Budget Alternatives to Entomb

Looking for a functional budget replacement for Entomb ($16.48)? Whether you're brewing a 100-card Commander deck, upgrading a budget league list, or trying to avoid spending over $50 on cardboard, these vector-analyzed substitutes deliver comparable Tutor & Consistency Helper power for a fraction of the cost.

By MTGCheap Data Lab 6 min readUpdated August 2026
Quick Answer: Best Replacements

Top 3 Substitutes for Entomb at a Glance

Original Price: $16.48
BEST OVERALL

Final Parting

$0.38Save 98%

Acts as a Sorcery alternative to Entomb's Instant and costs 4 more mana (5 MV vs 1 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #tutor-card, #tutor-to-graveyard.

92% Match
CHEAPEST VIABLE

Vile Entomber

$0.19Save 99%

Acts as a Creature alternative to Entomb's Instant and costs 3 more mana (4 MV vs 1 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #tutor-card, #tutor-to-graveyard.

78% Match
CLOSEST 1:1 MATCH

Oriq Loremage

$0.59Save 96%

Acts as a Creature alternative to Entomb's Instant and costs 3 more mana (4 MV vs 1 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #tutor-card, #tutor-to-graveyard.

82% Match
Magic: The Gathering card image for Entomb (Instant)

Entomb

Instant
$16.48 Market
Search your library for a card, put that card into your graveyard, then shuffle.
Why It's Expensive: Entomb is a high-demand staple in Commander and competitive constructed formats due to its efficient mana value and game-defining tutor & consistency helper mechanics.
#tutor-card#tutor-to-graveyard

How Much Can You Save? (Price & Similarity Matrix)

Direct financial comparison between Entomb and top budget alternatives.

Card NameCard Type & CMCPriceSavings ($)Savings (%)Vector Similarity
Entomb (Original)Instant$16.48100% (Baseline)
#1 Final PartingSorcery (5 MV)$0.38$16.1098%92% Match
#2 Oriq LoremageCreature (4 MV)$0.59$15.8996%82% Match
#3 Vile EntomberCreature (4 MV)$0.19$16.2999%78% Match
#4 Lively DirgeSorcery (2 MV)$2.63$13.8584%80% Match
#5 Gravebreaker LamiaEnchantment Creature (5 MV)$0.49$15.9997%69% Match
#6 Buried AliveSorcery (3 MV)$1.03$15.4594%90% Match

In-Depth Analysis: Best Alternatives to Entomb

Detailed mechanical similarities, differences, advantages, disadvantages, and ideal deck situations for each substitute.

#1

Final Parting

(Sorcery5 MV)
$0.38Save 98%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Final Parting (Sorcery)
92% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

Search your library for two cards. Put one into your hand and the other into your graveyard. Then shuffle.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Acts as a Sorcery alternative to Entomb's Instant and costs 4 more mana (5 MV vs 1 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #tutor-card, #tutor-to-graveyard.

Key Advantages
  • Costs $0.38 (98% savings over Entomb)
  • Fills the Instant curve slot cleanly
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • Costs 4 additional mana to cast
  • Delivers 92% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#tutor-card#tutor-to-graveyard
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool
#2

Oriq Loremage

(Creature — Human Warlock4 MV)
$0.59Save 96%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Oriq Loremage (Creature — Human Warlock)
82% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

{T}: Search your library for a card, put it into your graveyard, then shuffle. If it's an instant or sorcery card, put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Acts as a Creature alternative to Entomb's Instant and costs 3 more mana (4 MV vs 1 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #tutor-card, #tutor-to-graveyard.

Key Advantages
  • Costs $0.59 (96% savings over Entomb)
  • Fills the Instant curve slot cleanly
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • Costs 3 additional mana to cast
  • Delivers 82% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#tutor-card#tutor-to-graveyard
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool
#3

Vile Entomber

(Creature — Zombie Warlock4 MV)
$0.19Save 99%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Vile Entomber (Creature — Zombie Warlock)
78% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

Deathtouch (Any amount of damage this deals to a creature is enough to destroy it.) When this creature enters, search your library for a card, put that card into your graveyard, then shuffle.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Acts as a Creature alternative to Entomb's Instant and costs 3 more mana (4 MV vs 1 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #tutor-card, #tutor-to-graveyard.

