Phyrexian Scriptures MTG Card


Grants card advantage by wiping out non-artifact creatures over time. Transforms creatures into artifacts, aiding in resource acceleration. Requires strategic timing for maximum game impact and benefits.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityMythic
TypeEnchantment — Saga

Text of card

(As this Saga enters and after your draw step, add a lore counter. Sacrifice after III.) I — Put a +1/+1 counter on up to one target creature. That creature becomes an artifact in addition to its other types. II — Destroy all nonartifact creatures. III — Exile all cards from all opponents' graveyards.


Cards like Phyrexian Scriptures

Phyrexian Scriptures is an exceptional saga enchantment in Magic: The Gathering. It can be directly contrasted with popular saga enchantments like History of Benalia, which, like Phyrexian Scriptures, impacts the battlefield over consecutive turns. Yet, Phyrexian Scriptures stands out with its exciting ability to morph your creatures into terrifying artifact creatures before decimating non-artifact creatures on the battlefield in the ensuing turn.

In the same category, Eldest Reborn also deserves mention. Equally impactful as a saga enchantment, it forces each opponent to sacrifice a creature or planeswalker and discards a card. However, it lacks the extra line of text, granting valuable artifact status to your creatures, something Phyrexian Scriptures excels at.

Then we consider the Mirari Conjecture, a Blue magic counterpart to Phyrexian Scriptures. It also enhances the number of spells in hand but doesn’t directly affect the battlefield like Phyrexian Scriptures.

Upon evaluating different characteristics and values, Phyrexian Scriptures uniquely positions itself amongst Saga enchantments in Magic: The Gathering, thanks to its ability to transform and control the dynamics of the battlefield.

History of Benalia - MTG Card versions
History of Benalia - MTG Card versions

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

Pestilence - MTG Card versions
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Nefarious Lich - MTG Card versions
Last Laugh - MTG Card versions
Court of Ambition - MTG Card versions
Nightmare Shepherd - MTG Card versions
Pestilence - MTG Card versions
Lich - MTG Card versions
Cursed Land - MTG Card versions
Nether Void - MTG Card versions
Breeding Pit - MTG Card versions
Greed - MTG Card versions
Feast of the Unicorn - MTG Card versions
Koskun Falls - MTG Card versions
Diabolic Servitude - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Embrace - MTG Card versions
Vile Requiem - MTG Card versions
Brink of Madness - MTG Card versions
Death Pit Offering - MTG Card versions
Tainted Aether - MTG Card versions
Strands of Night - MTG Card versions
Patriarch's Desire - MTG Card versions
Nefarious Lich - MTG Card versions
Last Laugh - MTG Card versions
Court of Ambition - MTG Card versions
Nightmare Shepherd - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
The RockmanThe Rockman Free formSet Roulette Feburary 2024

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Phyrexian Scriptures card catapults your game by ensuring card advantage. The second lore counter placed in the next turn wipes out the non-artifact creatures, leaving you with an advantageous position over your opponents.

Resource Acceleration: With its capacity to transform your chosen creature into an artifact, Phyrexian Scriptures provides resource acceleration that keeps you ahead in the game by protecting your creature from being destroyed in the next step.

Instant Speed: While Phyrexian Scriptures isn’t an instant card, its effects, if properly timed, can turn the tables on your opponent. The execution isn’t at instant speed but well-calculated maneuvering can emulate similar results. Plan your strategy around your opponent’s deck for maximum impact.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Phyrexian Scriptures comes with a self-destruct mechanism that might not always be beneficial. After the third lore counter is placed, you’re forced to sacrifice it, meaning you discard any advantages that might have been gained gradually over three turns.

Specific Mana Cost: Phyrexian Scriptures demand two specific mana types – one colorless and one black. This may restrict its deployment only to certain decks, thus limiting your strategic options within the game.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Phyrexian Scriptures cost four mana in total. Its delayed gratification and consequential discard could be considered expensive in comparison to other cards that deliver immediate value or longer-lasting benefits at a similar, or even lesser, mana cost.


Reasons to Include Phyrexian Scriptures in Your Collection

Versatility: Phyrexian Scriptures possesses a minor degree of flexibility and could be included in decks that value board control and long-term grinding strategies. As a Saga, it offers multiple effects over the course of a few turns, providing utility in diverse situations.

