Urza's Saga: A Powerful Enchantment-Land

Urza's Saga is a rare, colorless enchantment-land that shines in artifact-heavy decks. Its power level is high due to its ability to ramp and create tokens, making it an attractive addition to Commander decks.

Key Abilities:

• At the start of your upkeep, add a lore counter.
• After three lore counters, sacrifice Urza's Saga.
• I - Gain +1 mana for each colorless artifact in play.
• II - Create a 0/0 Construct token that grows with the number of artifacts you control.
• III - Search your library for an artifact and put it into play.

Main Use Cases:

• Artifact-heavy Commander decks benefit from Urza's Saga's ramp and token generation capabilities.
• It pairs well with cards like Mox Opal and Urza's Tower, amplifying their effects.

Format Popularity: Urza's Saga sees moderate to high play in Commander, particularly in artifact-focused archetypes.

Urza's Saga is a rare enchantment land card from the Mercadian Masques set. It has no mana cost, but its ability to generate additional mana and create artifacts makes it highly valuable in certain deck archetypes.

Entering the Battlefield

When Urza's Saga enters the battlefield, you add a lore counter (not shown on the stack) after your draw step. This is an implicit action that occurs at the beginning of your next turn's beginning phase. It also has a second effect: "Sacrifice after III." This means that when three lore counters are on Urza's Saga, it will be sacrificed automatically.

Mana Generation

The first ability of Urza's Saga reads, "I — This Saga gains '{T}: Add {C}.'" This means that as long as the lore counter is zero, you can tap Urza's Saga to add one mana of any color to your pool. However, once a lore counter is added, this ability remains unchanged.

Artifact Generation and Token Creation

The second ability states, "II — This Saga gains '{2}, {T}: Create a 0/0 colorless Construct artifact creature token with 'This token gets +1/+1 for each artifact you control.'" When Urza's Saga has two lore counters on it, you can tap it to create a 0/0 colorless Construct artifact token. This token gets a loyalty ability that scales with the number of artifacts you control.

Artifact Generation and Library Search

The third and final ability reads, "III — Search your library for an artifact card with mana cost {0} or {1}, put it onto the battlefield, then shuffle." When Urza's Saga has three lore counters on it (and is thus about to be sacrificed), you can search your library for an artifact card that costs zero or one mana. You can put this card directly onto the battlefield and then shuffle your deck.

Edge Cases

One potential issue with Urza's Saga is its interaction with the Sacrifice keyword. If you have a card like Serra's Cleansing in play, which says "Destroy any number of target artifacts," Urza's Saga will still be destroyed by this effect even though it has not yet reached three lore counters and would otherwise survive.

Another edge case to consider is playing Urza's Saga with cards like Burning Hands, which can generate multiple damage when creatures are sacrificed. While you might think that sacrificing Urza's Saga at III will prevent its destruction, the Sacrifice keyword only affects the card itself; it does not trigger any effects from cards on the battlefield.

Commander-Specific Quirks

While not unique to Commander gameplay, Urza's Saga is often played in Commander decks due to its ability to generate artifacts and mana. A common strategy with this card involves playing it as a ramp engine to get to an early artifact advantage before sacrificing it for another valuable artifact.

Urza's Saga is a powerful artifact that has seen significant play in various formats, particularly in Commander and casual decks. Its unique ability to create tokens, add mana, and search for artifacts makes it an excellent addition to many archetypes.

Token Generation The second ability of Urza's Saga creates 0/0 colorless Construct artifact creature tokens with a +1/+1 bonus for each artifact you control. This can lead to a swarm of small token creatures that scale well with the number of artifacts on the battlefield. Cards like Swords to Plowshares and Path to Exile can help remove problematic creatures, while Liliana, Dreadhorde General's ability allows for more aggressive token generation.

Mana Generation Urza's Saga also gains a mana generating ability when it reaches III. This is particularly useful in conjunction with artifacts like Mox Opal, which allows you to accelerate your mana development and play powerful spells earlier in the game.

Artifact Synergy The third ability of Urza's Saga searches for an artifact card with mana cost {0} or {1}. This can lead to a wide variety of interactions, depending on the specific artifact drawn. For example, Thopter Spy Network can create additional tokens and allow you to accelerate your mana development further.

Some Commander strategies that benefit from Urza's Saga include:

• Artifacts:
  • Artifact- heavy decks like Estrid, the Masked|Estrid, Atraxa, Praetors' Voice, or Liliana, Dreadhorde General all appreciate Urza's Saga for its ability to create tokens and accelerate mana development.
  • Tolaria, Sage-based decks can benefit from the token generation and mana acceleration provided by Urza's Saga.
• Token-based strategies:
  • Decks centered around token creatures like Squee, the Immovable Object, Kurkesh, Onakke Ancient or Moxuru often appreciate the additional tokens generated by Urza's Saga.

