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Budget Alternatives to The Very Soil Shall Shake

Looking for a functional budget replacement for The Very Soil Shall Shake ($15.65)? 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 Versatile Deck Staple power for a fraction of the cost.

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

Top 3 Substitutes for The Very Soil Shall Shake at a Glance

Original Price: $15.65
BEST OVERALL

Buzz Buggy

$0.07Save 100%

Acts as a Artifact alternative to The Very Soil Shall Shake's Ongoing Scheme and shares the exact same mana value (0 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #alliteration, #triggered-ability.

78% Match
CHEAPEST VIABLE

Buzz Buggy

$0.07Save 100%

Acts as a Artifact alternative to The Very Soil Shall Shake's Ongoing Scheme and shares the exact same mana value (0 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #alliteration, #triggered-ability.

78% Match
CLOSEST 1:1 MATCH

Your Will Is Not Your Own

$4.51Save 71%

Acts as a Scheme alternative to The Very Soil Shall Shake's Ongoing Scheme and shares the exact same mana value (0 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #alliteration, #triggered-ability.

80% Match
Magic: The Gathering card image for The Very Soil Shall Shake (Ongoing Scheme)

The Very Soil Shall Shake

Ongoing Scheme
$15.65 Market
(An ongoing scheme remains face up until it's abandoned.) Creatures you control get +2/+2 and have trample. When a creature you control dies, abandon this scheme.
Why It's Expensive: The Very Soil Shall Shake is a high-demand staple in Commander and competitive constructed formats due to its efficient mana value and game-defining versatile deck staple mechanics.
#alliteration#overrun#triggered-ability

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

Direct financial comparison between The Very Soil Shall Shake and top budget alternatives.

Card NameCard Type & CMCPriceSavings ($)Savings (%)Vector Similarity
The Very Soil Shall Shake (Original)Ongoing Scheme$15.65100% (Baseline)
#1 Buzz BuggyArtifact (0 MV)$0.07$15.58100%78% Match
#2 Your Will Is Not Your OwnScheme (0 MV)$4.51$11.1471%80% Match
#3 Neural NetworkArtifact (0 MV)$0.17$15.4899%72% Match
#4 Bee-Bee GunArtifact (0 MV)$0.42$15.2397%71% Match
#5 Applied AeronauticsArtifact (0 MV)$0.09$15.5699%68% Match
#6 Conjurer's ClosetArtifact (5 MV)$4.81$10.8469%67% Match

In-Depth Analysis: Best Alternatives to The Very Soil Shall Shake

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

#1

Buzz Buggy

(Artifact — Contraption0 MV)
$0.07Save 100%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Buzz Buggy (Artifact — Contraption)
78% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

Whenever you crank this Contraption, target creature gets +2/+0 and gains trample until end of turn.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Acts as a Artifact alternative to The Very Soil Shall Shake's Ongoing Scheme and shares the exact same mana value (0 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #alliteration, #triggered-ability.

Key Advantages
  • Costs $0.07 (100% savings over The Very Soil Shall Shake)
  • Fills the Ongoing Scheme curve slot cleanly
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • Delivers 78% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#alliteration#triggered-ability
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool
#2

Your Will Is Not Your Own

(Scheme0 MV)
$4.51Save 71%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Your Will Is Not Your Own (Scheme)
80% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

When you set this scheme in motion, gain control of target creature an opponent controls until end of turn. Untap that creature. It gets +3/+3 and gains trample and haste until end of turn.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Acts as a Scheme alternative to The Very Soil Shall Shake's Ongoing Scheme and shares the exact same mana value (0 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #alliteration, #triggered-ability.

Key Advantages
  • Costs $4.51 (71% savings over The Very Soil Shall Shake)
  • Fills the Ongoing Scheme curve slot cleanly
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • Delivers 80% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#alliteration#triggered-ability
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool
#3

Neural Network

(Artifact — Contraption0 MV)
$0.17Save 99%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Neural Network (Artifact — Contraption)
72% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

Whenever you crank this Contraption, gain control of target creature an opponent controls with power less than or equal to the number of creature cards in its controller's graveyard until end of turn. Untap that creature. It gains haste until end of turn.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Acts as a Artifact alternative to The Very Soil Shall Shake's Ongoing Scheme and shares the exact same mana value (0 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #alliteration, #triggered-ability.

