Vault of Champions

Vault of Champions Full Guide

Commander Legends Rare
Mana Cost:
Type: Land
Vault of Champions Text:
This land enters tapped unless you have two or more opponents. {T}: Add {W} or {B}.
Artist: Cliff Childs
Collector Number: 715
Release Date: 2020-11-20
Art crop
Cards Mentioned in This Review
These cards are referenced in the strategy guide below

Strategy Guide

Last updated 2025-06-30
TL;DR Summary

Vault of Champions

This rare land from the Commander Masters set is a unique addition to any deck. Its power level is moderate, making it suitable for casual play and Commander games.

It enters tapped unless two or more opponents are present, which can be a game-changer in multiplayer formats like Commander. The added benefit of adding either White or Black mana at instant speed makes it a valuable asset for decks that rely on these colors.

In terms of use cases, Vault of Champions is most effective when used in conjunction with other cards that provide card advantage or generate value quickly. For example, pairing it with Sol Ring or Mox Opal can create a explosive start and accelerate mana development.

Commander formats see the most play for this land due to its interaction with multiplayer rules and the potential for multiple opponents. Its moderate price point of $21.56 (USD) makes it an accessible addition to many decks, but be prepared to spend a bit more on the foil version.

Card Mechanics & Interactions

Vault of Champions

This rare land from the Core Set 2020 (CMR) set is a unique addition to any deck. Its primary functionality revolves around generating mana, but with some caveats.

Oracle Text and Tapped Status

The card's oracle text reads: "This land enters tapped unless you have two or more opponents." This means that when Vault of Champions enters the battlefield, it will be tapped unless there are at least two opponents. If there is only one opponent, it will enter tapped.

Mana Generation

The card has a simple mana generation ability: "{T}: Add {W} or {B}." This allows you to tap Vault of Champions for either white ({W}) or black ({B}) mana. Note that this ability can be activated during the beginning of your main phase, which is crucial when planning out your turns.

Stack and Battlefield Interactions

When considering how Vault of Champions interacts with other cards on the stack and battlefield, we need to account for its tapped status and the potential for two or more opponents.

  • If there's only one opponent, Vault of Champions enters tapped. In this case, you cannot use it as a mana source during your first turn (or subsequent turns if it remains tapped).
  • When there are at least two opponents, Vault of Champions enters untapped and can be used to generate {W} or {B} mana from the start.
  • If you have multiple copies of Vault of Champions in play, each land will enter with its own tapped status based on the number of opponents.

Unusual Rules Interactions

One edge case worth considering is when there are three players, but one player has already left the game (e.g., due to being defeated or having their life total reduced to 0). In this scenario, Vault of Champions will enter tapped because it sees only two opponents. However, if a fourth player joins and takes control of an opponent's deck, the status of Vault of Champions might change. The precise rules governing this situation are complex and depend on the specific game state.

Commander-Specific Quirks

In Commander decks, Vault of Champions can be particularly useful for generating colored mana early in the game. Since it doesn't have any loyalty counters or tap-down effects, you don't need to worry about managing additional costs or sacrificing permanents.

Strategic Applications

Vault of Champions is a rare land that offers a unique benefit in multiplayer formats, particularly in Commander. Its ability to add either white or black mana when tapped makes it an attractive addition to decks with two or more opponents.

One of the primary uses for Vault of Champions is in mono-color and two-color Commander decks. For example, in a Boros (Red-White) deck, Vault of Champions can provide a consistent source of white mana, allowing players to cast creatures like Kemba, Kha Regent or Draflus Skyguider. In the same way, a Golgari (Black-Green) deck could use Vault of Champions to add black mana for spells like Liliana's Defiance or Rafiq of the Many.

Another application for Vault of Champions is in tribal decks. For instance, a Vampires tribal deck can utilize Vault of Champions as a way to add black mana for cards like Mikokoro, Tentham Palace, while also being able to produce white mana with other creatures on board. This flexibility makes Vault of Champions an excellent choice for tribal Commander decks.

Vault of Champions is particularly beneficial in multiplayer formats, where having two or more opponents allows the land's ability to trigger consistently. In such scenarios, players can take advantage of the added mana to cast powerful spells and turn their games around.

In terms of specific strategies, Vault of Champions can be used in a variety of ways:

  • Consistent Mana Generation: With its ability to add either white or black mana when tapped, Vault of Champions can provide a steady source of colorless or colored mana for players.
  • Tribal Synergy: By producing the necessary colors, Vault of Champions enables tribal synergies and allows players to take advantage of specific cards' abilities.
  • Multiplayer Adaptation: The land's ability to trigger consistently in multiplayer formats makes it an attractive choice for decks that aim to adapt to changing game conditions.

Given its unique ability, Vault of Champions is best suited for Commander decks that prioritize consistency, tribal synergy, and multiplayer adaptability.

