MTG Mana Rocks: Guide To Mana Rocks For Commander

February 16, 2023 · Your Playmat
magic the gathering mana rock deck

In Magic: The Gathering, mana is the lifeblood of any deck. Players cannot cast spells and summon creatures to the battlefield without it.

Land cards are the most common source of MTG mana rocks. But artifacts known as "mana rocks" can also provide extra mana to players. In the popular Commander format, mana rocks can play a crucial role. Players need it to ramp up their mana and cast powerful spells.

This article will explore the types of mana rocks available in Magic: The Gathering. And we'll offer tips for choosing the best mana rocks for your Commander deck. Whether you're a seasoned Commander player or just starting out, understanding the role of mana rocks in Magic can help you build a more effective and powerful deck.

Basics Of MTG Mana Rocks

In Magic: The Gathering, "mana rocks" are artifacts. They provide extra mana to a player's mana pool. You can use this extra mana to cast spells, activate abilities, and pay costs. It allows players to play more spells and take more actions in a turn than they would be able to otherwise.

MTG Mana Rocks Come In A Variet Of Forms

It can be low-costed common cards like Mind Stone. Or it can be powerful and expensive MTG options like Mana Crypt. Some mana rocks provide only colorless mana. And others provide colored mana that can be used to cast spells of specific colors. Besides their mana-generating abilities, many mana rocks have extra effects. It can be a card draw or the ability to sacrifice them for another effect.

There Are Many Reasons To Include Mana Rocks In A Deck

They can help fix a player's mana, allowing them to cast spells of different colors more easily. They can also help ramp up a player's mana production, allowing them to cast more spells per turn. Some decks rely heavily on expensive spells. And mana rocks can help them cast those spells earlier in the game. Also, mana rocks can be synergistic with other cards since they are artifacts. Those cards care about artifacts or artifacts in the graveyard.

Consider The Mana Curve And The Mana Base

MTG mana rocks can help smooth out the mana curve, allowing players to cast spells at all points in the game. They can also help make up for weaknesses in the mana base, such as a lack of certain colors of mana. But relying too heavily on mana rocks can be dangerous. They are vulnerable to removal spells like Vandalblast or Stony Silence. It's also vital to balance the cost of the mana rock with its utility. A low-costed mana rock like Sol Ring is often an auto-include in many decks. It's due to its low cost and high impact. At the same time, a high-costed rock like Gilded Lotus may not be as valuable for all decks.

Mana Rocks Are A Poweful Tool In Any MTG Player's Arsenal

They can help smooth out the mana curve, ramp up mana production, and provide extra utility. When building a deck, it's vital to consider the mana base and the mana curve. And balance the cost of the mana rock with its utility. With these considerations in mind, any player can use mana rocks to their advantage. And it can take their game to the next level.

Best Mana Rocks For Commander

Let's take a look at some of the best MTG cards of mana rocks for Commander. We'll discuss their strengths and weaknesses and why they are useful for the format.


1. Sol Ring

Sol Ring is arguably the most powerful mana rock in Commander. It costs only two colorless mana to play. And it provides two extra colorless mana, doubling the mana available on turn one. With a low cost and high payoff, Sol Ring is a staple in almost every Commander deck.

2. Arcane Signet

Arcane Signet is a newer mana rock that has quickly become a staple in Commander decks. It costs two mana to play and provides one mana of any color, making it incredibly versatile. Its ability to fix mana and provide an extra ramp makes it a strong choice for any multicolor deck.

3. Mana Crypt

Mana Crypt is a powerful but risky MTG mana rock. It costs zero mana to play. And it provides two colorless mana, making it incredibly efficient. But at the beginning of each turn, players must flip a coin. If it comes up heads, they take three damage. This can be a significant drawback, but the payoff may be worth the risk for decks that need to ramp quickly.

