Hallowed Fountain

Hallowed Fountain Full Guide

Zendikar Expeditions Mythic
Mana Cost:
Type: Land — Plains Island
Hallowed Fountain Text:
({T}: Add {W} or {U}.) As this land enters, you may pay 2 life. If you don't, it enters tapped.
Artist: Min Yum
Collector Number: 6
Release Date: 2015-10-02
Art crop

Strategy Guide

Last updated 2025-06-29
TL;DR Summary

Hallowed Fountain is a Mythic Rare land from the Expeditions set that offers dual color mana fixing. For a single mana, it can add either one white or one blue mana to your pool, making it an excellent addition to decks with a high number of dual-colored spells.

In Commander formats, Hallowed Fountain shines in monowhite and monoblue decks that often struggle with mana acceleration. Its ability to generate two colors' worth of mana on turn 1 can be a game-changer, allowing players to cast powerful cards like Ancestral Recall or Daze on the first turn.

Its power level is high in Commander due to its flexibility and efficiency, but it's relatively rare in other formats. Its price reflects this, with a foil version selling for around 79.69 USD.

Card Mechanics & Interactions

Hallowed Fountain is a Mythic Rare land card from the Expedition set. As a land, it has no power or toughness and can only be played as part of a player's deck.

Mana Production

The Oracle Text states that Hallowed Fountain allows players to add either one mana of colorless type (W) or one mana of blue type (U) when tapped for its mana cost. This is represented by the text "(T): Add {W} or {U}."

When a player wants to use Hallowed Fountain to generate mana, they tap it using the "T" symbol in their hand. They can then add either W or U to their pool of available mana.

Entering the Battlefield

The card's Oracle Text also includes a triggered ability that activates as Hallowed Fountain enters the battlefield. This ability reads: "As this land enters, you may pay 2 life. If you don't, it enters tapped."

To resolve this ability, the player must decide whether to pay 2 life or not. If they choose to pay 2 life, Hallowed Fountain will enter untapped and ready for use. However, if they decline to pay the 2 life cost, the land will enter the battlefield tapped.

Commander Quirks

As with all lands in Commander decks, Hallowed Fountain is considered a "basic" land. This means that it can be played without any specific requirements or restrictions.

However, due to its relatively low mana value (0), Halled Fountain can provide a free source of either white or blue mana when tapped for its ability. This can be especially beneficial in Commander decks where lands are often used to generate mana for spells and abilities.

Edge Cases and Interactions

One potential issue arises if a player attempts to use Hallowed Fountain's mana generation ability while it is not untapped (i.e., when it enters the battlefield tapped). In this case, the ability will be unable to resolve because the land does not have enough mana to generate more mana.

Another interesting interaction occurs with cards like Watery Grave, which allows players to sacrifice a creature or an artifact to add a colorless and blue mana respectively. If Hallowed Fountain is used in conjunction with Watery Grave, it's possible for a player to generate both white and blue mana from the same land, potentially leading to powerful combinations.

Overall, Hallowed Fountain provides a flexible source of either white or blue mana when tapped, making it a valuable addition to any deck looking to optimize its land drops.

Strategic Applications

Hallowed Fountain is a versatile and highly sought-after land in Magic: The Gathering. Its unique ability to add either white or blue mana makes it an attractive addition to various Commander decks.

Azorius Control: This archetype excels at controlling the board with enchantments and countermagic, and Hallowed Fountain's dual color flexibility complements its existing mana base. With cards like Counterspell and Dovin's Veto, Azorius Control can maintain a strong tempo while utilizing Hallowed Fountain to generate additional blue or white mana.

Golgari Combo: Golgari Combo thrives on sacrificing permanents to fuel its combo pieces. Hallowed Fountain provides an efficient way to tap out for Sylvan Caryatid and other combo enablers, making it easier to execute the deck's complex combos.

Orzhov Lifegain: This archetype focuses on maximizing life gain while maintaining a robust defense with cards like Liliana of the Veil. Hallowed Fountain's ability to add white mana allows for more efficient life gain, enabling players to draw more cards and maintain a strong defensive posture.

Niche Applications: Some players also use Hallowed Fountain in more unusual contexts, such as:

  • Mono-White Weenie: This deck can utilize Hallowed Fountain to generate additional white mana for Path to Exile and other creatures.
  • Blue-White Control: This archetype can leverage Hallowed Fountain's dual color flexibility to fuel its control spells while maintaining a robust blue suite.

In competitive formats, the card is relatively expensive due to its versatility and power level. However, in casual games or Commander, its value lies in its ability to enhance specific archetypes without breaking the bank.

Advanced Techniques

Hallowed Fountain is a versatile land that offers an innovative way to generate mana and interact with the game state. Its ability to add either white or blue mana when tapped makes it an attractive option for decks building around Eldrazi Disintegrator or Liliana of the Veil. When combined with cards like Drowned Rusalka, which provides a boost to lifegain, Hallowed Fountain's life cost can become a valuable resource in its own right.

One creative application of Hallowed Fountain is as a way to manage life totals in combination with cards that manipulate life loss. For instance, if an opponent has a card like Sanguine Bond, which allows them to pay life instead of tapping the enchanted creature, playing a Hallowed Fountain and paying 2 life can be beneficial for both players.

Another advanced use of Hallowed Fountain involves exploiting its interaction with certain card types. Cards like Eldrazi Disintegrator or Jace, the Mind Sculptor, which benefit from having an untapped mana source, will gain more value from playing a Hallowed Fountain that was paid for with life. This highlights the importance of considering not just the land's mana cost but also its potential to generate life and manipulate game state.

In terms of interactions with other cards, Hallowed Fountain pairs well with enchantment removal like Jadar, Coulanced Architect or Stoneforge Mystic. These cards can neutralize enchantments that might otherwise prevent Hallowed Fountain from entering untapped. This is particularly relevant when combined with creatures that benefit from having a Hallowed Fountain in play, such as Ruric Thar, the Unbowed.

Common Mistakes

Common Mistakes with Hallowed Fountain

Hallowed Fountain is a versatile land that can add either white or blue mana. However, its unique entering ability can lead to mistakes in Commander decks.

  • Failing to pay the cost: Many players neglect to pay 2 life when Hallowed Fountain enters the battlefield. This results in it entering tapped, which can be costly in terms of tempo and card advantage.
  • Not considering the land's type line: As a Plains Island, Halled Fountain is a dual-land that requires careful consideration in deck construction. Players often forget to include both white and blue cards in their deck, leading to suboptimal mana development.
  • Misunderstanding its interaction with other cards: When combined with cards like Bloom Titan, Hallowed Fountain can create excessive mana for the turn it enters. This can lead to unnecessary card advantage or even game-losing situations if not managed properly.
  • Not playing to its color-matters synergies: Hallowed Fountain is a great enabler for blue-white strategies, but players often neglect to include enough blue cards in their deck to take full advantage of its abilities.
  • Overlooking its potential as a mana-fixing card: With its ability to add either white or blue mana, Hallowed Fountain can serve as a valuable mana fixer in decks that struggle with color consistency. Players may overlook this aspect and instead focus on more aggressive plays.

By being mindful of these common mistakes, players can optimize their deck's performance and get the most out of Hallowed Fountain's abilities.

Conclusion

Hallowed Fountain

Card Type: Land Mana Cost: Colors: White, Blue EDHREC Rank: 75

Printings: * Expedition: This card was first printed in the Expedition set. * The foil version of Hallowed Fountain costs approximately $79.69 (USD), while its non-foil price is not listed. In Euros, the foil price is around €63.47.

Budget-Friendliness: Considering alternative options for Commander decks, players can explore more affordable options such as:

  • Mana Fixers: Cards like Temple Garden or Flooded Strand provide flexible mana-fixing capabilities and are generally less expensive.
  • Hybrid Lands: Cards such as Hinterland Path or Fellwar Ionize offer similar abilities to produce two colors but without the 2-life cost upon entry.

These options can help players achieve their desired mana base without breaking the bank.

Deckbuilding & Synergies

Building Around Hallowed Fountain

Hallowed Fountain is a versatile land that can be incorporated into various decks, particularly those with white or blue themes. Its unique ability to add either White or Blue mana when tapped makes it an excellent addition for combo and control decks.

Commander Synergies

  • Estrid, the Masked: Estrid's ability to create tokens on entry creates a synergy with Hallowed Fountain's ability to untap if 2 life is paid. This can lead to early-game acceleration of Estrid's token generation.
  • Griselbrand: Griselbrand's immense card draw potential is amplified when combined with Hallowed Fountain's ability to provide additional mana.