Advanced Techniques

Vault of Champions is a versatile land that can provide a unique advantage in certain situations. Its ability to add either White or Black mana, combined with its condition for entering tapped, makes it an interesting inclusion in various Commander decks.

One potential synergy arises when paired with cards like Atraxa or Yidris. These Planeswalkers require two or more opponents to generate value, which aligns perfectly with Vault of Champions' condition. As long as the player has at least two opponents, the land will enter untapped, allowing for efficient mana development and supporting the Planeswalker's abilities.

Another consideration is combining Vault of Champions with Serra Ascendant or other cards that benefit from a large number of opponents. These cards often have powerful effects triggered by the number of players on the field, which can be amplified when paired with Vault's unique condition.

In more aggressive decks, Vault of Champions can serve as an emergency source of colorless mana, particularly in situations where Sol Ring or other early-game mana accelerants are not available. This is especially relevant for Red-White or Black-Red strategies that rely on quick development to deal with opponents' threats.

Vault of Champions also sees play in more controlling decks focused around White and Black permanents like Windswept Heath and Misty Rainforest. By ensuring that these lands are tapped, players can create a favorable mana base for their own spells while limiting their opponents' access to the same resources.

In general, Vault of Champions rewards players who can maintain a healthy number of opponents, making it an attractive addition to decks focused on multiplayer or large-scale combat.

Common Mistakes

Vault of Champions is a versatile land that offers two mana of any color. However, its unique entering condition can lead to some common mistakes.

Misjudging the opponent count Players often underestimate or overestimate the number of opponents in their game, which affects whether Vault of Champions enters tapped or untapped. This is particularly relevant in Commander formats where deck sizes and numbers of players can vary greatly. A player may assume they have two or more opponents but forget about their own commander as a participant, causing Vault to enter tapped when it shouldn't.

Incorrect timing Players tend to tap Vault for mana too early, forgetting that it doesn't generate its color-fixing ability (adding {W} or {B}) on the first turn. This can lead to mana problems and disrupt the player's early game plans.

Poor synergies with other cards While Vault of Champions offers flexibility in color fixing, it can sometimes be overlooked as a key component for ramping up to more powerful spells or strategies that require specific colors. Players might focus on more "exciting" cards like Atraxa or Yidris, and forget about building around Vault's abilities.

Incorrect assumptions about format Players may assume Vault of Champions works similarly in casual games as it does in competitive formats, overlooking the land's unique condition. This can lead to frustration when trying to build a Commander deck that consistently exploits its abilities.

Conclusion

Vault of Champions is a rare land from the Commander Masters set that boasts an interesting twist on its entry condition. Unlike most lands that are always tapped or always untapped, this one has a dynamic entrance, depending on the number of opponents present in the game.

When the game features two or more players vying for victory, the Vault of Champions enters the battlefield untapped, ready to contribute immediately to your strategy. Conversely, if there's only one opponent, it will enter tapped, requiring an additional turn to become a productive member of your team. This unique property hints at a connection between multiplayer formats and the card's potential impact.

In terms of its mana contribution, the Vault of Champions can add either White or Black mana with a simple tap cost. Considering the versatility of these colors in Commander decks, this land becomes an attractive option for those seeking to incorporate a flexible source of life gain or black mana acceleration into their strategies. The addition of W or B to your mana pool is particularly useful when paired with cards like Liliana's Mastery, which demands access to one or both of these colors.

The rarity and set inclusion suggest that the developers aimed to include this card in a specific Commander archetype or theme, possibly emphasizing multiplayer capabilities and strategic depth.

Vault of Champions sees limited play but appears in some Modern decks focused on white and black token strategies. Its ability to add either White or Black mana makes it a decent addition to certain token-based combos. However, its tapped status when played alone can be a drawback.

Some notable decks that feature Vault of Champions include:

  • Mono-White Tokens: A deck focused on generating tokens with white creatures and utilizing Vault to add the necessary mana for token generation.
  • Boros Token: Similar to Mono-White Tokens, this deck uses Boros's aggressive token strategy and relies on Vault to generate the required mana.

While not widely played, Vault of Champions has its niche in specific Modern decks focused on token strategies.

Deckbuilding & Synergies

Building Around Vault of Champions

Vault of Champions is a unique land that provides life-gain and black mana, making it an attractive addition to any Commander deck. To maximize its potential, consider building around a multiplayer-focused or casual theme.

Color Identity:

Commanders:

Synergy Cards:

Combo Notes:

Additional Considerations:

  • Include lands like Urza's Tower, Mnajia, Disciple of Menkaure, and [Razortide ]to create a robust mana base.
  • Be cautious when including cards that reduce the opponent count, as Vault of Champions relies on having multiple opponents to function optimally.
Format Roles

Vault of Champions: A Land for the Ages

In Commander, Vault of Champions is a staple in various decks due to its unique ability. It enters tapped unless you have two or more opponents, making it an excellent addition to multiplayer formats.

  • Multiplayer advantage: With two or more opponents, Vault of Champions becomes a valuable asset, providing 1 colorless mana per turn.
  • Sacrifice potential: Some decks utilize the sacrifice mechanic to get value out of this land. Cards like Sarkhan Vol's Frightful Fury and Kambal, Consul of Elements can create opportunities for sacrificing creatures to generate additional value.

In other formats like Standard, Pioneer, or Modern, Vault of Champions is less competitive due to its relatively high mana cost (0) and the fact that it only generates 1 colorless mana. Its potential for growth in these formats is limited compared to more aggressive lands like Verdant Catacombs or Drowned Ruin.

The current price range for Vault of Champions is around $21.56 USD, making it a relatively expensive option.

Key Scenarios

Key Scenarios & Matchups

The Vault of Champions excels in multiplayer formats, particularly when combined with other lands that provide additional mana or card advantage. In a game with two or more opponents, this land enters untapped, allowing you to generate white and black mana from the outset.

Matchup Considerations

  • One-on-One Games: In one-on-one matchups, the Vault's unique ability is less impactful since it enters tapped. However, it can still provide a steady source of white and black mana in the later game.
  • Control Decks: When facing control decks that rely heavily on land destruction or card draw, the Vault's ability to enter untapped becomes more valuable. This allows you to maintain a consistent stream of mana and generate threats more effectively.

Board Presence

The Vault of Champions contributes to your board presence by generating additional mana for your spells and abilities. This makes it easier to develop your board and apply pressure on your opponents, particularly in multiplayer formats where the game is more dynamic.

In conclusion, the Vault of Champions excels when combined with other lands that provide additional mana or card advantage, especially in multiplayer formats. Its ability to enter untapped in games with two or more opponents makes it a valuable asset for players seeking consistent access to white and black mana.

History & Meta

Printings and Reprints

Vault of Champions is a rare land from the Core Set 2020 (CMR). It has not had any reprints in recent sets.

Tournament Presence

While Vault of Champions sees limited play, it appears in some Modern decks focused on white and black token strategies. Its ability to add either white or black mana makes it a decent addition to certain token-based combos. However, its tapped status when played alone can be a drawback.

EDHREC Stats

According to EDHREC, Vault of Champions has an EDHREC Rank of 155. This indicates that while it's not widely played, it still finds its way into some decks.

Iconic Decks and Combinations

Some notable decks that feature Vault of Champions include:

  • Mono-White Tokens: A deck focused on generating tokens with white creatures and utilizing Vault to add the necessary mana for token generation.
  • Boros Token: Similar to Mono-White Tokens, this deck uses Boros's aggressive token strategy and relies on Vault to generate the required mana.

While not widely played, Vault of Champions has its niche in specific Modern decks focused on token strategies.

Flavor & Lore

The Vault of Champions is a rare land from the Commander Masters set, boasting an interesting twist on its entry condition. Unlike most lands that are always tapped or always untapped, this one has a dynamic entrance, depending on the number of opponents present in the game.

When the game features two or more players vying for victory, the Vault of Champions enters the battlefield untapped, ready to contribute immediately to your strategy. Conversely, if there's only one opponent, it will enter tapped, requiring an additional turn to become a productive member of your team. This unique property hints at a connection between multiplayer formats and the card's potential impact.

In terms of its mana contribution, the Vault of Champions can add either White or Black mana with a simple tap cost. Considering the versatility of these colors in Commander decks, this land becomes an attractive option for those seeking to incorporate a flexible source of life gain or black mana acceleration into their strategies. The addition of W or B to your mana pool is particularly useful when paired with cards like Liliana's Mastery, which demands access to one or both of these colors.

The rarity and set inclusion suggest that the developers aimed to include this card in a specific Commander archetype or theme, possibly emphasizing multiplayer capabilities and strategic depth.

Budget/Alternatives

Budget & Accessibility

Vault of Champions is a rare land from the Commander Masters set, with prices ranging from $21.56 USD to $27.30 USD foil. Its reprint status is still relatively fresh, which contributes to its price point.

Prices and Rarity

Currency Price
EUR (€) 14.29
USD ($) 21.56
Tix N/A
USD Foil ($$) 27.30

Its relatively high price may make it less accessible for newer players or those on a tighter budget. However, if you're looking to build a Commander deck with white and black mana, Vault of Champions is worth considering.

Similar Options in Commander

If you're interested in similar lands that are more budget-friendly, consider the following options:

  • Verdant Catacombs: A common land from the original Ravnica block that provides basic land types and a similar effect to Vault of Champions. ($2-3 USD)
  • Golgari Rotwelder: An uncommon land from the Guilds of Ravnica set that offers black mana and can be used in combination with other lands for additional colors. ($1-2 USD)

These alternatives may not offer the same level of rarity or effect as Vault of Champions, but they provide similar functionality at a lower price point.