tactical removal resources transforms the daunting task of overcoming Phyrexian Altar into an achievable victory.


BurnMana Recommendations

Phyrexian Altar is more than just another artifact in MTG – it’s a dynamic powerhouse capable of catapulting your gameplay to new heights. With its ability to instantly convert creatures to mana of any color, it can be the linchpin in creating game-winning combos or simply keeping you a step ahead of the competition. We realize the importance of not only having strong cards but also understanding the strategies that make them shine. Whether you’re refining your deck or building a new strategy around the Phyrexian Altar, there’s a wealth of potential waiting to be unlocked. So, if you’re eager to expand your MTG prowess and discover the synergies that make a card like Phyrexian Altar a staple in successful decks, visit us to explore deeper insights and advanced tactics tailored to elevate your play.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Phyrexian Altar MTG card by a specific set like Invasion and Magic Online Promos, 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 Phyrexian Altar and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Phyrexian Altar Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 2000-10-02 and 2022-07-08. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12000-10-02InvasionINV 3061997NormalBlackRon Spears
22002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 1023372015NormalBlackPete Venters
32011-05-14Duel Decks: Mirrodin Pure vs. New PhyrexiaTD2 712003NormalBlackRon Spears
42018-12-07Ultimate MastersUMA 2322015NormalBlackYigit Koroglu
52020-09-26The ListPLST UMA-2322015NormalBlackYigit Koroglu
62022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 3112015NormalBlackYigit Koroglu
72022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 3962015NormalBorderlessPete Venters
82022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 5632015NormalBlackYigit Koroglu

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Phyrexian Altar has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal