The Dark Sphere is an Artifact card from the 1994 The Dark expansion, featuring unique protective gameplay mechanics.
1994 • Magic: The Gathering • The Dark
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| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$9.82 | Guide Estimate | +1.4% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Oct 28, 2026
Released in 1994 as part of Magic: The Gathering's The Dark expansion, the Dark Sphere (card number 100) stands as a foundational Artifact in the game's early history. Designed by Mark Tedin, this Uncommon card offers a strategic defensive option for players managing life total damage. Its zero mana cost makes it accessible early in the game, allowing for flexible deck construction without consuming precious resources. The card's ability allows the controller to sacrifice the artifact to prevent half the damage from a chosen source for the turn. This mechanic, rounded down, provides a reliable shield against aggressive strategies, making the Dark Sphere a staple in control and midrange decks during the format's formative years. The flavor text, attributed to Barl, Lord Ith, adds a layer of narrative depth, describing the creature's eerie resilience and strange curiosity. For collectors, the Dark Sphere represents a significant piece of Magic: The Gathering lore and design evolution. Owning a copy of this card connects collectors to the rich history of the trading card game, offering both gameplay utility and historical significance. Whether you are building a nostalgic deck or adding to a comprehensive collection, the Dark Sphere remains a versatile and iconic choice. Its enduring presence in the game's history ensures it continues to be a valued item for both casual players and serious collectors alike.
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The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
The core identity of the card within the set.
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Dark Sphere
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Uncommon
Mark Tedin
Card Stock
English
{0}
Artifact
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
{T}, Sacrifice this artifact: The next time a source of your choice would deal damage to you this turn, prevent half that damage, rounded down.
"I was struck senseless for a moment, but revived when the strange curiosity I carried fell to the ground, screaming like a dying animal." —Barl, Lord Ith
FAQ
The Dark Sphere is an Artifact card from the 1994 The Dark expansion. It has a mana cost of zero and an ability that allows the player to sacrifice it to prevent half the damage from a chosen source for the turn.
The artwork for the Dark Sphere was created by Mark Tedin, a prominent artist during Magic: The Gathering's early years. His style helped define the dark fantasy aesthetic of The Dark set.
By tapping the Dark Sphere and sacrificing it, the controller can choose a source of damage and prevent half of that damage, rounded down, from being dealt to them for the rest of the turn.
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