Color Identities

Hallowed Fountain works well in both White- and Blue-dominant decks. Its flexibility allows it to supplement the color needs of various combos, such as:

  • Azami, Lady of Scrolls: Azami's ability to add mana to your pool can be augmented by Hallowed Fountain's untapping ability.
  • Liliana, Heretical Healer: Liliana's token generation and lifelink abilities benefit from Hallowed Fountain's ability to provide extra mana.

Themed Decks

Hallowed Fountain is particularly well-suited for decks that focus on:

  • Combo: The land's ability to untap when 2 life is paid makes it an excellent addition to combo decks reliant on early-game acceleration.
  • Control: Hallowed Fountain can provide a flexible source of mana in control decks, allowing players to adapt to changing board states.

Synergy Cards

Some notable synergy cards that pair well with Hallowed Fountain include:

  • Cantrips: Cantrips like Azorius Signet, Blue Elemental Blast, or Gilded Light can help take advantage of the land's untapping ability.
  • Mana-Ramp Spells: Spells like Luminous Bonds, Warping Wurm, or Expedite can enhance Hallowed Fountain's mana acceleration potential.

When building a deck around Hallowed Fountain, focus on creating a well-rounded strategy that leverages its unique abilities. This may involve incorporating additional combo pieces, tokens, and control elements to create a cohesive game plan.

Format Roles

Format Breakdown:

  • Commander: Hallowed Fountain is a decent addition to any Commander deck that wants to play white or blue. It provides a flexible mana source, allowing players to add either White (W) or Blue (U) mana with just one mana up. Its relatively low cost and moderate value make it a solid choice for casual games.
  • Casual Play: In casual games, Hallowed Fountain is often overlooked in favor of more powerful land creatures like Luminarch Ascension or City of Traitors. However, its flexibility makes it useful in decks that don't rely heavily on specific mana colors. Its moderate price point also makes it accessible to newer players.
  • Competitive Play: Hallowed Fountain is not typically seen in competitive Commander decks due to its relatively low impact and high cost (in terms of life loss). In Modern, Pioneer, or other formats, there are more effective land plays that generate value faster. However, it might be included as a "sweep-up" card in certain combos.
  • Banned: Hallowed Fountain is not banned in any format due to its relatively moderate power level and lack of direct synergy with powerful spells.

Notable Interactions:

  • Abzan Signets: Hallowed Fountain pairs well with Abzan Signets, which provide an additional mana source while generating life gain. This combo can be particularly effective in slower games.
  • Goblin Guide: The ability to tap Hallowed Fountain and add Blue (U) mana can help accelerate Goblin Guide's storm potential, making it a solid addition to Goblin Guide-based decks.

Rarity and Pricing:

  • The card's mythic rarity and moderate price point ($1.57 TIX or $63.47 EUR foil) make it accessible to casual players but less appealing to competitive players due to its relatively low impact.
Key Scenarios

Key Scenarios & Matchups for Hallowed Fountain

Hallowed Fountain excels in a variety of Commander formats, particularly those that emphasize blue-white or island-heavy strategies. Its ability to add either white or blue mana makes it an excellent addition to decks running Serra Ascendant, Teferi, Hero of Dominaria, or Karn, Liberator of Souls. When paired with creatures like Baneslayer Angel or Geist of Saint Traft, Hallowed Fountain provides a steady source of mana to fuel their abilities.

In a multiplayer setting, Halled Fountain's ability to add blue or white mana can help players maintain board presence against opponents running Doom Blade-style removal. For example, if an opponent attempts to kill a key creature like Liliana of the Veil, Hallowed Fountain can provide a quick fix by adding the necessary color to keep it alive.

However, Hallowed Fountain has some notable weaknesses. Against decks heavy in red or black burn spells, such as Burnished Hart-based strategies, Hallowed Fountain's tapped status can become a liability. In these matchups, opponents may take advantage of the land being tapped and unleash devastating removal spells.

In terms of combo potential, Hallowed Fountain is particularly well-suited for blue-white tempo decks running Ancestral Vision. By using Hallowed Fountain to add white or blue mana, players can quickly generate card advantage through Ancestral Vision's ability. This combination has seen play in top-tier Commander lists and remains a popular choice among competitive players.

Ultimately, Hallowed Fountain's versatility and utility make it a valuable addition to many Commander decks. When played correctly, its benefits far outweigh the costs, making it an essential component of blue-white or island-heavy strategies.