In competitive and casual play, Urza's Saga is often used in combination with other powerful artifacts to create a robust engine for token generation and mana acceleration.

Urza's Saga: A Powerhouse in the Right Hands

Urza's Saga is a formidable card that can be a game-changer when built around correctly. Its ability to add lands, create token swarms, and search for artifact cards makes it an attractive inclusion in various Commander decks.

• Token Generation: Urza's Saga's second level allows you to create 0/0 Construct tokens at instant speed with a mana cost of 2. This can be used in conjunction with other artifacts like Atraxa, Praetors' Voice or Jhoira of the Ghitu, which provide additional token generation and artifact synergy.
• Artifact Acceleration: The Saga's first ability enables you to add one mana at instant speed, making it easier to accelerate into your more expensive artifacts. This is particularly useful when combined with cards like Sol Ring or Mox Opal, which can generate an abundance of mana.
• Card Advantage: Urza's Saga's third level allows you to search for any artifact card in your library with a mana cost of 0 or 1. This can be used to find cards like City of Brass or Razorgore, the Untamed, which provide additional mana and card draw.

Synergy Examples

• Urza's Saga + Atraxa: With Urza's Saga generating tokens at instant speed and Atraxa providing additional token generation, you can quickly swarm the board with Construct tokens.
• Urza's Saga + Jhoira of the Ghitu: When paired with Jhoira, Urza's Saga can accelerate into more expensive artifacts while also providing a steady stream of card draw.
• Urza's Saga + City of Brass: By searching for City of Brass with Urza's Saga, you can find additional mana and card draw to fuel your artifact-heavy strategy.

Conclusion

Urza's Saga is a powerful tool that requires careful consideration in any Commander deck. When built around correctly, it can provide an abundance of token generation, artifact acceleration, and card advantage. Its interactions with other cards like Atraxa, Jhoira of the Ghitu, and City of Brass make it an attractive inclusion in various artifact-heavy strategies.

Urza's Saga: Common Mistakes and Misplays

In Commander, players often make mistakes with Urza's Saga due to its complex abilities and the need for precise timing. Here are some common errors to watch out for:

Timing Issues

• Failing to add a lore counter: When Urza's Saga enters the battlefield, players must remember to add a lore counter after their draw step. This is often overlooked, causing the player to miss out on crucial abilities.
• Not sacrificing after III: Urza's Saga's final ability requires sacrifice after III, which can be easily forgotten. Failing to do so prevents the player from searching for and playing artifact cards.

Misunderstood Rules

• Ignoring Construct tokens' ability: The Construct token created by II has a crucial ability: it gets +1/+1 for each artifact controlled. Players often underestimate this bonus or forget that the Construct token can gain power and toughness.
• Failing to consider artifact costs: When searching for an artifact card with mana cost {0} or {1}, players must remember to check their deck's contents carefully, as some artifacts may be harder to find than expected.

Poor Synergies

• Not playing artifact-advancing cards: Urza's Saga shines in decks that accelerate artifact development. Players often fail to include card draw, token generation, or other strategies that complement the Saga's abilities.
• Ignoring interaction with other cards: Certain cards, such as artifact destruction or creatures that destroy artifacts, can interact poorly with Urza's Saga. Players must carefully consider how their deck interacts with this complex card.

Additional Considerations

• Deck build and mana curve: Urza's Saga requires a well-tuned deck with the right mix of artifact development, creature interaction, and card draw. Players often underestimate the importance of a smooth mana curve to support the Saga's abilities.
• Alternative solutions: In some cases, players may find alternative cards or strategies that achieve similar effects without the drawbacks of Urza's Saga.

By being aware of these common mistakes and misplays, players can optimize their use of Urza's Saga and improve their overall gameplay in Commander.

Urza's Saga is a powerful artifact card from the Mercadian Masques set. Its ability to generate artifacts and ramp into bigger threats makes it a staple in many artifact-based Commander decks.

Key Features:

• Zero mana cost, making it an attractive option for deckbuilders
• Three modes that unlock new abilities as each loyalty counter increases
• Can create 0/0 colorless Construct artifact creature tokens with unique abilities tied to the number of artifacts on the field
• Allows players to search their library for any artifact card with a mana cost of zero or one, putting it onto the battlefield and then shuffling

Playstyle:

Urza's Saga is typically played as a Commander or EDH deck. It can be used to generate artifacts quickly and efficiently, ramping into bigger threats such as Tinker or Ancestral Recall.