Key Advantages
  • Costs $0.17 (99% savings over The Very Soil Shall Shake)
  • Fills the Ongoing Scheme curve slot cleanly
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • Delivers 72% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#alliteration#triggered-ability
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool
#4

Bee-Bee Gun

(Artifact — Contraption0 MV)
$0.42Save 97%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Bee-Bee Gun (Artifact — Contraption)
71% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

Whenever you crank this Contraption, until end of turn, target creature gains "{2}: This creature fights another target creature."

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Acts as a Artifact alternative to The Very Soil Shall Shake's Ongoing Scheme and shares the exact same mana value (0 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #alliteration, #triggered-ability.

Key Advantages
  • Costs $0.42 (97% savings over The Very Soil Shall Shake)
  • Fills the Ongoing Scheme curve slot cleanly
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • Delivers 71% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#alliteration#triggered-ability
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool
#5

Applied Aeronautics

(Artifact — Contraption0 MV)
$0.09Save 99%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Applied Aeronautics (Artifact — Contraption)
68% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

Whenever you crank this Contraption, until end of turn, target creature gets +1/+0, gains flying, and becomes an artifact in addition to its other types.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Acts as a Artifact alternative to The Very Soil Shall Shake's Ongoing Scheme and shares the exact same mana value (0 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #alliteration, #triggered-ability.

Key Advantages
  • Costs $0.09 (99% savings over The Very Soil Shall Shake)
  • Fills the Ongoing Scheme curve slot cleanly
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • Delivers 68% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#alliteration#triggered-ability
Buy on TCGplayer Mana Pool
#6

Conjurer's Closet

(Artifact5 MV)
$4.81Save 69%
Magic: The Gathering budget alternative card image for Conjurer's Closet (Artifact)
67% Vector Similarity MatchUnder $5.00

At the beginning of your end step, you may exile target creature you control, then return that card to the battlefield under your control.

Why It's A Strong Alternative

Acts as a Artifact alternative to The Very Soil Shall Shake's Ongoing Scheme and costs 5 more mana (5 MV vs 0 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #alliteration, #triggered-ability.

Key Advantages
  • Costs $4.81 (69% savings over The Very Soil Shall Shake)
  • Fills the Ongoing Scheme curve slot cleanly
Trade-offs & Nuance
  • Costs 5 additional mana to cast
  • Delivers 67% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ideal Deck Context: Casual and budget Commander decks looking to preserve curve efficiency under $5.
#alliteration#triggered-ability
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
Buzz Buggy

Maximizes mana efficiency and replicates The Very Soil Shall Shake's primary trigger role.

Ultra-Budget / Casual Pods
Buzz Buggy

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

Synergy-Driven Strategies
Your Will Is Not Your Own

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

Competitive Nuance: When NOT to Use A Replacement

When Is The Very Soil Shall Shake Irreplaceable?

If your deck relies on specific infinite combo lines that require The Very Soil Shall Shake'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 $15.65 price tag.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Very Soil Shall Shake Alternatives

Answers to the most common deckbuilding and replacement queries.

What is the best budget alternative to The Very Soil Shall Shake?+

Buzz Buggy ($0.07) is the best overall alternative to The Very Soil Shall Shake ($15.65), saving $15.58 (100% savings) with a 78% functional vector match.

What cards are like The Very Soil Shall Shake in MTG?+

Cards like The Very Soil Shall Shake include Buzz Buggy ($0.07), Your Will Is Not Your Own ($4.51), Neural Network ($0.17), Bee-Bee Gun ($0.42). These cards share similar mana curves, mechanics, and strategic roles in Commander.

What is the cheapest replacement for The Very Soil Shall Shake?+

Buzz Buggy ($0.07) is the most affordable replacement, saving over 100% compared to The Very Soil Shall Shake.

Why would a player want a replacement for The Very Soil Shall Shake?+

At $15.65, The Very Soil Shall Shake 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 The Very Soil Shall Shake?+

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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