History & Meta

Hallowed Fountain's Print History and Notable Appearances

The Hallowed Fountain, a Mythic Rare land from the EXP set, has seen its fair share of printings. It was first printed in 2008 as part of the EXP set, but it didn't gain much traction until later sets.

  • In Mirrodin Besieged, Hallowed Fountain's variants were printed: Hallowed Fountain (mythic), which is now considered a rare version.
  • The more recent printings include Hour of Devastation and Dominaria United, where it was reprinted in its original form.

As for tournament presence, Hallowed Fountain has been featured in various decks across different formats. Some notable examples include:

  • Commander (EDH) - Hallowed Fountain is a staple in many white and blue control decks, providing a flexible source of mana.
  • Modern - It's often used as a dual land in more complex, combo-heavy builds.

Regarding EDHREC stats, Hallowed Fountain has an EDHREC rank of 75. This indicates that while it's not extremely popular or highly sought after, it still maintains a notable presence in Commander decks.

As for iconic decks, Hallowed Fountain is often paired with other lands and spells to create versatile mana bases. Some combinations include:

These examples illustrate how Hallowed Fountain can be used in various deck archetypes.

Flavor & Lore

The Hallowed Fountain is a majestic land that embodies the tranquility of the natural world. Nestled between rolling hills and verdant forests, this sacred site has been revered for centuries by the inhabitants of the surrounding lands. The gentle flow of crystal-clear water from its fountain provides a soothing balm to parched travelers and weary adventurers.

As the name suggests, Hallowed Fountain is a place where the pure essence of life-giving energies converges with the spiritual realm. Its tranquil atmosphere allows those who approach it to tap into the deeper connections between nature and the soul. This harmonious balance of natural and mystical forces makes Hallowed Fountain an invaluable resource for any adventurer seeking solace, rejuvenation, or enlightenment.

In terms of gameplay, Halled Fountain provides a versatile option for players seeking to bolster their life totals while also adding a touch of magic to their arsenal. The land's ability to add either white or blue mana allows it to complement a wide range of deck archetypes, from the traditional white-weaver enchantments to more innovative combinations like Daze and Swords to Plowshares. When tapped, Hallowed Fountain becomes an oasis in the midst of battle, granting players the means to refocus and recharge.

Some of the most skilled strategists have been known to employ Hallowed Fountain as a crucial component in their opening hands. By paying 2 life to tap the land immediately, they gain access to its potent mana-adding abilities, setting the stage for a decisive turn or clever combo play. Conversely, those who prefer to conserve life may opt to hold off on tapping Hallowed Fountain until later in the game, using it as a reserve of last resort when the need arises.

The Hallowed Fountain's beauty and significance extend far beyond its individual uses. As part of a larger ecosystem, this land helps support an intricate network of interconnected cards that have shaped the history of the world. Its tranquil essence has inspired countless poems, hymns, and artworks throughout the ages, serving as a reminder of the importance of balance, harmony, and coexistence with nature.

Throughout the ages, various card sets and expansions have further amplified the majesty and allure of Hallowed Fountain, incorporating it into diverse environments ranging from lush rainforests to windswept mountain ranges. Its inclusion in Exp set has cemented its place as a timeless icon within the world of Magic: The Gathering, captivating players with its serene ambiance and boundless potential for creative exploration.

Budget/Alternatives

Hallowed Fountain is a mythic-rarity land card from the Expedition set. It's a Plains-Island hybrid, allowing it to produce either white or blue mana when tapped.

Price and Reprint Status The foil version of Hallowed Fountain in USD costs approximately $79.69, while the non-foil price is not listed. In Euros, the foil price is around €63.47. Given its rarity and age, this card can be considered expensive, especially for a land that doesn't have any game-changing effects.

Budget-Friendliness For Commander decks, lands like Stony Silence or City of Traitors offer similar mana-fixing capabilities at a lower cost. In a more general sense, players looking to save money might consider cards such as Basic Plains, Basic Island, or Misty Rainforest, which are significantly cheaper.

In terms of specific budget options for Commander decks, consider the following:

  • Mana Fixers: Cards like Temple Garden or Flooded Strand provide more flexible mana-fixing capabilities and are generally less expensive than Hallowed Fountain.
  • Hybrid Lands: Cards such as Hinterland Path or Fellwar Ionize offer a similar ability to produce two colors but without the 2-life cost upon entry.

These options can help players achieve their desired mana base without breaking the bank.