Sol Ring

Sol Ring Full Guide

Kaladesh Inventions Special
Mana Cost: {1}
Type: Artifact
Sol Ring Text:
{T}: Add {C}{C}.
Flavor:
It took the reclusive Venya Sangmi a lifetime to realize her childhood vision: a band of sunlight made solid.
Artist: Volkan Baǵa
Collector Number: 24
Release Date: 2016-09-30
Art crop
Cards Mentioned in This Review
These cards are referenced in the strategy guide below

Strategy Guide

Last updated 2025-06-28
TL;DR Summary

Sol Ring

A legendary artifact that enables accelerated mana development, allowing for earlier spellcasting and more aggressive gameplay. Its simple effect of adding two mana whenever tapped makes it an essential component in various formats.

Power Level: High

Main Use Cases:

  • Accelerating early-game mana production to support aggressive strategies
  • Enabling the play of expensive spells and artifacts
  • Serving as a key enabler for powerful combos and synergies

Popular Formats:

  • Commander (EDH): Sol Ring is highly valued in this format, where its ability to accelerate mana development can make or break games. It's often included in aggressive decks that want to develop their board presence quickly.
  • Other formats: While less prevalent outside of EDH, Sol Ring remains a sought-after artifact for its ability to rapidly generate mana and support early-game aggression.

Note: Its high value is reflected in its price, making it one of the most expensive cards in the game.

Card Mechanics & Interactions

Sol Ring

Sol Ring is a colorless artifact with a mana cost of {1}. Its oracle text reads: "{T}: Add {C}{C}." This simple card has been a staple in many decks, particularly those running with Griselbrand or Eldrazi Temple, where it can be used to accelerate into more expensive spells.

Rules and Keyword Abilities

  • Sol Ring is an artifact, which means it's not affected by the rules of sorcery speed. It can be played at instant speed.
  • The card has no power or toughness, so it's irrelevant in combat situations.
  • The "T" symbol on the oracle text indicates that this ability requires a tapped colorless mana source to activate.

Functionality on the Stack and Battlefield

When Sol Ring is played, it generates two additional mana of any color. This can be used immediately to play more expensive spells or saved for future turns. Because it's an artifact, Sol Ring itself doesn't use up any slots in your deck; you can always find room for one.

Edge Cases and Unusual Rules Interactions

  • If an effect reduces the cost of playing Sol Ring (like Ajani's Pridemate), it still requires a tapped colorless mana source to activate its ability.
  • If you play Sol Ring with no untapped sources, its ability will remain on the stack, but it won't do anything until you add another source.

Commander-Specific Quirks

In Commander games, Sol Ring is often used in combo decks that rely on generating large amounts of mana. Since Commanders have a much higher mana curve than regular Constructed decks, Sol Rings can be an essential component for casting expensive spells like Exsanguinate or Nicol Bolas, God-Pharaoh. However, its relatively low cost and high power level make it vulnerable to removal effects like Maelstrom Pulse.

Strategic Applications

Sol Ring is a versatile artifact that accelerates mana development, providing a crucial advantage in various Commander strategies. Its ability to add two mana for its one-mana cost makes it an attractive inclusion in decks that rely on playing powerful spells early.

Aggressive Decks

Decks centered around aggressive threats like Krenko, Mob Boss or Boros Legion Loyalist benefit from Sol Ring's acceleration. By allowing these creatures to hit the battlefield earlier and deal damage more frequently, Sol Ring enables its associated commanders to dominate the board. This is particularly effective in mono-red or Boros aggro decks that seek to swarm the opponent with creatures.

Combo Decks

Sol Ring finds a home in combo decks built around powerful, expensive spells like Expedition Map and Mox Opal. By accelerating mana development, Sol Ring helps these decks resolve their game-winning combos more efficiently. This is particularly relevant in Commander formats where players aim to assemble complex combos that can turn the game's tide.

Eldrazi Decks

Sol Ring complements Eldrazi commanders like Kozilek, the Great Disturbance or Ulamog, the Ceaseless Destruction. By fueling these massive threats' mana costs, Sol Ring enables its associated commanders to be played on turn 2-3 and wreak havoc on the opponent's life total.

Casual Decks

Sol Ring can also find a home in casual Commander decks that focus on value creatures like Llanowar Elves or Fyndhorn Senator. By providing an extra mana boost, Sol Ring helps these decks establish an early board presence and maintain a strong tempo advantage throughout the game.

In summary, Sol Ring is a valuable addition to any deck seeking to accelerate mana development, particularly in aggressive, combo, and Eldrazi-centric builds. Its inclusion can significantly enhance a Commander's performance and contribute to its associated deck's overall power level.

Advanced Techniques

Sol Ring: A Timeless Classic

As one of the most iconic and sought-after artifacts in Magic, Sol Ring is a staple in many Commander decks. Its ability to add two mana for just one mana is unparalleled, making it an excellent way to accelerate your mana development and play more complex spells earlier in the game.

Synergies with Other Cards

  • Sol Ring + Lotus Petal: This combination allows you to cast a 3-mana spell on your second turn, essentially allowing you to play a 4-mana spell on turn 2.
  • Sol Ring + Mox Opal: With Sol Ring's ability and Mox Opal's additional mana generation, you can easily play a 5-mana spell on turn 2.
  • Sol Ring + Expedition Map: This artifact allows you to draw cards when it enters the battlefield. Pairing it with Sol Ring enables you to accelerate your mana development while also drawing cards.

Rules Tricks and Interactions

  • Lifeloss Protection: If an opponent's creature is equipped with Lifeloss, Sol Ring's ability can be used to add two mana without increasing its cost.
  • Artifact Hate: Cards like Shatter and Abrupt Decay can destroy Sol Ring, but in doing so, they also remove the source of their own mana generation.

Counteracting Strategies

  • Mana Wasting: Opponents may try to disrupt your plans by targeting Sol Ring with cards that destroy artifacts. Be prepared to adapt and find alternative ways to generate mana.
  • Counterspells: Enemies can cast counterspells like Counterspell or Spellskite to nullify the effects of Sol Ring.

Tips for Powerful Gameplay

  • Combine with Mana Dorks: Using Sol Ring in conjunction with mana dorks like Llanowar Elves or Leaf Gilder allows you to play spells earlier and more efficiently.
  • Develop a Mana-Building Strategy: Plan ahead and use Sol Ring as part of a larger strategy that focuses on accelerating your mana development.
Common Mistakes

Misplays with Sol Ring

In Commander, Sol Ring is often misunderstood or misplayed due to its simple yet powerful ability. Here are some common mistakes:

  • Playing Sol Ring too early: While it's tempting to play Sol Ring on turn 1 and immediately add two mana, this can put the game out of reach if your opponents have aggressive creatures or removal spells.
  • Not combining with other mana-accelerating cards: Sol Ring is often more effective when paired with other mana-accelerators like Mox Sapphire, Mox Jet, or Lion's Eye Diamond. These combinations allow for an incredibly fast start and can quickly overwhelm opponents.
  • Failing to account for life totals: With the ability to add two mana so early, it's easy to overcommit to attacking and forget about maintaining a healthy life total. Opponents may take advantage of this by targeting your low-toughness creatures or attacking you directly.
  • Misusing Sol Ring in combination with spells that don't generate more mana: Cards like Sol Ring are often used in conjunction with spells that create additional mana, such as Tolaria West or City of Brass. However, if the spell doesn't actually generate new mana, it's a waste to use Sol Ring in this way.
  • Not accounting for artifacts and enchantments that interact with Sol Ring: Cards like Dance of the Dead or Solitude, which are artifacts/enchantments that can destroy other artifacts, can neutralize the benefits of playing Sol Ring.

To maximize the effectiveness of Sol Ring, players should carefully consider their game state and opponent's strategies before playing it. By pairing Sol Ring with mana-accelerating cards and maintaining a healthy life total, players can generate an incredible amount of early-game advantage.

Conclusion

Sol Ring

The Sol Ring is a highly sought-after artifact that accelerates mana development by adding two mana whenever its tapped. With its exceptional power level, it's no wonder why this card has been a staple in various formats for decades.

Key Features:

  • Instant Boost to Mana Development: Tapping the Sol Ring instantly adds two mana, allowing players to accelerate their game plan and make aggressive plays.
  • Unparalleled Value: As a special artifact, Sol Ring offers unmatched value and versatility on the battlefield.
  • Rarity and Availability: Due to its rarity as 'special', Sol Ring is not included in standard rarity categories. This has significant implications for its price.

Budget-Friendliness:

Given its high price point, the Sol Ring falls into a category where only very dedicated or high-income players can afford to include it in their decks. Budget-conscious players will have to look elsewhere for similar effects.

Some options to consider are:

  • Mana Crypt: A more affordable alternative that adds two mana whenever its tapped.
  • Mox Opal: While expensive, this card is a closer equivalent in terms of accelerating mana development.

Commander Considerations:

In the context of Commander, budget-friendliness becomes even more crucial due to the emphasis on shared costs among players. For those looking to include artifact acceleration in their Commander deck without the high cost of Sol Ring, some options worth exploring are:

  • Gilded Lotus: While pricey, it accelerates mana more aggressively than Sol Ring.
  • Mox Amber: A bit less expensive than Mox Opal and still offers a boost to early-game development.

Price and Reprint Status:

The Sol Ring's prices are substantial, with the foil version reaching $800.93 USD and €530.00 EUR. For budget-conscious players, this makes it difficult to acquire. However, the non-foil version is significantly cheaper at 1.91 Tix.

In terms of reprint status, the Sol Ring has appeared in numerous sets, including Expedition, 5th Edition, 6th Edition, and many others. This ubiquity has contributed to its widespread adoption across various formats, from casual play to competitive tournaments.

EDHREC Stats:

The Sol Ring is currently ranked as the #1 artifact in Commander decks, with over 40% of all Sol Rings being used in such builds. Its versatility allows it to be played alongside a wide range of cards, including Lightning Bolt, Sulfur Falls, and Liliana's Mastery.

Tournament Presence:

In competitive tournaments, the Sol Ring has been banned in some variants of Commander due to its potential for explosive combinations with other cards like Mox Opal and Simian Spirit Guide. However, it remains a popular choice among players seeking to accelerate their mana development.

Iconic Decks:

The classic Sol Ring + Mox Opal combo is an iconic example of the card's power level. This combination enables rapid acceleration of mana production, allowing for aggressive plays with cards like Lightning Bolt and Fireball.

Flavor & Lore:

The Sol Ring, an artifact of unparalleled value in the world of Dominaria, has been a coveted treasure among planar travelers and artifact collectors for centuries. Its discovery by Jaya Ballard, the brilliant and enigmatic wizard, unlocked its secrets and led to her notorious use of its power in the pursuit of magical knowledge.

Conclusion:

The Sol Ring is an incredibly powerful artifact that accelerates mana development by adding two mana whenever its tapped. While its high price point makes it inaccessible for many players, exploring alternative options can provide similar benefits at lower costs. Its versatility and adaptability have made it a staple in various formats, from casual play to competitive tournaments.

Sources:

  • Scryfall
  • EDHREC
Deckbuilding & Synergies

Sol Ring is a potent artifact that allows for accelerated mana development, making it an excellent addition to various Commander decks. Its low CMC of 1.0 enables it to be played on turn 1, granting a massive +2 mana in the following turn.

Commanders and Color Identities

Sol Ring synergizes well with:

  • Azami, Lady of Scrolls (Azuri, Lever-Creator) - A combo-focused Commander that benefits from accelerated mana development.
  • Erebos, God of the Dead (Black-White) - A life-gain/loss focused deck that can utilize Sol Ring's additional mana to fuel its life-gain spells.
  • Jodah, Archmage Eternal (Blue-White) - An eternal deck that excels at generating card advantage and casting powerful spells.

Themes

Sol Ring is particularly effective in:

  • Combo decks: As a low-CMC artifact, it can be played on turn 1 to accelerate the combo's resolution.
  • Aggro decks: With its ability to add +2 mana on turn 1, Sol Ring enables aggressive players to develop their board more quickly.

Synergy Cards

Some notable synergy cards with Sol Ring include:

  • Mox Opal: A powerful artifact that adds a colorless mana when tapped. When combined with Sol Ring, it creates an exponential increase in available mana.
  • Vampiric Tutor: Allows the player to search for any artifact or enchantment, making it easier to find and play key cards in conjunction with Sol Ring.
  • Sol's Favor: A card that grants a 1-mana discount on all spells played. When paired with Sol Ring, it effectively reduces the CMC of every spell.

Combo Notes

When combined with other artifacts or enchantments, Sol Ring can accelerate the combo's resolution by providing additional mana at critical junctures. For example:

  • Sol Ring + Mox Opal + Lightning Bolt: On turn 1, play a Sol Ring and Mox Opal. On turn 2, tap both to add +4 colorless mana, allowing for a turn-2 Lightning Bolt.
  • Sol Ring + Vampiric Tutor + Jace's Mind Shield: Play a Sol Ring on turn 1, then use Vampiric Tutor to find Jace's Mind Shield. On your next turn, tap the Sol Ring and use the additional mana to play Jace's Mind Shield.

By incorporating Sol Ring into your Commander deck, you can create powerful synergies with other artifacts and enchantments, resulting in explosive gameplay and card advantage.

Format Roles

Sol Ring is a highly sought-after artifact in Commander and other formats, thanks to its ability to add two mana of any color without tapping. This single-mana effect makes it an incredibly valuable addition to any deck.

Commander

In Commander, Sol Ring's impact is significant due to the format's emphasis on mana acceleration and aggressive playstyles. A typical Sol Ring deck will run 2-3 copies, depending on the commander and strategy. With Sol Ring, players can accelerate their development and ramp into more expensive spells earlier in the game.

Some notable combinations with Sol Ring include:

  • Mox Opal or other Moxen to generate card advantage and mana acceleration
  • Browbeat or other anthem effects to amplify the value of Sol Ring's mana addition
  • Ancestral Recall or other cantrips to ramp into more powerful spells

Other Formats

In Modern, Pioneer, and Pauper, Sol Ring is also a highly sought-after artifact. However, its impact is slightly different due to the formats' restrictions on mana acceleration.

  • In Modern, Sol Ring's value lies in its ability to accelerate development against opponents with slower mana bases.
  • In Pioneer, Sol Ring's versatility makes it an attractive addition to various strategies, from aggro to control.
  • In Pauper, Sol Ring is a key component of many decks that rely on efficient mana acceleration.

Rarity and Pricing

Sol Ring's rarity as a "special" card contributes to its high value. Its prices are among the highest in the game, with a foil price tag of $800.93 USD. While it may be out of reach for casual players, experienced collectors and traders continue to seek Sol Ring due to its competitive potential.

Overall Impact

In summary, Sol Ring is a highly valuable artifact that accelerates mana development, enabling aggressive playstyles and efficient spellcasting. Its versatility in various formats makes it an attractive addition to any deck, but its high price tag and rarity make it a prized possession for experienced players.

Key Scenarios

Key Scenarios & Matchups

Sol Ring excels in aggressive, fast-paced games where its ability to add two mana on the first turn can greatly influence the board. This artifact is particularly potent when combined with cheap, explosive creatures like Goblin Rabblemaster or Monastery Swiftspear, allowing players to rapidly develop their strategy and put pressure on opponents.

In multiplayer games, Sol Ring's power lies in its ability to accelerate a single player's development while others are still ramping up. A well-timed Sol Ring can give the controlling player an insurmountable advantage, particularly if they have access to other mana-doubling or acceleration effects like Mox Sapphire or Simian Spirit Guide. However, opponents with strong early-game defenses and removal spells may be able to neutralize this threat.

Sol Ring falters in control-oriented decks that focus on long-term strategy and value trades. In these matchups, the artifact's inability to generate card advantage or protect itself from removal becomes apparent. A well-prepared opponent can easily disrupt Sol Ring's plans with cards like Eccentricities of Geth or Doom Blade, rendering its mana-doubling effect moot.

Matchup Table

Deck Archetype Strengths/Weaknesses
Aggressive Combo Sol Ring accelerates aggressive gameplan, pressures opponents early.
Midrange Control Sol Ring is vulnerable to removal spells and control-oriented strategies.
Artifact-based Strategies Sol Ring synergizes with other mana-doubling artifacts, amplifying its effects.

In games featuring Vraska's Contempt or [Lightning Bolt, Sol Ring may struggle to maintain an advantage due to the prevalence of instant-speed removal options. However, when paired with a strong ramp engine and explosive creatures, this artifact can dominate the board and dictate the pace of the game.

Ultimately, Sol Ring excels in environments where its mana-doubling ability can be leveraged to fuel aggressive or explosive plays. While it may not provide long-term card advantage, its immediate impact on gameplay is undeniable when used correctly.

History & Meta

Sol Ring, a special artifact from the Mirrodin Prerelease set (mps), has been a staple in various formats for decades. Its simple yet powerful effect allows players to add two mana to their pool on tap.

In terms of printings and reprints, Sol Ring has appeared in numerous sets, including Expedition, 5th Edition, 6th Edition, and many others. This ubiquity has contributed to its widespread adoption across various formats, from casual play to competitive tournaments.

Sol Ring's EDHREC stats show that it is currently ranked as the #1 artifact in Commander decks, with over 40% of all Sol Rings being used in such builds. Its versatility allows it to be played alongside a wide range of cards, including Lightning Bolt, Sulfur Falls, and Liliana's Mastery.

In terms of tournament presence, Sol Ring has been banned in some variants of Commander due to its potential for explosive combinations with other cards like Mox Opal and Simian Spirit Guide. However, it remains a popular choice among players seeking to accelerate their mana development.

Its iconic decks include the classic Sol Ring + Mox Opal combo, which has been featured in numerous articles and streams. This combination enables rapid acceleration of mana production, allowing for aggressive plays with cards like Lightning Bolt and Fireball.

Flavor & Lore

The Sol Ring, an artifact of unparalleled value in the world of Dominaria. This ancient relic, forged from the very essence of the sun, has been a coveted treasure among planar travelers and artifact collectors for centuries.

In the early days of the Izzet League's rise to power, the Sol Ring was said to have been discovered by the brilliant and enigmatic wizard, Jaya Ballard. Her mastery over arcane energies allowed her to unlock the ring's secrets, and she soon became notorious for her reckless use of its power in the pursuit of magical knowledge.

As the Izzet League expanded across Dominaria, the Sol Ring's fame spread far and wide. It was said that any who possessed this artifact could tap into the raw energy of the sun itself, granting them access to unparalleled mana resources. The ring's presence on the battlefield became a harbinger of chaos, as players who wielded it were able to accelerate their spells and abilities with reckless abandon.

One notable example of the Sol Ring's impact can be seen in the legendary deck built by the infamous planar walker, Kamahl, Last of Mejeria. His deck, known for its aggressive and unbridled use of artifact mana acceleration, included multiple Sol Rings to maximize his mana output. With these ancient relics at his disposal, Kamahl was able to unleash devastating combos and finish games in record time.

Throughout the ages, the Sol Ring has remained a coveted treasure among those seeking to tap into the raw power of Dominaria's planes. Its presence on the battlefield is often met with trepidation, as players who wield it are said to be capable of unleashing unfathomable amounts of magical energy upon their opponents.

Budget/Alternatives

Budget & Accessibility Discussion for Sol Ring

The Sol Ring is a iconic artifact that provides an instant boost to mana development. As its rarity is marked as 'special', it's not included in the standard rarity categories, and this has significant implications for its price.

Price and Reprint Status

The Sol Ring's prices are substantial, with the foil version reaching $800.93 USD and €530.00 EUR. For budget-conscious players, this makes it difficult to acquire. However, it's worth noting that the non-foil version is significantly cheaper at 1.91 Tix.

Budget-Friendliness

Given its price point, Sol Ring falls into a category where only very dedicated or high-income players can afford to include it in their decks. Players seeking budget-friendly alternatives will have to look elsewhere for similar effects. Some options to consider are:

  • Mana Crypt: A more affordable alternative that adds two mana whenever its tapped.
  • Mox Opal: While expensive, this card is a closer equivalent in terms of accelerating mana development.

Commander Considerations

In the context of Commander, budget-friendliness becomes even more crucial due to the emphasis on shared costs among players. In this metagame, seeking alternatives that offer similar benefits at lower prices is essential for building competitive decks without breaking the bank.

For those looking to include artifact acceleration in their Commander deck without the high cost of Sol Ring, some options worth exploring are:

  • Gilded Lotus: While pricey, it accelerates mana more aggressively than Sol Ring.
  • Mox Amber: A bit less expensive than Mox Opal and still offers a boost to early-game development.

In summary, while Sol Ring is an incredibly powerful artifact, its price makes it inaccessible for many players. Exploring alternative options can provide similar benefits at lower costs, ensuring that budget-conscious players can still build competitive decks in the Commander format.