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Budget Alternatives to Forsaken City

Looking for a functional budget replacement for Forsaken City ($12.52)? 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.

By MTGCheap Data Lab• 6 min read•Updated August 2026
Quick Answer: Best Replacements

Top 3 Substitutes for Forsaken City at a Glance

Original Price: $12.52
BEST OVERALL

Command Bridge

$0.22Save 98%

Matches Forsaken City's Land card type and shares the exact same mana value (0 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #activated-ability, #rainbow-land, #triggered-ability.

77% Match
CHEAPEST VIABLE

Elaborate Firecannon

$0.06Save 100%

Acts as a Artifact alternative to Forsaken City's Land and costs 2 more mana (2 MV vs 0 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #activated-ability, #triggered-ability, #untaps-self.

73% Match
CLOSEST 1:1 MATCH

Public Thoroughfare

$0.26Save 98%

Matches Forsaken City's Land card type and shares the exact same mana value (0 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #activated-ability, #rainbow-land, #triggered-ability.

75% Match
Magic: The Gathering card image for Forsaken City (Land)

Forsaken City

Land
$12.52 Market
This land doesn't untap during your untap step. At the beginning of your upkeep, you may exile a card from your hand. If you do, untap this land. {T}: Add one mana of any color.
Why It's Expensive: Forsaken City is a high-demand staple in Commander and competitive constructed formats due to its efficient mana value and game-defining mana accelerator & ramp mechanics.
#activated-ability#rainbow-land#triggered-ability#untaps-self#upkeep-cost

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

Direct financial comparison between Forsaken City and top budget alternatives.

Card NameCard Type & CMCPriceSavings ($)Savings (%)Vector Similarity
Forsaken City (Original)Land$12.52——100% (Baseline)
#1 Command BridgeLand (0 MV)$0.22$12.3098%77% Match
#2 Public ThoroughfareLand (0 MV)$0.26$12.2698%75% Match
#3 Archway CommonsLand (0 MV)$0.13$12.3999%74% Match
#4 Rupture SpireLand (0 MV)$0.16$12.3699%74% Match
#5 Transguild PromenadeLand (0 MV)$0.33$12.1997%74% Match
#6 Elaborate FirecannonArtifact (2 MV)$0.06$12.46100%73% Match

In-Depth Analysis: Best Alternatives to Forsaken City

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

#1

Command Bridge

(Land • 0 MV)
$0.22Save 98%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Command Bridge (Land)
77% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

This land enters tapped. When this land enters, sacrifice it unless you tap an untapped permanent you control. {T}: Add one mana of any color.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Matches Forsaken City's Land card type and shares the exact same mana value (0 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #activated-ability, #rainbow-land, #triggered-ability.

Key Advantages
  • • Costs $0.22 (98% savings over Forsaken City)
  • • Fills the Land curve slot cleanly
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • • Delivers 77% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#activated-ability#rainbow-land#triggered-ability
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool
#2

Public Thoroughfare

(Land • 0 MV)
$0.26Save 98%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Public Thoroughfare (Land)
75% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

This land enters tapped. When this land enters, sacrifice it unless you tap an untapped artifact or land you control. {T}: Add one mana of any color.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Matches Forsaken City's Land card type and shares the exact same mana value (0 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #activated-ability, #rainbow-land, #triggered-ability.

Key Advantages
  • • Costs $0.26 (98% savings over Forsaken City)
  • • Fills the Land curve slot cleanly
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • • Delivers 75% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#activated-ability#rainbow-land#triggered-ability
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool
#3

Archway Commons

(Land • 0 MV)
$0.13Save 99%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Archway Commons (Land)
74% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

This land enters tapped. When this land enters, sacrifice it unless you pay {1}. {T}: Add one mana of any color.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Matches Forsaken City's Land card type and shares the exact same mana value (0 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #activated-ability, #rainbow-land, #triggered-ability.

Key Advantages
  • • Costs $0.13 (99% savings over Forsaken City)
  • • Fills the Land curve slot cleanly
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • • Delivers 74% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#activated-ability#rainbow-land#triggered-ability
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool
#4

Rupture Spire

(Land • 0 MV)
$0.16Save 99%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Rupture Spire (Land)
74% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

This land enters tapped. When this land enters, sacrifice it unless you pay {1}. {T}: Add one mana of any color.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Matches Forsaken City's Land card type and shares the exact same mana value (0 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #activated-ability, #rainbow-land, #triggered-ability.

Key Advantages
  • • Costs $0.16 (99% savings over Forsaken City)
  • • Fills the Land curve slot cleanly
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • • Delivers 74% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#activated-ability#rainbow-land#triggered-ability
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool
#5

Transguild Promenade

(Land • 0 MV)
$0.33Save 97%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Transguild Promenade (Land)
74% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

This land enters tapped. When this land enters, sacrifice it unless you pay {1}. {T}: Add one mana of any color.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Matches Forsaken City's Land card type and shares the exact same mana value (0 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #activated-ability, #rainbow-land, #triggered-ability.

Key Advantages
  • • Costs $0.33 (97% savings over Forsaken City)
  • • Fills the Land curve slot cleanly
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • • Delivers 74% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#activated-ability#rainbow-land#triggered-ability
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool
#6

Elaborate Firecannon

(Artifact • 2 MV)
$0.06Save 100%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Elaborate Firecannon (Artifact)
73% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

This artifact doesn't untap during your untap step. {4}, {T}: This artifact deals 2 damage to any target. At the beginning of your upkeep, you may discard a card. If you do, untap this artifact.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Acts as a Artifact alternative to Forsaken City's Land and costs 2 more mana (2 MV vs 0 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #activated-ability, #triggered-ability, #untaps-self.

Key Advantages
  • • Costs $0.06 (100% savings over Forsaken City)
  • • Fills the Land curve slot cleanly
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • • Costs 2 additional mana to cast
  • • Delivers 73% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#activated-ability#triggered-ability#untaps-self
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
Command Bridge

Maximizes mana efficiency and replicates Forsaken City's primary trigger role.

Ultra-Budget / Casual Pods
Elaborate Firecannon

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

Synergy-Driven Strategies
Public Thoroughfare

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

Competitive Nuance: When NOT to Use A Replacement

When Is Forsaken City Irreplaceable?

If your deck relies on specific infinite combo lines that require Forsaken City'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 $12.52 price tag.

Frequently Asked Questions About Forsaken City Alternatives

Answers to the most common deckbuilding and replacement queries.

What is the best budget alternative to Forsaken City?+

Command Bridge ($0.22) is the best overall alternative to Forsaken City ($12.52), saving $12.30 (98% savings) with a 77% functional vector match.

What cards are like Forsaken City in MTG?+

Cards like Forsaken City include Command Bridge ($0.22), Public Thoroughfare ($0.26), Archway Commons ($0.13), Rupture Spire ($0.16). These cards share similar mana curves, mechanics, and strategic roles in Commander.

What is the cheapest replacement for Forsaken City?+

Elaborate Firecannon ($0.06) is the most affordable replacement, saving over 100% compared to Forsaken City.

Why would a player want a replacement for Forsaken City?+

At $12.52, Forsaken City 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 Forsaken City?+

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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