Time Vault MTG Card


Time Vault is a powerful vintage card, enabling players to take extra turns by forgoing their current turn. Due to its potency in combo decks, Time Vault is on the restricted list, limiting its play to one per deck. Considered a key piece in many vintage strategies, Time Vault remains a sought-after collectible in the MTG community.
Card setsReleased in 9 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeArtifact

Text of card

Tap to gain an additional turn after the current one. Time Vault doesn't untap normally during untap phase; to untap it, you must skip a turn. Time Vault begins tapped.


Cards like Time Vault

Time Vault, in Magic: The Gathering wizardry is an artifact that comes with a twist. A close match can be the Voltaic Key which too serves as a powerful weapon by letting a player untap a targeted artifact with just one mana. However, Time Vault goes one step beyond as it gives an extra turn instead of just an untap.

Another related card is Teferi, Time Raveler. Its ability to phase out opponents’ cards and manipulate turns makes it an influential piece on the mesa. However, it doesn’t provide the direct turn advantage like Time Vault. Mana Crypt is another artifact creating a buzz due to its free mana providing ability. Yet, it lacks the phenomenal advantage of an additional turn that Time Vault offers.

Thus, when matching capabilities and in-game dominance, Time Vault stays on top amongst MTG artifacts, owing to its unique leverage of granting bonus turns, a rare and potent strength in Magic: The Gathering gameplay.

Voltaic Key - MTG Card versions
Teferi, Time Raveler - MTG Card versions
Mana Crypt - MTG Card versions
Voltaic Key - MTG Card versions
Teferi, Time Raveler - MTG Card versions
Mana Crypt - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Time Vault by color, type and mana cost

Chaos Orb - MTG Card versions
Winter Orb - MTG Card versions
Ankh of Mishra - MTG Card versions
Jandor's Saddlebags - 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
Mask of Intolerance - MTG Card versions
Tsabo's Web - MTG Card versions
Millikin - MTG Card versions
Swiftfoot Boots - MTG Card versions
Ark of Blight - MTG Card versions
Surestrike Trident - MTG Card versions
Demon's Horn - MTG Card versions
Energy Chamber - MTG Card versions
Water Gun Balloon Game - MTG Card versions
Chaos Orb - MTG Card versions
Winter Orb - MTG Card versions
Ankh of Mishra - MTG Card versions
Jandor's Saddlebags - 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
Mask of Intolerance - MTG Card versions
Tsabo's Web - MTG Card versions
Millikin - MTG Card versions
Swiftfoot Boots - MTG Card versions
Ark of Blight - MTG Card versions
Surestrike Trident - MTG Card versions
Demon's Horn - MTG Card versions
Energy Chamber - MTG Card versions
Water Gun Balloon Game - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Jewel ShopsJewel Shops VintageJewel ShopsVintage League 2024-04-21
Lurrus SagaLurrus Saga VintageLurrus SagaVintage Challenge 32 2024-04-21
Esper TinkerEsper Tinker VintageBlue TinkerVintage League 2024-04-21
Paradoxical OutcomeParadoxical Outcome VintageParadoxical OutcomeVintage League 2024-04-24
Grixis Underworld BreachGrixis Underworld Breach VintageUnderworld BreachVintage League 2024-04-22
4c Underworld Breach4c Underworld Breach VintageUnderworld BreachVintage Challenge 32 2024-04-21
Turbo VaultTurbo Vault VintageTurbo VaultVintage Challenge 32 2024-04-21
WUWU VintageVintage Challenge 32 2024-04-21

Pros of Time Vault

Card Advantage: Time Vault’s effect of additional turns serves as a massive card advantage. It gives you the ability to draw an extra card, play an extra land, and generate additional attacking phases, all while your opponent is just observing, unable to react.

Resource Acceleration: Possessing the Time Vault enhances your resource acceleration, as it clashes with the conventional turn structure. Its potential of generating extra turns, effectively doubles your mana progression while leaving your adversaries stuck in time.

Instant Speed: While Time Vault’s activation isn’t instant speed, it synergizes seamlessly with cards that untap it at instant speed. It’s possible to activate these during your opponent’s end step, and voila, you’re rewarded with an unanticipated bonus turn.


Cons of Time Vault

Discard Requirement: One of the hurdles players often face while using Time Vault is that this card doesn’t come with a discard requirement. This can pose a challenge if your strategy leans heavily on causing your opponent to discard cards. Time Vault’s operation principle uniquely focuses on tapping and untapping, adding to the complexity of using this card effectively.

Specific Mana Cost: Time Vault requires two generic mana to cast. While this doesn’t limit its implementation, adjusting your mana resources to include it in your deck and draw it at the appropriate time can be a complicated process. It necessitates a level of thoughtful deck construction to strike the right balance.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Another setback is that for a two-cost artifact, one might expect something more immediately impactful. For the price of two mana, you’re taking a gamble on a future investment. While it can ultimately lead to a significant advantage, this may not align with every MTG player’s strategy. There may be other cards with lower mana that provide instant benefits, creating a tough competition for this card’s place in your deck.


