MTG Theros: Beyond Death’s Nyx Lotus ascends Devotion

Free mana with hindrances.
Lotus Field MTG
Image via WotC Magic: The Gathering

The Devotion mechanic in Theros: Beyond Death (THB) could surge to new heights with today’s spoiler, Nyx Lotus. 

Recommended Videos

On its surface, Nyx Lotus seems like a halfway decent mana producer within the MTG Commander format. As a Legendary Artifact, it comes in tapped and can’t be used without a ramp source until turn five. But there are ways around Nyx Lotus’ weaknesses that may prove beneficial.

Nyx Lotus THB MTG
Image via WotC Magic: The Gathering

Nyx Lotus plays off the Devotion mechanic, a prominent theme in THB, along with the new Escape mechanic. The artifact has two major weaknesses, though. It comes in tapped and costs four colorless mana to cast. Outside of the Commander format, these hindrances make Nyx Lotus difficult to play in other Magic formats, even in a sideboard. 

Entering tapped can be solved with Manifold Key. But in using Manifold Key, or Corridor Monitor, the deck should be crafted around Artifacts. In a Control or Midrange deck, however, Nyx Lotus coming in tapped during the later stages of a match isn’t too much of a hindrance—and it’ll produce major results during the following turn. 

In combination with Underworld Breach, every card in a player’s graveyard has Escape. Using Nyx Lotus to cover the mana cost of one or more cards using Escape costs frees up existing mana to counter an opponent’s removal or pay the mana ability on Cavalier of Flame and give all creatures Haste. A similar strategy would also work in a five-colored deck using Kenrith, the Returned King

Nyx Lotus is far from broken and may not see any kind of play outside of the Commander format. But Magic players are extremely resourceful, especially when it involves free mana.  


Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more
related content
Read Article MTG Uncommon Minotaur has Affinity for Outlaws in Thunder Junction
Outlaws approaching town with sunset in background
Read Article Legendary MTG Warrior in Thunder Junction buffs Oxen in Commander and Limited
Bruse riding an Ox with his herd surrounding him on Thunder Junction
Read Article All MTG Special Guest cards in Outlaws of Thunder Junction
Faries Rogue stealing an Artifact
Related Content
Read Article MTG Uncommon Minotaur has Affinity for Outlaws in Thunder Junction
Outlaws approaching town with sunset in background
Read Article Legendary MTG Warrior in Thunder Junction buffs Oxen in Commander and Limited
Bruse riding an Ox with his herd surrounding him on Thunder Junction
Read Article All MTG Special Guest cards in Outlaws of Thunder Junction
Faries Rogue stealing an Artifact
Author
Danny Forster
Lead Magic: The Gathering/Teamfight Tactics scribe and staff writer for Dot Esports. Danny is a gamer beach bum residing in Spacecoast Florida and has been a journalist for seven years, of which five have been at Dot Esports. Prior media outllets Danny wrote for were Screen Rant and TheGamer. You can typically catch Danny playing TCGs and a variety of strategic games. He also hangs out on Twitter @Dannyspacecoast.