Phyrexian mana
Phyrexian mana symbols (
, 
, 
, 
, 
) were introduced in New Phyrexia as a novel mechanic.[1][2]
Description
The Phyrexian mana symbols are represented by the Greek letter "phi" (ϕ) on colored backgrounds, and denote a cost that may be paid with either 2 life or mana of the color of the background color of the symbol. The generic 
symbol is used in rules text for any of the five Phyrexian mana symbols.
Magic Head Designer Mark Rosewater noted that Phyrexian mana is similar to normal mana costs but affords additional flexibility to players, allowing them to reduce costs as well as to play with effects from other colors of the Color Pie.[3]
Rules
From the Comprehensive Rules (June 7, 2024—Modern Horizons 3)
- 107.4f Phyrexian mana symbols are colored mana symbols: {W/P} is white, {U/P} is blue, {B/P} is black, {R/P} is red, and {G/P} is green. A Phyrexian mana symbol represents a cost that can be paid either with one mana of its color or by paying 2 life. There are also ten hybrid Phyrexian mana symbols. A hybrid Phyrexian mana symbol represents a cost that can be paid with one mana of either of its component colors or by paying 2 life. A hybrid Phyrexian mana symbol is both of its component colors.
Example: {W/P}{W/P} can be paid by spending {W}{W}, by spending {W} and paying 2 life, or by paying 4 life.
From the Comprehensive Rules (June 7, 2024—Modern Horizons 3)
- 107.4g In rules text, the Phyrexian symbol {P} with no colored background means any of the fifteen Phyrexian mana symbols.
Cards featuring Phyrexian mana
- In mana cost
- Act of Aggression
- Apostle's Blessing
- Birthing Pod
- Cathedral Membrane
- Corrosive Gale
- Dismember
- Gitaxian Probe
- Gut Shot
- Marrow Shards
- Mental Misstep
- Moltensteel Dragon
- Mutagenic Growth
- Norn's Annex
- Noxious Revival
- Phyrexian Metamorph
- Pith Driller
- Porcelain Legionnaire
- Postmortem Lunge
- Rage Extractor
- Ruthless Invasion
- Spike, Tournament Grinder
- Slash Panther
- Spined Thopter
- Surgical Extraction
- Tezzeret's Gambit
- Thundering Tanadon
- Vault Skirge
- In text box
- Blinding Souleater
- Hex Parasite
- Immolating Souleater
- Insatiable Souleater
- Lashwrithe
- Pestilent Souleater
- Spellskite
- Trespassing Souleater
Color percentages
Cards with Phyrexian mana cost:
19.2% 
19.2% 
19.2% 
23.1% 
19.2% Artifacts that have activated abilities with Phyrexian mana:
12.5% 25% 37.5% 12.5% 12.5% Spike, Tournament Grinder is the only silver-bordered card involving Phyrexian mana.
Trivia
- Phyrexian mana was featured as rules card 1 of 4 in the New Phyrexia set.
See also
- Hybrid mana, which can also be paid in two ways
References
- ↑ "New Phyrexia Mechanics" — Wizards of the Coast
- ↑ Steve Sadin (May 3, 2011). "Things to Do with Phyrexian Mana". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (April 25, 2011). "Phyrexian Powers: International Mana Mystery". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.