Reasons to Include Time Vault in Your Collection

Versatility: Time Vault offers a profound flexibility in game dynamics. With its distinct ability to grant an extra turn, it complements many deck strategies, particularly those aimed at gaining incremental edge over time.

Combo Potential: The true strength of Time Vault lies in its immense combo potential. Paired with cards like Voltaic Key or Tezzeret the Seeker, it can unlock a plethora of powerful and game-changing combinations that can swiftly sway the tide in your favor.

Meta-Relevance: In the current meta where tempo plays a pivotal role, the extra turn offered by Time Vault can be game winning. This unique trait makes it a valuable inclusion in the face of diverse meta-game scenarios – from rapid aggro strategies to encompassing control tactics.


Similar Cards

Time Vault, in Magic: The Gathering wizardry is an artifact that comes with a twist. A close match can be the Voltaic Key which too serves as a powerful weapon by letting a player untap a targeted artifact with just one mana. However, Time Vault goes one step beyond as it gives an extra turn instead of just an untap.

Another related card is Teferi, Time Raveler. Its ability to phase out opponents’ cards and manipulate turns makes it an influential piece on the mesa. However, it doesn’t provide the direct turn advantage like Time Vault. Mana Crypt is another artifact creating a buzz due to its free mana providing ability. Yet, it lacks the phenomenal advantage of an additional turn that Time Vault offers.

Thus, when matching capabilities and in-game dominance, Time Vault stays on top amongst MTG artifacts, owing to its unique leverage of granting bonus turns, a rare and potent strength in Magic: The Gathering gameplay.


How to Beat Time Vault

Time Vault, a vintage artifact card in Magic: The Gathering, is a title known for its unique ability to grant an additional turn, if tapped correctly. However, even intimidating cards like Time Vault can be thwarted by strategic decks and thoughtful gameplay.

A card like Phyrexian Revoker proves to be an effective counter. Named as it enters, it prevents that chosen card from activating its abilities. Select Time Vault, and your opponent may lose their extra turns. Similarly, Stony Silence is another card that forbids artifact abilities, serving as a general blockade to any MTG player reliant on intricate artifact mechanics.

Another route lies within mana denial strategies. Armageddon ruins land resources, impairing your opponent’s ability to use any spells that untap Time Vault, while cards like Damping Sphere increase the cost of spells cast after the first one, hindering consecutive plays.

Can’t stop or don’t have the mentioned cards in your deck? Try direct removal spells. Beast Within or Chaos Warp can dispose of the Time Vault swiftly.

Thus, outplaying Time Vault requires shrewd strategy and deck construction. The right counterplay can turn this powerful card’s tables in your favor. After all, that’s the beauty of Magic: The Gathering – the never-ending interwoven strategies and counters.


Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating the rich landscapes of Magic the Gathering requires strategy, insight, and a bit of adventure. Whether you’re planning your next big win or fine-tuning your deck for maximum impact, there’s always room to elevate your game. As you continue to delve into the MTG universe, remember that it’s not just about the single triumphs but the continuous journey towards mastery. We invite you to keep exploring this fascinating world, discovering new techniques, and unearthing valuable cards to ensure your next match is more than just a game, but a Big Score. Ready to level up your play? Join us to learn more and become the ultimate MTG champion.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Time Vault MTG card by a specific set like Limited Edition Alpha and Limited Edition Beta, 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 Time Vault and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Time Vault Magic the Gathering card was released in 8 different sets between 1993-08-05 and 2022-11-28. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11993-08-05Limited Edition AlphaLEA 2741993NormalBlackMark Tedin
21993-10-04Limited Edition BetaLEB 2751993NormalBlackMark Tedin
31993-12-01Unlimited Edition2ED 2751993NormalWhiteMark Tedin
41993-12-10Intl. Collectors' EditionCEI 2751993NormalBlackMark Tedin
51993-12-10Collectors' EditionCED 2751993NormalBlackMark Tedin
62011-01-10Masters Edition IVME4 2341997NormalBlackMark Tedin
72014-06-16Vintage MastersVMA 2872015NormalBlackYeong-Hao Han
82022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 5671997NormalBlackMark Tedin
92022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 2702015NormalBlackMark Tedin

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Time Vault has restrictions

FormatLegality
OldschoolRestricted
CommanderBanned
LegacyBanned
OathbreakerBanned
VintageRestricted
DuelBanned
PredhBanned

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2004-10-04 If multiple “extra turn” effects resolve in the same turn, take them in the reverse of the order that the effects resolved.
2008-10-01 The choice of whether or not to skip a turn is made as that turn would begin, and only if Time Vault is tapped at that time. If you choose to skip your turn, Time Vault untaps before anything else happens in the next turn.
2008-10-01 This wording means that you no longer end up skipping multiple turns if you find a way to activate the ability multiple times.