Key Advantages
  • Costs $0.19 (99% savings over Entomb)
  • Fills the Instant curve slot cleanly
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • Costs 3 additional mana to cast
  • Delivers 78% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#tutor-card#tutor-to-graveyard
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool
#4

Lively Dirge

(Sorcery2 MV)
$2.63Save 84%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Lively Dirge (Sorcery)
80% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

Spree (Choose one or more additional costs.) + {1} — Search your library for a card, put it into your graveyard, then shuffle. + {2} — Return up to two creature cards with total mana value 4 or less from your graveyard to the battlefield.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Acts as a Sorcery alternative to Entomb's Instant and costs 1 more mana (2 MV vs 1 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #tutor-card, #tutor-to-graveyard.

Key Advantages
  • Costs $2.63 (84% savings over Entomb)
  • Fills the Instant curve slot cleanly
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • Costs 1 additional mana to cast
  • Delivers 80% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#tutor-card#tutor-to-graveyard
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool
#5

Gravebreaker Lamia

(Enchantment Creature — Snake Lamia5 MV)
$0.49Save 97%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Gravebreaker Lamia (Enchantment Creature — Snake Lamia)
69% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

Lifelink When this creature enters, search your library for a card, put it into your graveyard, then shuffle. Spells you cast from your graveyard cost {1} less to cast.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Acts as a Enchantment Creature alternative to Entomb's Instant and costs 4 more mana (5 MV vs 1 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #tutor-card, #tutor-to-graveyard.

Key Advantages
  • Costs $0.49 (97% savings over Entomb)
  • Fills the Instant curve slot cleanly
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • Costs 4 additional mana to cast
  • Delivers 69% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#tutor-card#tutor-to-graveyard
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool
#6

Buried Alive

(Sorcery3 MV)
$1.03Save 94%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Buried Alive (Sorcery)
90% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

Search your library for up to three creature cards, put them into your graveyard, then shuffle.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Acts as a Sorcery alternative to Entomb's Instant and costs 2 more mana (3 MV vs 1 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #tutor-to-graveyard.

Key Advantages
  • Costs $1.03 (94% savings over Entomb)
  • Fills the Instant curve slot cleanly
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • Costs 2 additional mana to cast
  • Delivers 90% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#tutor-to-graveyard
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool

Which Alternative Should You Choose?

Match the right replacement card to your specific commander archetype and deck strategy.

Competitive / High Velocity
Final Parting

Maximizes mana efficiency and replicates Entomb's primary trigger role.

Ultra-Budget / Casual Pods
Vile Entomber

Reduces total deck cost below $50 while keeping the curve active.

Synergy-Driven Strategies
Oriq Loremage

Interacts directly with creature types, enchantments, or artifact themes.

Competitive Nuance: When NOT to Use A Replacement

When Is Entomb Irreplaceable?

If your deck relies on specific infinite combo lines that require Entomb's exact mana cost, unconditional timing, or unique text interaction, budget alternatives may not provide 100% parity. For casual Commander, mid-power EDH, and local game store play, the substitutes above deliver 90%+ functionality without the $16.48 price tag.

Frequently Asked Questions About Entomb Alternatives

Answers to the most common deckbuilding and replacement queries.

What is the best budget alternative to Entomb?+

Final Parting ($0.38) is the best overall alternative to Entomb ($16.48), saving $16.10 (98% savings) with a 92% functional vector match.

What cards are like Entomb in MTG?+

Cards like Entomb include Final Parting ($0.38), Oriq Loremage ($0.59), Vile Entomber ($0.19), Lively Dirge ($2.63). These cards share similar mana curves, mechanics, and strategic roles in Commander.

What is the cheapest replacement for Entomb?+

Vile Entomber ($0.19) is the most affordable replacement, saving over 99% compared to Entomb.

Why would a player want a replacement for Entomb?+

At $16.48, Entomb represents a substantial financial barrier for casual Commander decks, budget league builds, or players testing new color identities.

When should a player NOT use a cheaper alternative to Entomb?+

In top-tier competitive cEDH pods or tournaments where minor efficiency differences (such as 1-mana differences or unconditional instant speed) decide matches, the original staple remains optimal.

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