Budget Alternatives to Faces of the Past
Looking for a functional budget replacement for Faces of the Past ($13.49)? Whether you're brewing a 100-card Commander deck, upgrading a budget league list, or trying to avoid spending over $50 on cardboard, these vector-analyzed substitutes deliver comparable Mana Accelerator & Ramp power for a fraction of the cost.
Top 3 Substitutes for Faces of the Past at a Glance
Second Wind
Matches Faces of the Past's Enchantment card type and shares the exact same mana value (3 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #tapper-creature, #untapper-creature.
Jolt
Acts as a Instant alternative to Faces of the Past's Enchantment and shares the exact same mana value (3 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #tapper-creature, #untapper-creature.
Abduction
Matches Faces of the Past's Enchantment card type and costs 1 more mana (4 MV vs 3 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #death-trigger, #untapper-creature.
Faces of the Past
How Much Can You Save? (Price & Similarity Matrix)
Direct financial comparison between Faces of the Past and top budget alternatives.
| Card Name | Card Type & CMC | Price | Savings ($) | Savings (%) | Vector Similarity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faces of the Past (Original) | Enchantment | $13.49 | — | — | 100% (Baseline) |
| #1 Second Wind | Enchantment (3 MV) | $1.64 | $11.85 | 88% | 78% Match |
| #2 Abduction | Enchantment (4 MV) | $0.42 | $13.07 | 97% | 77% Match |
| #3 Twiddle | Instant (1 MV) | $0.50 | $12.99 | 96% | 75% Match |
| #4 Chain Stasis | Instant (1 MV) | $2.25 | $11.24 | 83% | 71% Match |
| #5 Jolt | Instant (3 MV) | $0.13 | $13.36 | 99% | 69% Match |
| #6 Ray of Command | Instant (4 MV) | $0.26 | $13.23 | 98% | 68% Match |
In-Depth Analysis: Best Alternatives to Faces of the Past
Detailed mechanical similarities, differences, advantages, disadvantages, and ideal deck situations for each substitute.
Second Wind
(Enchantment — Aura • 3 MV)
Enchant creature {T}: Tap enchanted creature. {T}: Untap enchanted creature.
Matches Faces of the Past's Enchantment card type and shares the exact same mana value (3 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #tapper-creature, #untapper-creature.
- • Costs $1.64 (88% savings over Faces of the Past)
- • Fills the Enchantment curve slot cleanly
- • Delivers 78% of the mechanical power ceiling
Abduction
(Enchantment — Aura • 4 MV)
Enchant creature When this Aura enters, untap enchanted creature. You control enchanted creature. When enchanted creature dies, return that card to the battlefield under its owner's control.
Matches Faces of the Past's Enchantment card type and costs 1 more mana (4 MV vs 3 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #death-trigger, #untapper-creature.
- • Costs $0.42 (97% savings over Faces of the Past)
- • Fills the Enchantment curve slot cleanly
- • Costs 1 additional mana to cast
- • Delivers 77% of the mechanical power ceiling
Twiddle
(Instant • 1 MV)
You may tap or untap target artifact, creature, or land.
Acts as a Instant alternative to Faces of the Past's Enchantment and costs 2 less mana (1 MV vs 3 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #tapper-creature, #untapper-creature.
- • Costs $0.50 (96% savings over Faces of the Past)
- • Fills the Enchantment curve slot cleanly
- • Faster casting curve (1 MV vs 3 MV)
- • Delivers 75% of the mechanical power ceiling
Chain Stasis
(Instant • 1 MV)
You may tap or untap target creature. Then that creature's controller may pay {2}{U}. If the player does, they may copy this spell and may choose a new target for that copy.
Acts as a Instant alternative to Faces of the Past's Enchantment and costs 2 less mana (1 MV vs 3 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #tapper-creature, #untapper-creature.
- • Costs $2.25 (83% savings over Faces of the Past)
- • Fills the Enchantment curve slot cleanly
- • Faster casting curve (1 MV vs 3 MV)
- • Delivers 71% of the mechanical power ceiling
Jolt
(Instant • 3 MV)
You may tap or untap target artifact, creature, or land. Draw a card at the beginning of the next turn's upkeep.
Acts as a Instant alternative to Faces of the Past's Enchantment and shares the exact same mana value (3 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #tapper-creature, #untapper-creature.
- • Costs $0.13 (99% savings over Faces of the Past)
- • Fills the Enchantment curve slot cleanly
- • Delivers 69% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ray of Command
(Instant • 4 MV)
Untap target creature an opponent controls and gain control of it until end of turn. That creature gains haste until end of turn. When you lose control of the creature, tap it.
Acts as a Instant alternative to Faces of the Past's Enchantment and costs 1 more mana (4 MV vs 3 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #tapper-creature, #untapper-creature.
- • Costs $0.26 (98% savings over Faces of the Past)
- • Fills the Enchantment curve slot cleanly
- • Costs 1 additional mana to cast
- • Delivers 68% of the mechanical power ceiling
Which Alternative Should You Choose?
Match the right replacement card to your specific commander archetype and deck strategy.
Maximizes mana efficiency and replicates Faces of the Past's primary trigger role.
Reduces total deck cost below $50 while keeping the curve active.
Interacts directly with creature types, enchantments, or artifact themes.
When Is Faces of the Past Irreplaceable?
If your deck relies on specific infinite combo lines that require Faces of the Past'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 $13.49 price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions About Faces of the Past Alternatives
Answers to the most common deckbuilding and replacement queries.
What is the best budget alternative to Faces of the Past?+
Second Wind ($1.64) is the best overall alternative to Faces of the Past ($13.49), saving $11.85 (88% savings) with a 78% functional vector match.
What cards are like Faces of the Past in MTG?+
Cards like Faces of the Past include Second Wind ($1.64), Abduction ($0.42), Twiddle ($0.50), Chain Stasis ($2.25). These cards share similar mana curves, mechanics, and strategic roles in Commander.
What is the cheapest replacement for Faces of the Past?+
Jolt ($0.13) is the most affordable replacement, saving over 99% compared to Faces of the Past.
Why would a player want a replacement for Faces of the Past?+
At $13.49, Faces of the Past 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 Faces of the Past?+
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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