Quick Answer

Damping Matrix is a rare Artifact from MM3 (MM3) costing {3}. Current price: $0.59 USD. Legal in Modern. Legal in Commander.

Damping Matrix MTG card

Damping Matrix

Artifact

Card Text

Activated abilities of artifacts and creatures can't be activated unless they're mana abilities.

The priests tried cursing it. The mages tried dispelling it. In the end, they all obeyed it.

Card Stats

rare CMC: 3.0 MM3 MM3 🎨 Mike Dringenberg

Market Prices

TCGPlayer
$0.59
Normal
Buy
TCGPlayer
$5.88
Foil
Buy
Card Kingdom
$0.69
Normal
Buy
Card Kingdom
$3.49
Foil
Buy
Cardmarket
€0.54
Normal
Buy
Cardmarket
€3.14
Foil
Buy
Prices updated: 2025-12-04

Format Legality

Commander Legal
Duel Legal
Legacy Legal
Modern Legal
Oathbreaker Legal
Penny Legal
Predh Legal
Vintage Legal

Similar Cards

Other Printings (2 total)

Community Stats

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Decks Using This Card
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Comments

Often Played With

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Damping Matrix? Basics

Damping Matrix is a Artifact card from the Magic: The Gathering trading card game.

Its ability reads: "Activated abilities of artifacts and creatures can't be activated unless they're mana abilities."

How much mana does Damping Matrix cost to cast? Basics

Damping Matrix has a mana cost of {3}, which equals 3.0 total mana (converted mana cost/mana value).

It is a colorless card and can be cast with any color of mana.

What does mana cost mean in Magic: The Gathering? Basics

Mana cost is the amount and type of mana required to cast a spell in Magic: The Gathering.

Damping Matrix's mana cost of {3} means you need to pay that much mana from your lands or other sources.

Colored symbols (W=White, U=Blue, B=Black, R=Red, G=Green) must be paid with that specific color, while numbers can be paid with any color.

What is converted mana cost (CMC) or mana value? Basics

Converted mana cost (now officially called "mana value") is the total amount of mana in a card's mana cost, regardless of color.

Damping Matrix has a mana value of 3.0. This is important for effects that care about a spell's total cost, like cascade or cards that say "mana value 3 or less."

What is oracle text? Basics

Oracle text is the official, current rules text for a Magic card as maintained by Wizards of the Coast. It supersedes any printed text on older cards.

Damping Matrix's current oracle text is: "Activated abilities of artifacts and creatures can't be activated unless they're mana abilities."

What is the current price of Damping Matrix? Pricing

The current market price for Damping Matrix is approximately $0.59 USD on TCGPlayer.

A foil copy costs approximately $5.88 USD.

On Cardmarket (Europe), it's approximately €0.54 EUR.

Where can I buy Damping Matrix? Pricing

You can purchase Damping Matrix from major MTG retailers including:

Prices vary by condition and printing. Check multiple sellers to find the best price.

What is the difference between normal and foil cards? Pricing

Foil cards have a shiny, holographic finish that makes them more collectible. They are functionally identical to normal cards but typically cost more due to their rarity and visual appeal.

Damping Matrix normal: $0.59 | foil: $5.88

Is Damping Matrix legal in Standard? Legality

Format legality information for Damping Matrix in Standard is not available.

Standard is a rotating format that only allows cards from the most recent sets.

Is Damping Matrix legal in Modern? Legality

Damping Matrix is Legal in Modern format.

Modern includes all cards printed in a standard-legal set from 8th Edition forward.

Is Damping Matrix legal in Commander (EDH)? Legality

Damping Matrix is Legal in Commander (EDH) format.

Commander is a casual multiplayer format where you build a 100-card singleton deck around a legendary creature.

Is Damping Matrix legal in Pioneer? Legality

Format legality information for Damping Matrix in Pioneer is not available.

Pioneer is a non-rotating format that includes all standard-legal sets from Return to Ravnica forward.

Is Damping Matrix legal in Legacy? Legality

Damping Matrix is Legal in Legacy format.

Legacy allows almost all cards ever printed, with a substantial ban list for balance.

Is Damping Matrix legal in Vintage? Legality

Damping Matrix is Legal in Vintage format.

Vintage is the most permissive format, allowing almost all cards with only a minimal ban list. Some powerful cards are "Restricted" (limited to 1 copy).

Is Damping Matrix legal in Pauper? Legality

Format legality information for Damping Matrix in Pauper is not available.

Pauper only allows cards that have been printed at common rarity in a paper or online set.

What is format legality in MTG? Legality

Format legality indicates which official MTG formats allow a card to be played:

  • Legal: Card is allowed in the format
  • Banned: Card is prohibited from play
  • Restricted: Limited to 1 copy (Vintage only)
  • Not Legal: Card was never part of that format's card pool

Different formats have different banned lists based on power level and game balance.

What set is Damping Matrix from? Details

This printing of Damping Matrix is from MM3 (MM3), with collector number 218.

Damping Matrix may also appear in other MTG sets with different art or special treatments.

What is Damping Matrix's rarity? Details

Damping Matrix is a rare card in MM3.

Card rarity affects both availability and price. From rarest to most common: Mythic Rare → Rare → Uncommon → Common.

Who illustrated Damping Matrix? Details

Damping Matrix was illustrated by Mike Dringenberg.

Magic: The Gathering features artwork from hundreds of talented artists, and many cards have been reprinted with new art over the years.

💬 Card Discussion

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