Combo Potential: Phyrexian Scriptures works as a part of strategies that use -1/-1 counters or effects that benefit from creatures dying. In a deck built around these strategy, it could play a significant role not just as a board clear tool, but as a combo piece.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta-game where creature-heavy decks are prevalent, Phyrexian Scriptures provides a mass removal effect that also shields your creatures from subsequent removal spells. Consequently, it is of considerable value in such a meta. Its ability to restrict graveyard strategies is an additional bonus.


How to Beat

A card that has held great prominence in Magic: The Gathering is Phyrexian Scriptures. With its saga mechanic, it offers a suite of powerful effects, making it a difficult card to counter. However, its advantages come with an in-built timing restriction that savvy players can exploit.

Opponents often worry about the second chapter of Phyrexian Scriptures, which turns all non-artifact creatures into destroyables. One clever strategy to counter this move is to maintain decks with artifact creatures since they are immune to the destructive force of this MTG card.

Another option is employing instant-speed removal effects. You can use these cards to eliminate the artifact creature which Phyrexian Scriptures has given +1/+1 counters, neutralising the benefits of the first chapter and taking the momentum out of the game for your opponent.

In summary, while Phyrexian Scriptures holds a commanding position in the Magic: The Gathering playing realm due to its unique abilities, strategic deck building and timely use of removal cards can certainly provide a significant advantage against this mighty saga card.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG is a balance of strategy, deck composition, and a deep understanding of each card’s potential. Phyrexian Scriptures stands as a complex yet potent saga for those looking to harness control and turn the tide in creature-heavy matches. While its nuanced playstyle presents a slight learning curve, its rewards can tilt entire games in your favor. As we’ve dissected the pros, cons, and tactical subtleties, consider how this card aligns with your strategies and deck themes. Ready to deepen your knowledge and tactics? Dive into our comprehensive guides and discussions, and let’s optimize your deck to its fullest potential.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Phyrexian Scriptures MTG card by a specific set like Dominaria and Dominaria 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 Scriptures and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Phyrexian Scriptures Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2018-04-27 and 2023-04-21. Illustrated by Joseph Meehan.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12018-04-27DominariaDOM 1002015SagaBlackJoseph Meehan
22018-04-27Dominaria PromosPDOM 100s2015SagaBlackJoseph Meehan
32020-09-26The ListPLST DOM-1002015SagaBlackJoseph Meehan
42023-04-21March of the Machine CommanderMOC 2662015SagaBlackJoseph Meehan

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Phyrexian Scriptures has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2018-04-27 A chapter ability doesn't trigger if a lore counter is put on a Saga that already had a number of lore counters greater than or equal to that chapter's number. For example, the third lore counter put on a Saga causes the III chapter ability to trigger, but I and II won't trigger again.
2018-04-27 As a Saga enters the battlefield, its controller puts a lore counter on it. As your precombat main phase begins (immediately after your draw step), you put another lore counter on each Saga you control. Putting a lore counter on a Saga in either of these ways doesn't use the stack.
2018-04-27 Each symbol on the left of a Saga's text box represents a chapter ability. A chapter ability is a triggered ability that triggers when a lore counter that is put on the Saga causes the number of lore counters on the Saga to become equal to or greater than the ability's chapter number. Chapter abilities are put onto the stack and may be responded to.
2018-04-27 If counters are removed from a Saga, the appropriate chapter abilities will trigger again when the Saga receives lore counters. Removing lore counters won't cause a previous chapter ability to trigger.
2018-04-27 If multiple chapter abilities trigger at the same time, their controller puts them on the stack in any order. If any of them require targets, those targets are chosen as you put the abilities on the stack, before any of those abilities resolve.
2018-04-27 Once a chapter ability has triggered, the ability on the stack won't be affected if the Saga gains or loses counters, or if it leaves the battlefield.
2018-04-27 Once the number of lore counters on a Saga is greater than or equal to the greatest number among its chapter abilities—in the Dominaria set, this is always three—the Saga's controller sacrifices it as soon as its chapter ability has left the stack, most likely by resolving or being countered. This state-based action doesn't use the stack.
2018-04-27 The effect of Phyrexian Scriptures's first chapter ability lasts indefinitely. It doesn't expire when Phyrexian Scriptures leaves the battlefield.