4. Mana Vault

Mana Vault is a classic mana rock that has been a staple in Commander decks for years. It costs one mana. And the card provides three colorless mana, making it incredibly efficient. But at the beginning of each turn, players must pay one mana or take one damage. This can be a significant drawback. But for decks that need to ramp quickly, Mana Vault is an excellent choice.

5. Chrome Mox

Chrome Mox is a unique mana rock that exiles a card from the player's hand to provide one mana of any color. This can be a significant drawback in decks requiring a full hand of cards. But it's potent in decks with low mana curves or specific cards that are important to play early.

6. Gilded Lotus

Gilded Lotus is a powerful mana rock that costs five mana to play and provides three mana of any color. It's more expensive than some of the other mana rocks on this list. But the ability to provide any color of mana can be incredibly powerful in multicolor decks.

7. Coalition Relic

Coalition Relic is a versatile MTG mana rock that costs three mana to play and provides one mana of any color. But it also has an ability that allows players to add a charge counter to it at the beginning of their turn. Once it has three charge counters, players can remove them. It's to add two mana of any combination of colors to their mana pool. This ability makes Coalition Relic incredibly versatile. It's because it can provide both ramp and fixing in multicolor decks.

8. Thran Dynamo

Thran Dynamo is a bit more expensive than some of the other mana rocks on this list, costing four mana to play. But it provides three colorless mana, making it incredibly efficient. Thran Dynamo is an excellent choice for decks that quickly need a lot of mana.

9. Grim Monolith

Grim Monolith is a powerful mana rock that costs two mana to play and provides three colorless mana. But, like Mana Vault, players must pay extra two mana or untap Grim Monolith at the beginning of each turn. This can be a significant drawback. But the high payoff of Grim Monolith makes it a strong choice for many Commander decks.

How To Build A Mana Base For Commander

Here are some tips on how to build a Commander stone base:

1. Start With A Solid Land Base

Lands are the foundation of any mana base, and Commander is no exception. A good rule of thumb is to start with at least 35 lands in your deck. Also, try to include a mix of basic and non-basic lands to ensure you have access to the colors of mana you need. Non-basic lands can provide extra utility or special effects. It can be filtering your mana or providing extra card draw. But be mindful of the downside to non-basic lands. They can be vulnerable to certain types of removal spells.

2. Use Ramp Spells

Besides lands, ramp spells are another important component of your mana rock base. These are spells that allow you to increase your mana development quickly. It's done by searching your library for extra lands or mana-producing artifacts. Examples of ramp spells include Cultivate, Kodama's Reach, and Skyshroud Claim. Including a mix of ramp spells in your deck is a good idea to ensure you can quickly ramp up your mana production.

3. Consider Mana Rocks

Commander stones are another type of ramp that can be useful in Commander. These are artifacts that produce mana when tapped. And you can use them to accelerate your mana development quickly. Examples of mana rocks include Sol Ring, Mana Vault, and Coalition Relic. But be mindful that mana rocks are vulnerable to artifact removal spells. So don't rely too heavily on them.

4. Balance Your Colors

Commander is a format where players can build decks using any color combination. So it's important to balance the colors of mana in your deck. Make sure you have access to the colors of mana you need to cast your spells. And consider using lands and mana rocks that produce many colors of mana. It can help ensure you have the right colors when needed. Also, be mindful of the color requirements of your spells and ensure that your mana base can support them.

5. Consider Your Commanders

Your commanders can also play a role in your mana base. Some commanders need specific types of mana or have color-intensive abilities. So be sure to include the right types of lands and mana rocks to support them. Also, some cards have specific synergies with certain types of lands or ramp spells. So be sure to consider these when building your mana base.

6. Be Mindful Of Your Budget

Building a solid mana base for Commander can be expensive. It's especially useful if you include a lot of non-basic lands or powerful ramp spells. Be mindful of your budget when building your mana base. And consider cheaper alternatives that can still provide the mana acceleration you need. Some many cheap lands and spells can be effective.

