Powder Keg
Artifact
At the beginning of your upkeep, you may put a fuse counter on this artifact.
, Sacrifice this artifact: Destroy each artifact and creature with mana value equal to the number of fuse counters on this artifact.
- CMC
- 2
- Mana cost
- Color identity
- C
- Rarity
- rare
- Set
- Magic Player Rewards 2004
- Price
- —
- EDHREC rank
- #23861
Powder Keg is a slow-burn board wipe that trades speed for precision — it destroys every permanent with mana value equal to the number of fuse counters on it, hitting artifacts, enchantments, and creatures simultaneously. The charge mechanic means opponents see it coming and have to decide whether to play into it or stall, which is real leverage even before it fires.
Format Analysis
Where it lives, where it can’t
| Format | Verdict |
|---|---|
| commander | legal |
| legacy | legal |
| modern | not legal |
| pioneer | not legal |
| standard | not legal |
| vintage | legal |
| pauper | not legal |
| oathbreaker | legal |
In Commander, Powder Keg occupies a niche role: it's not the fastest answer, but decks that can proliferate counters — or that simply want a delayed, telegraphed sweep of a specific mana value — get genuine value from it. The tension it creates is real, since opponents who develop low-curve threats have to weigh playing into the keg or wasting tempo holding back. In Legacy and Vintage, Powder Keg has historical relevance as a clean answer to Chalice of the Void and token strategies, and it still sees fringe play in artifact-heavy or control shells where the slow setup is acceptable. Outside those older formats it's not legal, and in Commander specifically it faces stiff competition from instant-speed and unconditional removal that doesn't require waiting multiple turns.
Key Combos
Combo lines featuring this card
Price Context
Current price
unknown tier
Pricing data for Powder Keg isn't currently available in our system, so check Scryfall or TCGPlayer for a live number. Given its narrow competitive application and age, it tends to hold modest value — worth picking up if you have a specific deck that wants it, not as a general staple.
Explore
Sources
Mentioned
Updated . Data from Scryfall, EDHREC, and Commander Spellbook.