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Damping Matrix

Damping Matrix

{3}

Artifact

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.

Illustrated by

MirrodinMirrodin#161·Rare·English
Nov 11, 2026
Market$1.21
Median$1.06
Buy on TCGPlayer

Legality

LegalCommanderNot legalStandardLegalModernNot legalPremodernLegalLegacyLegalVintageNot legalBrawlNot legalPioneer
LegalOathbreaker
Not legalPauperNot legalHistoric
Not legalTimeless

Rulings

Mar 14, 2017

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.

Mar 14, 2017

A mana ability is an ability that produces mana, not an ability that costs mana.

Mar 14, 2017

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.