• Players often pair Urza's Saga with other artifact cards that generate tokens, such as Simian Spirit Guide or Glimmervoid
• The card's ability to search the library for low-cost artifacts makes it a valuable addition to any deck focused on artifact-based strategies

Lore:

Urza's Saga is set during the Mirrodin era, when the plane was embroiled in a conflict between ancient magic and modern technology. The card itself reflects this backdrop, as it allows players to tap into the power of artifacts to shape the battlefield.

• Urza, one of Magic's most iconic characters, is deeply connected to this card
• As a legendary Planeswalker, Urza was known for his mastery of artifact magic and his role in shaping the fate of the plane

Budget-Friendliness:

Urza's Saga is considered moderately expensive due to its rarity and age. While it can be included in more budget-friendly Commander decks, it may not be feasible for newer players or those with limited funds.

• Alternative options include Mox Opal, Simian Spirit Guide, and Glimmervoid, which offer similar benefits at a lower price point
• These cards can help create artifact-heavy decklists that are more accessible to budget-conscious players

Urza's Saga is a powerful artifact that can significantly impact the board state in various color identities. Its ability to create an artifact token with a unique ability makes it an excellent addition to decks focused on artifacts and artifact tokens.

Commanders that work well with Urza's Saga:

• Atraxa, Praetors' Voice: Atraxa is a legendary creature that synergizes perfectly with Urza's Saga. Her ability to create tokens of any color allows you to take full advantage of the Construct artifact token created by the second ability.
• Estrid, the Masked: Estrid is another legend that pairs well with Urza's Saga. Her ability to give creatures +2/+2 for each artifact on the battlefield makes the Construct token created by Urza's Saga a formidable force.
• Kumano Facehunter: Kumano Facehunter is an artifact-focused commander who benefits from creating tokens and having artifacts on the board.

Color identities that work well with Urza's Saga:

• Artifact-heavy decks (mono-artifact, artifact-based multi-colors): Urza's Saga excels in these decks where artifacts are plentiful.
• Azorius, Rakdos, and Boros colors: These colors provide a natural fit for the Construct token and allow you to take advantage of its abilities.

Synergy cards that work well with Urza's Saga:

• Sword of Body and Mind: This artifact sword provides an additional +1/+1 boost to the Construct token, making it even more formidable.
• Aether Vial: Aether Vial allows you to accelerate your mana development and play artifacts earlier in the game, increasing the effectiveness of Urza's Saga.
• Cultivate: Cultivate helps you draw cards and find the artifact card you need to put onto the battlefield with Urza's Saga's third ability.

Combo notes:

• Urza's Saga + Sword of Body and Mind: With both cards on the board, the Construct token gains a significant boost in power and toughness.
• Urza's Saga + Aether Vial: By playing Aether Vial early, you can accelerate your mana development and play Urza's Saga at an optimal time.

Tips for building around Urza's Saga:

• Focus on creating an artifact-heavy board state to maximize the effectiveness of Urza's Saga.
• Include a mix of low-cost artifacts (0-1) in your deck to take advantage of Urza's Saga's third ability.
• Consider including removal spells or counterspells to protect the Construct token and your other artifacts.

By understanding how to build around Urza's Saga, you can create a formidable artifact-based deck that leverages its unique abilities.

Urza's Saga is a highly sought-after card in Commander format, particularly among artifact-based decks. Its ability to create tokens and search for powerful artifacts makes it an attractive addition to many strategies.

Competitive Applications

• Urza's Saga can be used as a combo piece with Ancestral Recall or Mystical Tutor, allowing players to search for and play artifacts at an accelerated rate.
• It pairs well with creatures that benefit from artifact synergy, such as Rust Entity or Atraxa, Praetors' Voice.
• In more aggressive decks, Urza's Saga can be used to create a board presence quickly, allowing players to swarm the opponent with tokens.

Casual and Strategic Use

• For casual players, Urza's Saga offers an exciting way to explore artifact-based gameplay without committing to a complex combo deck.
• It can also serve as a " toolbox" card in smaller formats like Pauper or Commander, providing a flexible option for searching and playing artifacts.

Rarity and Price

Urza's Saga is currently priced at around $41.75 USD, making it an investment-worthy card for many players. Its rarity status contributes to its high demand in the market.

