Arrow Volley Trap MTG Card


Arrow Volley Trap’s instant speed allows reactive play, disrupting opponent attacks effectively. Effective in decks focused on control, it can shift game momentum when cast. Limited use in non-swarm scenarios reduces flexibility, demanding careful deck integration.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityUncommon
TypeInstant — Trap

Text of card

If four or more creatures are attacking, you may pay rather than pay Arrow Volley Trap's mana cost. Arrow Volley Trap deals 5 damage divided as you choose among any number of target attacking creatures.


Cards like Arrow Volley Trap

Arrow Volley Trap is an intriguing option within the trap cards subset in Magic: The Gathering. This card reminds players of the flexibility offered by instant-speed removal spells like Volley Arrow. Whereas Volley Arrow demands targeting multiple creatures for optimal effect, Arrow Volley Trap can be triggered by just a single attacker and distributes damage across multiple creatures, granting a broader control over the battlefield.

Another card in comparison is Crossbow Ambush. It operates on the instant-speed premise, allowing creatures to deal damage as though they weren’t blocked. While not as direct in removing creatures as Arrow Volley Trap, it shifts the tactical plays available to players, focusing on surprise combat advantages.

Examining Squall Line provides another angle, with its ability to deal damage to each creature with flying and each player. This spell offers a different approach that targets a specific creature type while also affecting players, granting it both offensive and defensive utility, diverging from Arrow Volley Trap’s creature-focused design.

Ultimately, Arrow Volley Trap holds a distinctive position in the game, with strategic implications in response to attacks, enabling players to craft nuanced defenses adaptable to various in-game scenarios.

Crossbow Ambush - MTG Card versions
Squall Line - MTG Card versions
Crossbow Ambush - MTG Card versions
Squall Line - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Arrow Volley Trap by color, type and mana cost

Fire and Brimstone - MTG Card versions
Scars of the Veteran - MTG Card versions
Jabari's Influence - MTG Card versions
Miraculous Recovery - MTG Card versions
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Soul Nova - MTG Card versions
Stir the Pride - MTG Card versions
Turn the Tables - MTG Card versions
Charge Across the Araba - MTG Card versions
Brace for Impact - MTG Card versions
Swell of Courage - MTG Card versions
Endure - MTG Card versions
Gleam of Resistance - MTG Card versions
Banishment Decree - MTG Card versions
Meditation Puzzle - MTG Card versions
Sanctified Charge - MTG Card versions
Take Up Arms - MTG Card versions
Enduring Victory - MTG Card versions
Roil's Retribution - MTG Card versions
Fire and Brimstone - MTG Card versions
Scars of the Veteran - MTG Card versions
Jabari's Influence - MTG Card versions
Miraculous Recovery - MTG Card versions
Double Dip - MTG Card versions
Second Thoughts - MTG Card versions
Soul Nova - MTG Card versions
Stir the Pride - MTG Card versions
Turn the Tables - MTG Card versions
Charge Across the Araba - MTG Card versions
Brace for Impact - MTG Card versions
Swell of Courage - MTG Card versions
Endure - MTG Card versions
Gleam of Resistance - MTG Card versions
Banishment Decree - MTG Card versions
Meditation Puzzle - MTG Card versions
Sanctified Charge - MTG Card versions
Take Up Arms - MTG Card versions
Enduring Victory - MTG Card versions
Roil's Retribution - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Arrow Volley Trap provides a strategic edge by offering the potential to eliminate multiple attacking creatures at once. This not only clears the battlefield but also effectively reduces the opponent’s resources, swinging the game in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: Though Arrow Volley Trap doesn’t directly accelerate your resources, it conserves them by being a cost-effective solution to threats. Its alternative casting cost can be a game-changer, especially if you are maintaining a defensive stance with the necessary conditions met.

Instant Speed: The instant nature of Arrow Volley Trap allows for reactive and flexible play. You can strategically manage your mana, hold off on casting until the most opportune moment, and potentially disrupt your opponent’s calculated attack, all during their combat phase.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Arrow Volley Trap requires a specific trigger to cast for its lower alternative cost, which may limit its opportunistic use in a match. Without an attacking army, its standard cost is burdensome, and often less mana-efficient compared to other instant tricks in your arsenal.

Specific Mana Cost: It demands a double commitment to white mana, making it less flexible for multicolored decks that run on a tight color mana base. Decks needing a diverse color palette may find integrating Arrow Volley Trap challenging due to these mana specifics.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With an initial casting cost of five mana, it’s competing with numerous impactful game changers. In the heat of battle, its casting cost can be a setback, especially when quicker, lower-costed removal or creature-based strategies could potentially offer a more immediate board presence or game-changing effects.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Arrow Volley Trap offers the flexibility to react to a wide array of situations. Since it can be cast for a reduced cost under the right circumstances, it’s a great surprise against opponents who tend to swarm the battlefield with creatures.

Combo Potential: This card has excellent synergy with decks that are designed to control the board. It can work in tandem with cards that reward you for casting during an opponent’s turn or for targeting multiple creatures at once.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where aggressive strategies are prevalent, having Arrow Volley Trap in your arsenal can be a game-changer. It acts as a deterrent against wide strategies and can swing the momentum in your favor during crucial turns.


How to beat

Arrow Volley Trap presents a unique challenge when facing adversaries in Magic: The Gathering. With its capability to potentially deal five damage divided as you choose among any number of target attacking creatures, it can significantly disrupt your offensive strategy. When aiming to outmaneuver this trap, one key tactic is to control the timing of your attacks. As Arrow Volley Trap can only be activated if four or more creatures are attacking, being cautious with the number of attackers can diminish its effect.

Additionally, utilizing cards that can counter noncreature spells proves to be an effective solution. Holding up mana for counter spells when you suspect your opponent has Arrow Volley Trap at the ready can negate the trap altogether. Also, cards that grant your creatures indestructible or hexproof abilities can safeguard them from being destroyed by such traps, allowing you to maintain a substantial board presence. Keep the pressure with cautious attacks, effective spell counters, and protective measures to successfully navigate around the pitfalls of Arrow Volley Trap.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Arrow Volley Trap MTG card by a specific set like Zendikar and Duel Decks: Speed vs. Cunning, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Arrow Volley Trap and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Arrow Volley Trap Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2009-10-02 and 2014-09-05. Illustrated by Steve Argyle.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12009-10-02ZendikarZEN 22003NormalBlackSteve Argyle
22014-09-05Duel Decks: Speed vs. CunningDDN 712015NormalBlackSteve Argyle

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Arrow Volley Trap has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Arrow Volley Trap card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2009-10-01 Casting a Trap by paying its alternative cost doesn’t change its mana cost or mana value. The only difference is the cost you actually pay.
2009-10-01 Effects that increase or reduce the cost to cast a Trap will apply to whichever cost you chose to pay.
2009-10-01 You divide the damage as you cast Arrow Volley Trap, not as it resolves. Each target must be assigned at least 1 damage.
2009-10-01 You may ignore a Trap’s alternative cost condition and simply cast it for its normal mana cost. This is true even if its alternative cost condition has been met.