Damping Matrix
~$0.84 low · ~$12.44 high
Colorless. Artifact
Modern Masters 2017 #218 · Illustrated by Mike Dringenberg
Modern Masters 2017 #218 · Illustrated by Mike DringenbergWhat is Damping Matrix worth?
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TCGplayer market prices in USD, updated October 14, 2026. Each price is for one printing and one finish.
Oracle 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.
Format legality
All 2 printings of Damping Matrix
| Printing | Rarity | Non-foil | Foil | Cardmarket (EUR) | My collection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Modern Masters 2017 mm3 #218· 2017rare· Cardmarket €0.69 · €2.02 foil | rare | $0.84 | $3.52 | €0.69€2.02 foil | |
 Mirrodin mrd #161· 2003rare· Cardmarket €0.55 · €6.86 foil | rare | $1.18 | $12.44 | €0.55€6.86 foil |
Prices are TCGplayer market prices in USD for each printing and finish, via Scryfall. They are a guide, not an appraisal.
Where to buy Damping Matrix
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Card details
- First printed
- 2003
- Printings
- 2
- Mana value
- 3
- EDHREC rank
- #15,655 on EDHREC (Commander popularity)
- Artist
- Mike Dringenberg
What the codes mean
The small print at the bottom of the Modern Masters 2017 card (#218).
218 · MM3 · R · EN
- 218Collector number: this card's place in the set list. Main-set cards print it over the set's card count.
- MM3Set code for Modern Masters 2017
- RRare
- ENPrinted in English
How to read a Magic card: every part and code, on real cards.
Card breakdown
The parts of Damping Matrix, read from the Modern Masters 2017 printing. Tap a label to highlight its line. How to read any Magic card.
The info line, magnified
Swipe to see the whole line.
Also on this card
- Flavor text
- Italic story text below the rules. It has no effect on the game, and it can differ between printings.
Rulings (3)
2017-03-14
Activated abilities contain a colon. They’re generally written “[Cost]: [Effect].” Some keyword abilities, such as equip, are activated abilities and will have colons in their reminder text.
2017-03-14
Damping Matrix’s ability affects only artifacts and creatures on the battlefield. Activated abilities that work in other zones (such as bloodrush or unearth) can still be activated. Triggered abilities (starting with “when,” “whenever,” or “at”) are unaffected.
2017-03-14
A mana ability is an ability that produces mana, not an ability that costs mana.
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