Relic of Sauron MTG Card


Enables card advantage and potential multiple draws, greatly expanding in-game options. May accelerate resources for quick deployment of threats and spells. Instant speed use maximizes Relic’s potential for strategic plays.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeArtifact

Text of card

: Add two mana in any combination of , , and/or . , : Draw two cards, then discard a card.

While the power of Sauron grew, light and living things forsook his borders.


Cards like Relic of Sauron

The Relic of Sauron enters a unique niche among artifacts in Magic: The Gathering. Its closest counterparts might be the likes of Umezawa’s Jitte and Shadowspear, each offering a different route to augmenting creature capabilities. However, Relic of Sauron offers a distinct advantage in terms of versatility. Whereas Umezawa’s Jitte accumulates charge counters to fuel a variety of effects, it relies on the creature dealing combat damage. Shadowspear provides a static bonus and the invaluable ability to strip indestructible from opponents’ permanents, but it lacks the adaptive nature of the Relic of Sauron.

Another artifact, the Sword of Fire and Ice, merits comparison. This equipment card grants both power/defense bonuses and the potential for card advantage and direct damage. But the Relic of Sauron shines with its lower cost and the ability to craft its advantages around the current state of play. It might not have the raw power output of these somewhat similar artifacts, but its bespoke nature allows for strategic flexibility that can be pivotal in many matchups.

Concluding, Relic of Sauron can be an intriguing choice for players who enjoy reactive gameplay and seek an artifact with the capability to adapt to various in-game scenarios, setting it apart within its category.

Umezawa's Jitte - MTG Card versions
Shadowspear - MTG Card versions
Sword of Fire and Ice - MTG Card versions
Umezawa's Jitte - MTG Card versions
Shadowspear - MTG Card versions
Sword of Fire and Ice - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Relic of Sauron by color, type and mana cost

Unscythe, Killer of Kings - MTG Card versions
Visage of Bolas - MTG Card versions
Davros, Dalek Creator - MTG Card versions
Cult of Skaro - MTG Card versions
Ashad, the Lone Cyberman - MTG Card versions
Unscythe, Killer of Kings - MTG Card versions
Visage of Bolas - MTG Card versions
Davros, Dalek Creator - MTG Card versions
Cult of Skaro - MTG Card versions
Ashad, the Lone Cyberman - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
BRBR LegacyLegacy Showcase Challenge 2024-03-17
UBRUBR LegacyLegacy League 2024-03-13
4c Tinker4c Tinker VintageBlue TinkerVintage Challenge 32 2024-04-20
UU LegacyLegacy Challenge 64 2024-03-10
Grixis TinkerGrixis Tinker VintageBlue TinkerVintage League 2024-04-08
Mono-Blue ArtifactsMono-Blue Artifacts LegacyBlue ArtifactsLegacy Challenge 64 2024-03-31
Mono-Blue ComboMono-Blue Combo LegacyCircuito Legacy Catarinense | Temporada 2024 | Etapa 3
WUBRWUBR LegacyLegacy Challenge 64 2024-03-24
Jewel ShopsJewel Shops VintageJewel ShopsVintage Last Chance 2024-03-20
Mystic Forge ComboMystic Forge Combo LegacyMystic Forge ComboLegacy Showcase Challenge 2024-03-17

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Relic of Sauron allows players to potentially draw multiple cards with the right setup, giving a consistent boost to your hand and increasing your options during play.

Resource Acceleration: If the Relic is synergized effectively with other cards that benefit from its type or abilities, it may lead to resource acceleration. This can enable a player to deploy larger threats or multiple spells in a shorter timeframe.

Instant Speed: The reactive nature of the Relic’s abilities can be maximized due to its instant speed, allowing strategic players to wait for the optimal moment during the match to fully exploit its potential.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The gameplay dynamics around Relic of Sauron force players to relinquish one of their held cards, a move which can backfire especially when working with a hand that’s already card-deficient. This conditional discard can create an unfavorable trade-off in critical turns.

Specific Mana Cost: Tailored to fit seamlessly into decks aligned with the card’s designated mana colors, Relic of Sauron may not harmonize with more diverse or color-agnostic strategies. This makes it a niche card, sometimes hard to justify in multicolored or colorless deck builds where mana flexibility is key.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Weighing the card’s abilities against its mana expense, it becomes evident that Relic of Sauron settles on the loftier end of the mana spectrum. Players might contemplate whether its in-game impact justifies its mana intensity, especially when considering alternative cards that may accomplish similar outcomes more efficiently.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: The Relic of Sauron card boasts a flexibility that makes it a match for a diverse array of decks. Its ability to manipulate both the graveyard and existent board states allows it to conform to multiple strategies.

Combo Potential: This card shines when it comes to setting up combos. It can act as a pivotal piece in powerful interactions, particularly in decks built around graveyard mechanics or those that aim to utilize relics and artifacts.

Meta-Relevance: Depending on the evolving meta, the inherent power of Relic of Sauron can emerge as a cornerstone in decks designed to counter prevalent archetypes, thus enabling players to stay one step ahead in competitive play.


How to Beat

The Relic of Sauron card adds a new layer of strategy to Magic: The Gathering, providing players with a unique challenge that can be as rewarding as it is complex. To come out ahead against this card, the key lies in understanding its mechanisms and crafting a plan that can navigate around its advantages. Often the best way to handle such game pieces is by deploying strategies that can disrupt or neutralize their abilities on the battlefield. Smart removal spells, artifact destruction, or using card abilities that specifically target nonland permanents, can effectively minimize the Relic of Sauron’s impact. Having the right mix of these responses in your deck can change the dynamic of the game, shifting the power back into your favor and paving the way for a hard-earned victory.

Taking a proactive stance by controlling the pace of the game is equally critical. Players should keep the pressure consistent, forcing opponents to make difficult decisions, thereby limiting the degree to which they can leverage the Relic of Sauron. A keen sense of timing and a well-assembled deck are your greatest assets when facing this formidable magic card. With these strategies, overcoming the Relic of Sauron is not just possible, but could be the turning point to clinching the win.


BurnMana Recommendations

The journey through the ever-expanding universe of MTG is filled with constant learning and adaptation. Mastering cards like Relic of Sauron is part of that journey. Analyzing its pros and cons helps in understanding its place within your strategy. In-depth knowledge about deck building and keen awareness of the shifting meta will elevate your game. We encourage you to further explore and understand these mechanisms to maximize your gameplay. If you find yourself intrigued by the tactical depth Relic of Sauron offers or if you’re aiming to outsmart the competition, delve deeper with us. Your path to becoming a more proficient MTG player starts here.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Relic of Sauron MTG card by a specific set like Tales of Middle-earth Commander and Tales of Middle-earth Commander, 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 Relic of Sauron and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Relic of Sauron Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-06-23 and 2023-06-23. Illustrated by Anton Solovianchyk.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-06-23Tales of Middle-earth CommanderLTC 1592015NormalBlackAnton Solovianchyk
22023-06-23Tales of Middle-earth CommanderLTC 792015NormalBlackAnton Solovianchyk
32023-06-23Tales of Middle-earth CommanderLTC 4892015NormalBlackAnton Solovianchyk

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Relic of Sauron has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal