Arcane Signet

Arcane Signet Full Guide

Commander Legends Uncommon
Mana Cost: {2}
Type: Artifact
Arcane Signet Text:
{T}: Add one mana of any color in your commander's color identity.
Flavor:
It started as a mere drop of water. The Magic Mirror crystallized it into much more.
Artist: Dan Murayama Scott
Collector Number: 297
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

Arcane Signet: A versatile and powerful artifact that adds one mana of any color in your commander's identity for a mere 2 mana. Its ability makes it an excellent addition to decks relying on multiple colors, particularly those with high CMCs or complex combos. Arcane Signet is particularly strong in Commander, where its utility can help bridge the gap between different color combinations.

Power Level: Moderate-High

Main Use Cases:

  • Enabling access to secondary or tertiary colors
  • Filling mana gaps in multi-color decks
  • Fueling high-CMC spells and combos

Popular Formats: Commander (EDH), possibly Cube and Draft due to its low CMC and versatile ability.

Card Mechanics & Interactions

Arcane Signet

As an artifact, Arcane Signet has a straightforward mana cost of {2}. Its oracle text is the key to understanding its functionality: "{T}: Add one mana of any color in your commander's color identity."

This card interacts with the concept of color identity, which determines which colors are considered for various effects and abilities. In this case, Arcane Signet allows you to add a single mana of any color that is part of your commander's color identity.

Here are some key points to consider:

  • Mana Addition: When you tap Arcane Signet, it adds one mana of any color in your commander's color identity. This can be a crucial resource for casting spells or activating abilities.
  • Color Identity: The card only cares about the colors present on your commander, not the cards in your deck. If your commander is blue-green, you can tap Arcane Signet to add either blue or green mana.
  • Timing: Tap costs are typically paid when a player chooses to pay them, which means you can choose when to activate Arcane Signet's ability.

Some edge cases and unusual interactions to keep in mind:

  • Multiple Copies: If you have multiple copies of Arcane Signet, each one will add one mana independently. You can tap all your Arcane Signets simultaneously to generate additional mana.
  • Colorless Sources: Since Arcane Signet adds a colorless mana (albeit with the restriction of your commander's color identity), it doesn't directly interact with cards that care about land types or colorless sources.
  • Artifacts and Mana: Some artifacts, like [Sculptor of Winter**, allow you to manipulate the colors available for artifact lands. Be cautious when combining Arcane Signet with these cards, as their effects might interact unexpectedly.

Commander-specific quirks:

  • Color Identity Shifts: As your commander's color identity changes due to cards like [Kor Spiritdancer or [Golgari Findbroker, be prepared for Arcane Signet's ability to shift the colors it can add mana for.
  • Multiple Commanders: If you have multiple commanders, each one will define a different set of colors. You'll need to consider which commander is "in play" when using Arcane Signet.

Keep these points in mind when integrating Arcane Signet into your deck.

Strategic Applications

Strategic Applications of Arcane Signet

Arcane Signet is a versatile artifact that provides a crucial mana advantage in Commander decks. Its ability to add one mana of any color in the commander's color identity makes it an excellent addition to various strategies.

Colorless and Azorius Strategies

The card is particularly well-suited for Colorless and Azorius decks, as its ability allows them to play around their commander's fixed colors. For example:

  • Sisay, Selfless Sovereign: This Azorius commander benefits from Arcane Signet's ability to add white or colorless mana, enabling more aggressive plays.
  • Griselbrand: This colorless commander can leverage the signet to add black or white mana, allowing for a flexible and powerful playstyle.

Multi-Color Strategies

Arcane Signet also finds a home in multi-color decks that prioritize versatility and adaptability. Its ability enables these decks to more easily transition between colors, making it easier to maintain their complex color schemes.

  • Estrid, the Masked: This Esper commander benefits from Arcane Signet's ability to add white or blue mana, facilitating a more dynamic playstyle.
  • Liliana of the Veil: This Grixis commander can leverage the signet to add black or blue mana, enabling more complex and aggressive plays.

Niche Strategies

Arcane Signet is also used in niche strategies that rely on its ability to provide a single-color mana boost. For example:

  • Merwyn's Commanders: Decks featuring Merwyn as their commander can use Arcane Signet to add blue or green mana, enabling more aggressive plays.
  • Azami, Lady of Scrolls: This Azorius commander benefits from Arcane Signet's ability to add white or colorless mana, allowing for a more flexible and powerful playstyle.

Competitive Builds

Arcane Signet is often included in competitive Commander decks that prioritize consistency and adaptability. Its ability provides an extra layer of flexibility, enabling players to respond to their opponents' moves more effectively.

  • Combo Decks: Arcane Signet can be used in combo decks to provide a necessary mana boost for complex spells.
  • Aggro Decks: The signet's ability allows aggro decks to add an additional color or two to their mana base, enabling more aggressive plays.
Advanced Techniques

Arcane Signet is a versatile artifact that can add a flexible mana source to any Commander deck. Its ability to generate one mana of any color in the commander's color identity makes it an attractive addition for decks with complex or rotating color schemes.

Synergies and Interactions:

  • Tolarian Academy: Arcane Signet pairs well with Tolarian Academy, allowing you to generate a steady stream of blue mana while also accessing other colors. This combination can help to accelerate your game plan and create opportunities for explosive combos.
  • Arcane Conundrum: Arcane Signet can help to enable Arcane Conundrum's ability by providing the necessary blue mana, making it easier to execute its clever trickplay.
  • Trostani's Summoner: Trostani's Summoner benefits from the extra mana provided by Arcane Signet, allowing you to more easily cast your commander and generate additional tokens.

Rules Tricks:

  • Colorless Mana Generation: When used in combination with a card like Luminarch Ascension, Arcane Signet can help to generate colorless mana, enabling a wider range of spells and abilities.
  • Temporary Color Shifting: By casting Arcane Signet on your turn, you can temporarily shift the colors available for generating mana, allowing you to adapt to changing circumstances or exploit specific interactions.

Tips and Considerations:

  • Inclusion in Commander Decks: Arcane Signet is a relatively low-cost artifact that can be easily included in most Commander decks. Its flexibility makes it an attractive addition for decks with complex color schemes.
  • Mana Generation: When casting spells, prioritize using the mana provided by Arcane Signet to maximize its value and minimize waste.

Overall, Arcane Signet offers a valuable source of flexible mana generation that can enhance many different Commander strategies.

Common Mistakes

Timing Issues with Arcane Signet

One common mistake when playing Arcane Signet is tapping it too early in the game, especially in the early turns. While it's tempting to use its ability as soon as possible to ramp up your mana, this can lead to issues down the line.

  • Tapping on turn 2: Tapping Arcane Signet on turn 2 might seem like a good idea, but it can put you at risk of running out of mana in subsequent turns. If you've tapped it early, you may not have enough mana to play other cards or use your commander's abilities.
  • Missing out on synergies: Playing Arcane Signet too early can also lead to missed opportunities for synergy with other cards in your deck. For example, if you're playing a Liliana of the Veil-based Commander deck, tapping Arcane Signet on turn 2 might prevent you from using its ability in conjunction with Liliana's own card advantage.

Misunderstanding the Oracle Text

Another common mistake is misinterpreting the oracle text of Arcane Signet. While it may seem obvious that the card adds one mana of any color, some players misunderstand this to mean that it can add a specific amount of mana (e.g., 2 mana instead of just 1).

  • Ignoring the commander's color identity: Some players forget that Arcane Signet only adds mana of colors in their Commander's color identity. This means that if your Commander is a blue-red deck, Arcane Signet will not add green or black mana.
  • Not considering alternative uses for added mana: When adding one mana with Arcane Signet, consider using it to cast an additional land or playing a small, mana-efficient creature.

Poor Synergies and Suboptimal Choices

Finally, some players make suboptimal choices when combining Arcane Signet with other cards in their deck. This can lead to wasted potential and missed opportunities for synergies.

  • Pairing it with too many ramp spells: While it's great to have multiple ways to ramp up your mana, pairing Arcane Signet with too many other ramp spells can create an overly aggressive gameplan that doesn't actually generate much value.
  • Not considering the opponent's life total: When using Arcane Signet to add mana, consider whether this will put you in a better position to attack or defend against your opponent. For example, if your opponent is low on life and you're adding green or black mana with Arcane Signet, it may be more beneficial to play a creature that can kill them quickly.

By being aware of these common mistakes and pitfalls, players can make the most of Arcane Signet's abilities in their Commander decks.

Conclusion

Arcane Signet: A Timeless Tool for Commander Players

The Arcane Signet is a staple in many Commander decks, offering an unparalleled level of flexibility and utility. With its ability to add one mana of any color in your commander's color identity, this artifact has become a beloved companion among players seeking to unleash complex combos and explosive plays.

Key Features:

  • Colorless Mana: Arcane Signet generates one mana of any color, allowing you to supplement your existing colors or change up your strategy mid-game.
  • Affordability: As an uncommon artifact with a mana cost of 2, the Arcane Signet is a budget-friendly option for players seeking to upgrade their decks without breaking the bank.
  • Versatility: This card pairs well with a wide range of commanders and strategies, making it an excellent choice for players looking to experiment with new deck builds.

Inclusion in Top-Tier Decks:

The Arcane Signet has become a staple in several high-profile Commander decks, including the "Azami" and "Sisay" archetypes. Its ability to add colorless mana makes it an excellent fit for various mono-color and multi-color strategies.

Budget-Friendly Options:

For players looking to build on a budget, consider pairing Arcane Signet with other affordable artifacts like:

  • Mox Opal: A legendary artifact that generates two mana of any color for one mana.
  • Simian Spirit Guide: An uncommon creature that adds one mana of any color and provides a 2/1 body.

History & Notable Appearances:

The Arcane Signet was introduced in the Commander Masters set (CMR) as an uncommon artifact. Since then, it has been reprinted multiple times in various Commander sets, making it more accessible to players who may not have access to the original version from Core Set 2019.

Flavor & Lore:

The Arcane Signet is an enigmatic artifact that resonates with the subtle energies of the multiverse. Its sleek, gemstone-like design seems almost inconspicuous at first glance, but those attuned to its presence know that it holds a quiet power.

When tapped, the signet unlocks a fundamental principle: it adds one mana of any color in your commander's color identity. This simple yet elegant mechanic is reminiscent of cards like Aether Vial, which also offer an efficient source of mana. However, the Arcane Signet's versatility lies in its ability to supplement mana across a broader range of colors.

Budget & Accessibility:

The Arcane Signet is a staple in Commander decks, and its price reflects its utility. As an uncommon artifact with a mana cost of 2, it's an affordable way to add flexibility to your color identity.

  • Price: Currently priced at $0.49 USD, the Arcane Signet is a budget-friendly option for players.
  • Reprint Status: This card has been reprinted multiple times in various Commander sets, making it more accessible to players who may not have access to the original version from Core Set 2019.

For players looking to build on a budget, consider pairing Arcane Signet with other affordable artifacts like:

  • Mox Opal: A legendary artifact that generates two mana of any color for one mana.
  • Simian Spirit Guide: An uncommon creature that adds one mana of any color and provides a 2/1 body.

Both of these cards are relatively cheap and can help you ramp up to more expensive spells in your deck.

Deckbuilding & Synergies

Arcane Signet is a versatile artifact that excels in various Commander decks. Its primary function is to add one mana of any color within the commander's color identity, making it an excellent addition to mono-colored and multi-colored decks.

Commanders:

Color Identities:

  • Azorius (White-Blue): Arcane Signet is particularly effective in Azorius decks, as it can add either white or blue mana for spells like Luminarch Aspirant or Frostburn.
  • Dimir (Blue-Black): This color identity benefits from Arcane Signet's ability to add black mana, making it easier to cast cards like Nicol Bolas, God-Pharaoh or Griselbrand.

Themes:

  • Ramp and Combo Decks: Arcane Signet is a great addition to decks that rely on ramping up mana quickly. It enables the casting of combo pieces like Mox Opal, Simian Spirit Guide, or Chrome Mosaic.
  • Token Generators: In token-heavy decks, Arcane Signet can provide additional mana for tokens like Conclave Cavalier or [Serra Ascendant, allowing for more aggressive plays.

Engines:

Keep in mind that these are just a few examples of how Arcane Signet can be integrated into various Commander decks. Its versatility makes it an excellent addition to many formats and strategies.

Format Roles

Arcane Signet is a versatile and highly sought-after artifact in the Commander format. Its ability to add one mana of any color in your commander's color identity makes it an excellent addition to decks that want to explore multiple colors.

In terms of impact, Arcane Signet excels as a 2-mana accelerant for non-Wizard-based strategies, allowing players to ramp up quickly and efficiently into more expensive spells. It's particularly well-suited for combo-heavy decks or those reliant on specific mana fixing tools like Jesse's Command or Fauna Shaman. By providing a flexible source of mana acceleration, Arcane Signet enables its controllers to play key cards earlier in the game.

In casual games, Arcane Signet remains a popular choice due to its accessibility and versatility. Players can easily integrate it into various color combinations, making it an attractive option for those looking to experiment with different strategies. Its relatively low price point of $0.49 USD also makes it more approachable for new or budget-conscious players.

In terms of competitive play, Arcane Signet is considered a staple in some top-tier decks, including Grafdigger's Cage and Krenko, Mob Boss. However, its versatility means that it can also find its way into various casual and competitive strategies. When played correctly, Arcane Signet can provide a significant advantage by allowing players to develop their board or play more impactful spells earlier in the game.

In terms of rarity and availability, Arcane Signet is an uncommon card from the Commander Legends set (Cmr). Its price point remains relatively affordable compared to other artifacts with similar functionality.

Key Scenarios

Key Scenarios & Matchups

In multiplayer Commander, Arcane Signet excels in scenarios where a commander's color identity is crucial to the game plan. Its ability to add one mana of any color in your commander's color identity makes it an excellent inclusion for:

  • Azami, Lady of Scrolls: With Azami's ability to copy the commanders' abilities and colors, Arcane Signet becomes an essential tool to accelerate her colors.
  • Eldrazi Conscription: This card allows you to add any mana to the pool, making it easier to cast Eldrazi Conscription, which in turn enables you to generate more mana.

In contrast, Arcane Signet struggles against:

  • Monastery Mentor: Since Monastery Mentor doesn't have a traditional color identity, Arcane Signet is less effective at adding specific colors.
  • Atraxa, Praetors' Voice: Atraxa's ability to add any color mana to your pool makes Arcane Signet redundant.

When paired with cards like Sol Ring, Commander's Sphere, or Mox Opal, Arcane Signet becomes even more powerful. These artifacts allow you to accelerate the game plan and make the most of Arcane Signet's ability.

History & Meta

Arcane Signet has been a staple in many Commander decks since its introduction in the Commander Masters set (CMR) as an uncommon artifact. With its ability to add one mana of any color in your commander's color identity for just two mana, it provides a versatile and efficient way to accelerate your game plan.

In terms of printings, Arcane Signet has remained relatively unchanged since its initial release in CMR. Its rarity has been fixed as uncommon across all printings.

Arcane Signet is widely popular among Commander players, ranking third on the EDHREC popularity chart. This is not surprising given its utility and affordability. In terms of specific decks, Arcane Signet appears frequently alongside cards like Mox Opal and Sol Ring, which share similar goals of accelerating mana development.

In tournament play, Arcane Signet's ubiquity has led to its inclusion in several high-profile Commander decks, including the "Azami" and "Sisay" archetypes. Its ability to add a colorless mana also makes it a great fit for various mono-color and multi-color strategies.

As of the most recent price data, Arcane Signet's prices have remained stable across different formats, with a median price in USD around $0.49.

Flavor & Lore

The Arcane Signet is an enigmatic artifact that resonates with the subtle energies of the multiverse. Its sleek, gemstone-like design seems almost inconspicuous at first glance, but those attuned to its presence know that it holds a quiet power.

As a testament to the ingenuity of the Izzet League's artificers, the Arcane Signet is imbued with the essence of arcane experimentation. Its designers likely drew inspiration from the intricate mechanisms and blueprints hidden within ancient Izzet ruins, where they discovered cryptic formulas etched into the walls.

When tapped, the signet unlocks a fundamental principle: it adds one mana of any color in your commander's color identity. This simple yet elegant mechanic is reminiscent of cards like Aether Vial, which also offer an efficient source of mana. However, the Arcane Signet's versatility lies in its ability to supplement mana across a broader range of colors.

This artifact is particularly suited for Izzet League decks that seek to harness the infinite possibilities of blue magic. By providing a readily available source of colorless or additional colored mana, the signet enables players to execute complex combos with cards like Countersquall and Jace, the Mind Sculptor. Even in more focused Izzet strategies, such as those centered around Snapcaster Mage, the Arcane Signet offers a reliable means of fueling explosive plays.

The subtle presence of the Arcane Signet belies its significant impact on gameplay. It can be tapped repeatedly to accumulate mana, allowing players to unleash devastating spells and combos in rapid succession. When wielded by an experienced commander, this artifact becomes a powerful catalyst for complex, high-octane strategies that would otherwise require intricate timing and planning.

As the Izzet League's innovations continue to shape the world of Ravnica, artifacts like the Arcane Signet serve as testaments to their ingenuity. These enigmatic relics not only amplify the potency of magical experiments but also underscore the boundless potential for discovery within the realm of arcane science.

Budget/Alternatives

Budget & Accessibility: Arcane Signet

The Arcane Signet is a staple in Commander decks, and its price reflects its utility. As an uncommon artifact with a mana cost of 2, it's an affordable way to add flexibility to your color identity.

  • Price: Currently priced at $0.49 USD, the Arcane Signet is a budget-friendly option for players.
  • Reprint Status: This card has been reprinted multiple times in various Commander sets, making it more accessible to players who may not have access to the original version from Core Set 2019.

For players looking to build on a budget, consider pairing Arcane Signet with other affordable artifacts like:

  • Mox Opal: A legendary artifact that generates two mana of any color for one mana.
  • Simian Spirit Guide: An uncommon creature that adds one mana of any color and provides a 2/1 body.

Both of these cards are relatively cheap and can help you ramp up to more expensive spells in your deck.