The Temporal Anchor MTG Card


Provides card draw, sculpting hands for tactical flexibility and response to game changes. Offers resource acceleration and instant speed, outpacing opponents through advanced plays. Carries risks like discard requirements and high mana costs, challenging its in-game utility.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Artifact
Abilities Scry

Text of card

At the beginning of your upkeep, scry 2. Whenever you choose to put one or more cards on the bottom of your library while scrying, exile that many cards from the bottom of your library. During your turn, you may play cards exiled with The Temporal Anchor.


Cards like The Temporal Anchor

The Temporal Anchor offers unique gameplay mechanics that have a close resemblance to other cards in terms of temporal manipulation in Magic: The Gathering. While there are several cards designed to meddle with turns, such as Time Warp, The Temporal Anchor provides a different angle on this theme. Time Warp allows players to take an extra turn, but without any additional conditions attached.

Another card, Temporal Manipulation, is also similar as it essentially grants the same benefit as Time Warp but at the same CMC (Converted Mana Cost). The Temporal Anchor card, however, adds a layer of flexibility and decision-making by offering the chance to not only take an extra turn but also to navigate adverse situations by resetting the game state. The trade-off is the higher mana cost and specific deck strategies required to maximize its potential.

When we evaluate the strategic implications and the overall effect on the tempo of the game, The Temporal Anchor stands out with its potential for powerful and game-swinging turns that can be tailored to various situations, making it a formidable option for players who enjoy fine-tuning their strategies in MTG.

Time Warp - MTG Card versions
Temporal Manipulation - MTG Card versions
Time Warp - MTG Card versions
Temporal Manipulation - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to The Temporal Anchor by color, type and mana cost

Cyberdrive Awakener - MTG Card versions
Kappa Cannoneer - MTG Card versions
Sharding Sphinx - MTG Card versions
Steelclad Serpent - MTG Card versions
Torrential Gearhulk - MTG Card versions
Warzone Duplicator - MTG Card versions
Auton Soldier - MTG Card versions
Cyberdrive Awakener - MTG Card versions
Kappa Cannoneer - MTG Card versions
Sharding Sphinx - MTG Card versions
Steelclad Serpent - MTG Card versions
Torrential Gearhulk - MTG Card versions
Warzone Duplicator - MTG Card versions
Auton Soldier - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Azorius PlaneswalkersAzorius Planeswalkers StandardAzorius ArtifactsMTGA

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Temporal Anchor offers a unique twist on card draw mechanics, allowing the user to potentially look at several cards deep into their library. This ensures a player can sculpt their hand more effectively to respond to evolving board states.

Resource Acceleration: The power of The Temporal Anchor lies not only in its ability to manipulate upcoming draws but also in its capacity to untap a significant amount of lands. This translates into resource acceleration, enabling players to cast spells ahead of the curve or activate costly abilities sooner than anticipated.

Instant Speed: This attribute is what sets The Temporal Anchor apart. Because it can be cast at instant speed, it allows players to react swiftly to their opponent’s actions. Whether it’s adjusting strategies at a critical junction or simply optimizing the use of mana, instant speed ensures that The Temporal Anchor is a versatile tool in any strategist’s arsenal.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Temporal Anchor necessitates discarding a card upon casting, which can be a steep price to pay when hand size is critical to your strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: It demands a rigorous mana combination that may not seamlessly integrate into decks without a solid mana base, potentially causing delays or inconsistencies in play.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With the mana cost required to play The Temporal Anchor, players might find it cumbersome compared to other cards that achieve similar effects for less, thereby impacting the fluidity of your game plan.


Reasons to Include The Temporal Anchor in Your Collection

Versatility: The Temporal Anchor card offers a range of applications across various deck strategies. Its ability to manipulate turns appeals to players seeking an edge in both casual and competitive play settings.

Combo Potential: With the right setup, The Temporal Anchor can become a linchpin in combo decks. It can work in tandem with cards that benefit from extra turns or those that have untap abilities, maximizing the impact of your plays.

Meta-Relevance: Given its powerful effect on the game’s tempo, The Temporal Anchor could dominate in environments where controlling the pace is crucial. It’s a strategic asset in matches where extending or manipulating turns dictates the winner.


How to beat The Temporal Anchor

Dealing with The Temporal Anchor in Magic: The Gathering can be a tricky endeavor, as this card has the potential to significantly disrupt your game plan with its time-bending effects. To counter this powerful artifact, players should prioritize efficient removal spells that can target noncreature permanents. Naturalize and Disenchant are excellent examples of such spells, offering a low-cost solution to The Temporal Anchor’s threat. Furthermore, using counter spells like Negate can ensure The Temporal Anchor never hits the battlefield in the first place, negating its effects before they can become a problem.

Another effective strategy is to apply pressure with aggressive plays early in the game. By lowering your opponent’s life total swiftly, you can force them to use The Temporal Anchor prematurely or divert resources to defend, rather than utilizing its temporal capabilities. Lastly, remember to keep an eye on your own hand and board state; try to position yourself in a way that minimizes the impact of a potential time shift so that you can swiftly rebound even if The Temporal Anchor manages to alter the flow of turns.


BurnMana Recommendations

The Temporal Anchor is a card that encapsulates the spirit of tactical foresight in MTG. Its ability to sculpt the future draws, accelerate resources at instant speed, and create new strategic opportunities makes it a potent addition to any deck. If you’re crafting a strategy that thrives on manipulating turns or seeking cards with flexible responses to board states, The Temporal Anchor should be on your radar. With its combo potential and relevance in various metas, learning to wield this card could be a game-changer. Dive deeper into its mechanics and discover how The Temporal Anchor can revolutionize your gameplay. Stay ahead of the curve and master the art of timing with us.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase The Temporal Anchor MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and The Brothers' War, 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 The Temporal Anchor and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The The Temporal Anchor Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2022-11-18 and 2022-11-18. Illustrated by Kekai Kotaki.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 1056662015NormalBlackKekai Kotaki
22022-11-18The Brothers' WarBRO 822015NormalBlackKekai Kotaki
32022-11-18The Brothers' WarBRO 3212015NormalBlackKekai Kotaki

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where The Temporal Anchor has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2022-10-14 You must follow all normal timing rules for a card you play using The Temporal Anchor's last ability and, if it's a spell, you must pay its costs to cast it.