MTG Ramp Cards
Cards tagged as: ramp
A-Spell Satchel
Artifact
Abundant Growth
Enchantment — Aura
Accomplished Alchemist
Creature — Elf Druid
Agent of Stromgald
Creature — Human Knight
Ainok Guide
Creature — Dog Scout
Alena, Kessig Trapper
Legendary Creature — Human Scout
Altar of the Pantheon
Artifact
An Offer You Can't Refuse
Instant
Apprentice Wizard
Creature — Human Wizard
Arboreal Grazer
Creature — Sloth Beast
Arcane Signet
Artifact
Archaeomancer's Map
Artifact
Archmage of Runes
Creature — Giant Wizard
Artist's Talent
Enchantment — Class
Ashnod's Altar
Artifact
Atalan Jackal
Creature — Human Tyranid Scout
Avacyn's Pilgrim
Creature — Human Monk
Averna, the Chaos Bloom
Legendary Creature — Elemental Shaman
Azorius Signet
Artifact
Baral, Chief of Compliance
Legendary Creature — Human Wizard
Barbed Sextant
Artifact
Basal Sliver
Creature — Sliver
Basal Thrull
Creature — Thrull
Basalt Monolith
Artifact
Baylen, the Haymaker
Legendary Creature — Rabbit Warrior
Benthic Explorers
Creature — Merfolk Scout
Biophagus
Creature — Human Tyranid Wizard
Birds of Paradise
Creature — Bird
Birds of Paradise Avatar
Vanguard
Black Mana Battery
Artifact
Black Market
Enchantment
Blight Herder
Creature — Eldrazi Processor
Blood Celebrant
Creature — Human Cleric
Blood Pet
Creature — Thrull
Bloodstone Cameo
Artifact
Blooming Blast
Instant
Blue Mana Battery
Artifact
Bog Initiate
Creature — Human Wizard
Boros Signet
Artifact
Braid of Fire
Enchantment
Braids, Conjurer Adept Avatar
Vanguard
Brass's Bounty
Sorcery
Brazen Collector
Creature — Raccoon Rogue
Brood Monitor
Creature — Eldrazi Drone
Burgeoning
Enchantment
Burning-Tree Emissary
Creature — Human Shaman
Burnished Hart
Artifact Creature — Elk
Bushwhack
Sorcery
Cabal Ritual
Instant
Campus Guide
Artifact Creature — Golem
Understanding Ramp in Magic: The Gathering
Ramp in Magic: The Gathering refers to strategies and cards that boost your mana production faster than normal. It’s not always easy deciding which cards to include, but it can be the key to casting powerful spells early. Who hasn’t been stuck on three lands, staring at a hand full of expensive spells?
Land-Based Ramp
Land-based ramp spells place extra lands onto the battlefield, which is usually the most stable way to speed up your mana. Cards like Cultivate or Kodama’s Reach are popular for their reliability, especially in green decks. Lands don’t often get blown up (though it’s devastating when someone pulls out a mass land destruction card). But overall, it’s a safe approach since your mana source sticks around longer than most creatures or artifacts.
Creature-Based Ramp (Mana Dorks)
Some players prefer creatures that tap for mana, commonly called mana dorks. Llanowar Elves and Birds of Paradise are classics in this category. These tiny creatures can catapult you from two mana to three or four in a heartbeat. The downside is obvious: they’re vulnerable to removal. I’ve had more than a few moments when my little mana team got taken out by a single board wipe, and it felt like losing half my strategy. But when they survive, you can flood the board with big threats quickly.
Artifact-Based Ramp
Mana rocks, such as Sol Ring or Arcane Signet, are a staple for colors that struggle with land ramp. They come down, tap for mana, and help you keep pace with decks that have more natural mana growth. The risk is that artifacts can be destroyed by specific removal spells, leaving you suddenly short on resources. Still, most Commander decks include at least a few artifact accelerators because they’re efficient and easy to slot in.
Enchantment-Based Ramp
Enchantments like Utopia Sprawl or Wild Growth can also ramp your mana. They’re often used with cards like Arbor Elf, which can untap enchanted lands for even more mana. These aren’t as common as artifacts or creatures, but in the right deck they work wonders. Just be careful if your opponent starts targeting your enchanted lands, because that can ruin your day.
Important Deck Considerations
When deciding which ramp approach to use, look at your deck’s color identity and overall strategy. Green decks have plenty of land-based and creature-based options, while others rely on artifacts or enchantments. Also think about your mana curve. If your deck has lots of expensive spells, you’ll want more ramp. And be aware that each ramp type has weaknesses: creatures die, artifacts get blown up, and enchantments vanish if the land they’re on is destroyed. The trick is finding the right balance.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, ramp is one of the most important things in Magic. It helps you play your big spells and take control of the game before your opponents can catch up. Whether you stick to land-based strategies or fill your deck with mana dorks, you’ll find that ramp puts you in a better position, faster. It’s not always foolproof—someone might cast a board wipe at the worst possible moment—but it’s still worth including. Sometimes it pays off big, and that’s one of the best feelings in the game.