V.A.T.S. MTG Card


V.A.T.S. enables advanced card selection and resource acceleration, creating pivotal gameplay moments. Demands careful hand management due to discard cost and may pose mana casting challenges. Effective strategies against V.A.T.S. include removal spells, counterspells, and maintaining board pressure.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeInstant
Abilities Split second

Text of card

Split second (As long as this spell is on the stack, players can't cast spells or activate abilities that aren't mana abilities.) Choose any number of target creatures with equal toughness. Destroy the chosen creatures.


Cards like V.A.T.S.

The strategic complexities of MTG are showcased with cards like V.A.T.S, a unique piece in a player’s arsenal mainly due to its innovative mechanics. This card can be likened to other strategic cards like Teferi’s Puzzle Box, which also reshuffles the player’s hand, although V.A.T.S. takes this concept further by providing additional control over the upcoming hand through its selection process.

When stacking up V.A.T.S against something like Brainstorm, one of the more classic manipulation spells, the difference lies in the ability to tailor the hand more efficiently near-term, but without the immediate draw. Additionally, Brainstorm is an instant, allowing for swift responses, whereas V.A.T.S. is typically configured for a more calculated, strategic setup. Lapse of Certainty is another card echoing V.A.T.S’s control ethos, offering players the chance to manipulate opponents’ spells, but it doesn’t offer the same level of hand modulation and foresight that V.A.T.S. introduces.

It becomes evident that while there are parallels to be drawn, V.A.T.S. positions itself uniquely among staple manipulation cards. Its carefully crafted mechanic adds a fresh dynamic to the strategic gameplay MTG is renowned for, giving players a new way to navigate the ever-changing battlefield.

Teferi's Puzzle Box - MTG Card versions
Brainstorm - MTG Card versions
Lapse of Certainty - MTG Card versions
Teferi's Puzzle Box - MTG Card versions
Brainstorm - MTG Card versions
Lapse of Certainty - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to V.A.T.S. by color, type and mana cost

Sewers of Estark - MTG Card versions
Feast or Famine - MTG Card versions
Slaughter - MTG Card versions
Nocturnal Raid - MTG Card versions
Psychotic Haze - MTG Card versions
Insidious Dreams - MTG Card versions
Hagra Mauling // Hagra Broodpit - MTG Card versions
Death Pulse - MTG Card versions
Burden of Greed - MTG Card versions
Shriveling Rot - MTG Card versions
Hideous Laughter - MTG Card versions
When Fluffy Bunnies Attack - MTG Card versions
Chill to the Bone - MTG Card versions
Ravenous Trap - MTG Card versions
Snuff Out - MTG Card versions
Tendrils of Corruption - MTG Card versions
Instill Infection - MTG Card versions
Launch Party - MTG Card versions
Grisly Spectacle - MTG Card versions
Fatal Fumes - MTG Card versions
Sewers of Estark - MTG Card versions
Feast or Famine - MTG Card versions
Slaughter - MTG Card versions
Nocturnal Raid - MTG Card versions
Psychotic Haze - MTG Card versions
Insidious Dreams - MTG Card versions
Hagra Mauling // Hagra Broodpit - MTG Card versions
Death Pulse - MTG Card versions
Burden of Greed - MTG Card versions
Shriveling Rot - MTG Card versions
Hideous Laughter - MTG Card versions
When Fluffy Bunnies Attack - MTG Card versions
Chill to the Bone - MTG Card versions
Ravenous Trap - MTG Card versions
Snuff Out - MTG Card versions
Tendrils of Corruption - MTG Card versions
Instill Infection - MTG Card versions
Launch Party - MTG Card versions
Grisly Spectacle - MTG Card versions
Fatal Fumes - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The V.A.T.S. card offers a strategic advantage by potentially sifting through the top cards of your library, ensuring that you have the right tools at your disposal for any situation.

Resource Acceleration: Players can generate additional resources through this card’s unique ability, which can pivot the balance of a match and allow for quicker deployment of high-cost cards.

Instant Speed: This card’s ability to act at instant speed affords players the power to react on-the-fly to an opponent’s moves, making it a flexible and potentially game-changing asset in any duel.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: With V.A.T.S. demanding a card from your hand to be discarded, this could hinder your play if your hand is already stretched thin. This kind of cost might force you to give up critical cards that might be more valuable later in the game.

Specific Mana Cost: Locked into a fixed combination of mana, V.A.T.S. could potentially be challenging to cast in multi-colored decks. Players might struggle to meet the color-specific mana requirement when they need to activate this card the most.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite its powerful effect, V.A.T.S. enters the battlefield with a high mana cost. This aspect could slow down your momentum, especially when competing cards may provide similar benefits at a lower cost and faster speed. Its place in your deck must be justified by other synergistic effects or strategies that capitalize on its unique capabilities.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: V.A.T.S. offers dynamic gameplay options, easily integrating into decks that thrive on manipulating the pace of the game or require flexible response mechanics.

Combo Potential: With its unique ability to interact with various game stages, V.A.T.S. can act as a key component in combos, amplifying strategies built around precision and calculated player actions.

Meta-Relevance: As the metagame evolves, adaptability is crucial. V.A.T.S. remains relevant by providing tailored solutions against a wide array of popular strategies, ensuring its place in competitive play.


How to beat

Overcoming the challenges that V.A.T.S presents in a game of Magic: The Gathering can be tricky but is indeed manageable with the right strategies. This card requires a deft understanding of timing and resource management due to its ability to manipulate combat outcomes. When you’re up against V.A.T.S, it’s paramount to have removal spells at the ready. Having instant-speed spells that can disrupt the opponent’s strategy is key.

Alternatively, countering V.A.T.S before it takes effect is another viable method. Counterspells can nip potential problems in the bud keeping your opponent’s board clear. Cards that offer hexproof to your creatures or spells that can give your creatures indestructible for a turn are also effective. These can prevent V.A.T.S from selecting its targets, thereby nullifying its combat phase advantage. Finally, efficient mana curve planning can outpace a V.A.T.S-dependent deck by consistently applying pressure and reducing the window of opportunity for your opponent to capitalize on V.A.T.S advantages.

Therefore, when constructing a deck to withstand the unique mechanics of V.A.T.S, consider incorporating a blend of instant-speed interactions, protective measures, and steadfast pacing to keep the upper hand throughout the match.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase V.A.T.S. MTG card by a specific set like Fallout and Fallout, 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 V.A.T.S. and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The V.A.T.S. Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2024-03-08 and 2024-03-08. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12024-03-08FalloutPIP 3332015NormalBlackRobin Olausson
22024-03-08FalloutPIP 5782015NormalBlackDiego Gisbert
32024-03-08FalloutPIP 502015NormalBlackDiego Gisbert
42024-03-08FalloutPIP 8612015NormalBlack