What is the mana cost of Puppet Strings?

Puppet Strings has a mana cost of three generic mana, making it a moderately priced artifact to cast in the early game. Its mana value is also three, which is important for cards that interact with mana costs or values.

Who illustrated the Tempest version of Puppet Strings?

The artwork for this 1997 card was created by Scott Kirschner, who contributed to many of the early Magic: The Gathering sets with his distinctive style.

What does the Puppet Strings card do in gameplay?

The card allows you to pay two mana and tap it to either tap or untap a target creature, giving you flexible control over the movement of units on the battlefield.

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Marketplace

Reference artwork · details may differ from this copy

About This Card

The 1997 Magic: The Gathering Tempest expansion features Puppet Strings as an Uncommon artifact card (No. 304) offering powerful control over creature movement.

Puppet Strings

1997 • Magic: The Gathering • Tempest

1997 Magic: The Gathering Tempest

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Market Value

Raw/Ungraded Market: $1.01

Updated 6 days ago

Based on TCGplayer Market (reference)Last Updated Oct 12, 2026Check Price Guide

Market & Price History

Condition	Value	Source	Trend	Price Details
	$1.01Oct 12, 2026	Guide Estimate	-1%
Based on TCGplayer Market (reference) Estimate: $1.01, based on Guide Estimate. Source date not availableCaptured Oct 12, 2026 Guide Estimate: $1.01. Evidence date not available. Few comparable observations are available, so this estimate may be less reliable. Over the last 30 days, stored prices ranged from $1.01 to $1.02 across 2 capture days. Change between Sep 21, 2026 and Oct 12, 2026: -1%. Compares the same source, grade and signed status. Capture days are not completed-sale counts.

$1.01Oct 12, 2026
Source
Guide Estimate
Trend
-1%
Price Details
Based on TCGplayer Market (reference)
Estimate: $1.01, based on Guide Estimate.
Source date not availableCaptured Oct 12, 2026
Guide Estimate: $1.01. Evidence date not available.
Few comparable observations are available, so this estimate may be less reliable.
Over the last 30 days, stored prices ranged from $1.01 to $1.02 across 2 capture days. Change between Sep 21, 2026 and Oct 12, 2026: -1%. Compares the same source, grade and signed status. Capture days are not completed-sale counts.

30-day Price History

Raw / Ungraded

TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Oct 12, 2026

Each point is the last stored observation that day for this printing, condition, grader, autograph status and source. Gaps mean no observation; guide estimates and asking prices are not completed sales.

Product Overview

Description

Puppet Strings, numbered 304 in the 1997 Tempest expansion, stands as a defining artifact for collectors of early Magic: The Gathering design. Released during a pivotal era for the game, this card offers a unique mechanical advantage that appeals to both set completists and gameplay enthusiasts. As an Uncommon rarity, it remains accessible yet sought after for its specific utility in controlling the battlefield. The card’s design centers on a simple yet potent ability: by paying mana and tapping the artifact, a player can choose to tap or untap any target creature. This flexibility allowed for creative strategies, from disrupting an opponent’s attack to enabling a friend’s sudden strike. The flavor text, featuring a warning from Volrath to Greven, adds narrative depth, hinting at themes of control and manipulation that permeate the Tempest block. Puppet Strings, illustrated by Scott Kirschner, captures the essence of this period with its clean layout and thematic relevance. Card enthusiasts often track this piece for its historical significance in the evolution of artifact-based strategies. Whether you are looking to complete your Tempest collection or add a versatile piece to your digital or physical archive, this card represents a key component of Magic's rich history. By focusing on the integrity of the card’s identity and its role in the game’s lore, collectors can confidently build their libraries around these foundational pieces.

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