    How To Use Mana Rocks Efficiently

    mtg mana rock cards

    In this block, we'll provide some tips on how to use Commander stones efficiently and effectively:

    1. Know Your Deck

    The first step in using mana rocks efficiently is to understand your deck. Also, you should know the types of spells you want to cast. It helps you determine which mana rocks are best suited for your deck. Consider the color requirements of your spells. And choose mana rocks that can produce the colors you need.

    2. Consider The Format

    Different formats of Magic: The Gathering have different rules and restrictions. It's essential to consider the format you're playing in when choosing your mana Commander stones. Some formats allow for more powerful and expensive mana rocks. But others limit the power level of cards that you can play. Make sure you understand the rules and restrictions of your chosen format. It can help you choose the most efficient mana rocks.

    3. Balance Your Ramp

    Relying too heavily on mana can leave you vulnerable to artifact removal spells. Balancing your ramp by including a mix of lands and mana rocks in your deck is important. This will help you to ensure that you have a steady stream of mana throughout the game. At the same time, it also reduces your vulnerability to certain types of removal.

    4. Play To Your Strengths

    Some decks are better suited for mana rocks than others. If the deck is designed to win quickly, including fast and powerful mana rocks can help achieve goals. But slower mana may be better if your deck is more focused on controlling and winning in the end.

    5. Be Mindful Of The Drawback

    Mana rocks come with certain drawbacks. For example, some mana rocks can only produce colorless mana. It makes them less useful in decks that need specific colors. Also, mana rocks are vulnerable to artifact removal spells. It can leave you without the mana acceleration you need to win the game. Be mindful of these drawbacks. And choose your mana rocks carefully to ensure you're getting the most out of them.

      The Pros And Cons Of Mana Rocks

      In Magic: The Gathering, stones are artifacts that produce mana when tapped. Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to include mana rocks in your deck:

      Pros

      1. Faster mana development. Mana rocks can be used to speed up your mana development. It allows you to play more spells in a shorter time;
      2. Consistent mana. Mana rocks can provide consistent mana fixing and color availability;
      3. Synergy with other cards. Mana rocks can synergize with other cards that need specific types of mana. It can be those with color-intensive mana costs or that need large amounts of mana;
      4. Difficult to disrupt. The mana rocks are artifacts and less vulnerable to many types of removal spells.

      Cons

      1. Vulnerability to artifact removal. They are less vulnerable to removal spells that target lands. But mana rocks are often the target of artifact removal spells that can destroy them. It can cost you valuable mana acceleration;
      2. It takes up card slots. Including mana rocks in your deck means taking up valuable card slots that you can use for other spells;
      3. It can be expensive. Some of the most powerful mana rocks in Magic: The Gathering can be expensive. Especially in older formats where certain cards are no longer being printed;
      4. Non-synergy with certain cards. In some decks, mana rocks may not synergize with other cards. Those cards need lands to be played or where there are alternative ramp options that you can use instead.

      Bottom Line

      As a result, Magic: The Gathering stone is an indispensable card in building a Commander's deck. But to successfully use such cards, take into account many factors. It can be the combination of cards, their balance, and their budget. And with the help of our top tips, you can successfully build the strongest deck. This can bring you victories on the battlefield.

      FAQ

      How Many Mana Rocks Should I Include In My Commander Deck?

      It will depend on your strategy and requirements. But most decks will want to include at least a few mana rocks. It provides a consistent ramp and enables early-game plays. The best choice is 5 - 7 cards.

      Are There Any Special Consideration for Using Mana Rocks In Multicolor Commander Decks?

      Multicolor Commander decks will often need mana rocks. This provides flexible color options, such as Arcane Signet or Coalition Relic. Also, they may need to include more mana-fixing cards. It's to ensure that they can consistently cast spells of all colors.

      What Are Some Of The Most Popular Mana Rocks For Commander?

      Some of Commander's most popular mana rocks include:

      • Sol Ring;
      • Arcane Signet;
      • Mana Crypt;
      • Mana Vault;
      • Chrome Mox.