In terms of competitive play, Urza's Saga is often seen as a valuable addition to high-powered decks, but its effectiveness can vary depending on the specific strategy and metagame. In more casual or strategic play, it offers an engaging and dynamic way to explore artifact interactions.

Urza's Saga is a versatile card that excels in certain scenarios and matchups. Here are some key situations where it shines:

Late-game artifact synergies

• When paired with cards like Memnarch, Sylvan Library, or Mox Opal, Urza's Saga can create an explosive artifact engine by generating multiple artifacts with its III mode.
• In a multiplayer game, if your opponents are focused on creatures, you can use Urza's Saga to search for a powerful artifact like Mox Jet or Liliana of the Veil to turn the tables.

Combo potential

• With cards like Sol Ring, Mox Opal, and Expedition Map, Urza's Saga can fuel an aggressive combo by creating tokens with its II mode.
• In a more complex combo, you can use Urza's Saga to search for a key artifact like Urza's Tower or Solve the Equation to complete your strategy.

Token generation

• When paired with cards like Creatures of the Wild, Vines of Vastwood, or Scour from Existence, Urza's Saga can create an army of tokens with its II mode.
• In a game where token destruction is a concern, you can use Urza's Saga to generate tokens that will not be targeted by removal spells.

However, there are also scenarios where Urza's Saga struggles:

Early-game development

• Without a strong artifact or land-drawing engine, Urza's Saga may struggle to develop quickly enough to take advantage of its abilities.
• In games where the opponent has established an early board presence with creatures like Llanowar Elves or Stirring Wildwood, Urza's Saga may be too slow to impact the game.

Competitive metagame

• Against control decks that prioritize life gain and artifact disruption, Urza's Saga's ability to search for artifacts may not be enough to overcome the opponent's strategy.
• In games where removal spells like Abrupt Decay or Sword of Body and Mind are prevalent, you may need to adapt your playstyle around the opponent's threats rather than relying on Urza's Saga's combo potential.

Urza's Saga is a rare enchantment land from the Mercadian Masques block (MH2). It has three modes, each offering a unique ability.

Print History

Urza's Saga was printed in 1999 as part of the Mercadian Masques set. There have been no official reprints or re-prints since its initial release.

EDHREC Stats

On EDHREC, Urza's Saga has an EDHREC rank of 116, indicating its moderate popularity among players. It is often included in artifact-based decks and is a popular choice for its ability to generate artifacts and ramp into bigger threats.

Tournament Presence

Urza's Saga has seen some play in various formats, including Legacy and Commander. Its flexibility and versatility make it a popular pick for certain deck archetypes.

Iconic Decks

Urza's Saga has appeared in several iconic decks throughout the years, including:

• Combo decks: Urza's Saga is often used to generate artifacts and ramp into combo pieces like Tinker or Ancestral Recall.
• Artifact-based decks: Its ability to create artifact tokens and search for low-cost artifacts makes it a staple in many artifact-based decklists.

Overall, Urza's Saga remains a powerful and versatile card that continues to be popular among players looking to build artifact-heavy decks.

Urza's Saga is a rare Enchantment Land card from the Mirage block, set in the world of Dominaria. This card is deeply connected to Urza, one of Magic's most iconic characters. As a legendary Planeswalker, Urza was known for his mastery of artifact magic and his role in shaping the fate of the plane.

Urza's Saga is a powerful tool that enables players to tap into their library of artifacts, creating an unstoppable force on the battlefield. The card's text allows it to gain abilities as each loyalty counter increases, making it a formidable addition to any artifact-heavy deck. When Urza's Saga enters the battlefield, it gains a simple ability: tapping for one mana.

As the saga progresses, it unlocks new and more complex abilities. At II, Urza's Saga can create a 0/0 colorless Construct artifact creature token with a unique ability tied to the number of artifacts on the field. This allows players to quickly amass an army of artifact creatures that grow in power as the game wears on.

The final stage, III, is perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Urza's Saga. For one colorless mana, it can search the library for any artifact with a mana cost of zero or one, putting it onto the battlefield and then shuffling the deck. This ability has far-reaching implications, as players can now easily access low-cost artifacts that might have been hidden in their collection.

In terms of setting, Urza's Saga is set during the Mirrodin era, when the plane was embroiled in a conflict between ancient magic and modern technology. The card itself reflects this backdrop, as it allows players to tap into the power of artifacts to shape the battlefield.

Overall, Urza's Saga is an intricate and complex card that rewards players for their mastery of artifact magic. Its unique abilities make it a valuable addition to any deck focused on artifact-based strategies, and its rich lore ties it firmly to the world of Dominaria.