Pitchburn Devils MTG Card


Upon leaving the battlefield, Pitchburn Devils deals 3 damage, giving you card advantage and control. Its death-triggered ability can be optimized with savvy play, offering instant-speed interaction on the field. While mana-intensive, its lasting impact and synergy in death-focused decks make it a worthwhile consideration.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Devil
Power 3
Toughness 3

Text of card

When Pitchburn Devils dies, it deals 3 damage to target creature or player.

The ingenuity of goblins, the depravity of demons, and the smarts of sheep.


Cards like Pitchburn Devils

Pitchburn Devils is an intriguing creature card that offers some explosive potential for Magic: The Gathering players who like to blaze a trail to victory. Comparable to other creatures such as Crossway Vampire, Pitchburn Devils packs a similar cost and power as Crossway Vampire, but it provides a fiery twist upon leaving the battlefield. Crossway Vampire can impact the battlefield immediately through tapping an opponent’s creature, whereas Pitchburn Devils leave a lasting impression with its ability to deal 3 damage to any target when it dies.

Looking at another peer, the Skirk Marauder mirrors Pitchburn Devils in its ablaze exit strategy. Both require an investment of three mana, but Skirk Marauder employs the Morbid technique, potentially doubling its departure damage if a creature has died this turn. While Skirk Marauder requires a more precise timing to maximize its effect, the Devils’ straightforward demise damage ensures a consistent outcome. Another card of note is the Bogardan Firefiend, a creature with a similar post-mortem explosive tendency, dealing 2 damage upon death—a slightly less potent but lower-costing alternative.

Within the realm of death-trigger damage-dealers, Pitchburn Devils stand out as a reliable choice for players crafting strategies that capitalize on creature demise, offering a balance of cost and destructive capability among its thematic peers in Magic: The Gathering.

Crossway Vampire - MTG Card versions
Skirk Marauder - MTG Card versions
Bogardan Firefiend - MTG Card versions
Crossway Vampire - MTG Card versions
Skirk Marauder - MTG Card versions
Bogardan Firefiend - MTG Card versions

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Earth Elemental - MTG Card versions
Eron the Relentless - MTG Card versions
Balduvian War-Makers - MTG Card versions
Hivis of the Scale - MTG Card versions
Hulking Cyclops - MTG Card versions
Flame Spirit - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Salamander - MTG Card versions
Ma Chao, Western Warrior - MTG Card versions
Covetous Dragon - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Strike Force - MTG Card versions
Volatile Arsonist // Dire-Strain Anarchist - MTG Card versions
Tephraderm - MTG Card versions
Avarax - MTG Card versions
Bonethorn Valesk - MTG Card versions
Frost Ogre - MTG Card versions
Heartless Hidetsugu - MTG Card versions
Shard Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Soul of Magma - MTG Card versions
Hunted Dragon - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Pitchburn Devils. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Jund ControlJund Control LegacyCharlotte Legacy League Season 1 Week 3

Card Pros

Card Advantage: When Pitchburn Devils leaves the battlefield, it deals 3 damage to any target, potentially removing an opponent’s creature or finishing off a weakened foe. This effectively can handle two challenges with one card, boosting your strategic edge on the field.

Resource Acceleration: Although Pitchburn Devils doesn’t directly contribute to resource acceleration, its impact could lead to indirect benefits. By removing key threats, you’re able to maintain board control, allowing your other resource-accelerating cards to work without interruption.

Instant Speed: While this creature itself does not operate at instant speed, its ability triggers upon death, which you can leverage during your own turn or your opponent’s. Savvy players can block with the Devils or use sacrifice effects to cause instant-speed damage and disrupt the opponent’s strategy.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Some MTG cards, like Pitchburn Devils, don’t have a discard requirement, which can be a hidden benefit as it leaves your hand intact.

Specific Mana Cost: Pitchburn Devils requires a predetermined mix of mana, including red, to be cast. This can sometimes restrict its integration into multicolor decks that may not always have the right mana available when needed.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of five mana for a 3/3 creature, the mana investment for Pitchburn Devils might be considered high compared to other creatures with similar stats or abilities. It’s essential to weigh this cost against the potential impact of its ability when it leaves the battlefield, to decide if it suits your strategy.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Despite its initial appearance as a straightforward creature, Pitchburn Devils fits well in various aggressive and sacrifice-themed decks. It serves a dual role by being a capable attacker and ensuring a parting impact on the battlefield.

Combo Potential: When paired with cards that trigger upon death or artifact creation, Pitchburn Devils’ ability to deal damage when it dies becomes a strategic asset. It can synergize with abilities like morbid or provide fodder for sacrifice outlets.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where small creatures are abundant, Pitchburn Devils holds its own by threatening to deter blockers or take out an opposing threat upon its exit. It’s a useful card in a meta that can capitalize on damage-spreading effects.


How to Beat Pitchburn Devils

Pitchburn Devils is an intriguing creature card that you may face in MTG. Its key feature – dealing damage when it dies – makes it a tricky opponent on the battlefield. To effectively outmaneuver Pitchburn Devils, one must consider a strategy that limits the benefits gained from its death-triggered ability.

An effective approach is to render the Devils’ death less impactful. Utilizing cards that exile rather than destroy can circumvent the Devils’ ability to inflict damage upon death. Cards like Path to Exile or Silent Gravestone offer clean removal options that bypass the creature’s last hurrah. Another tactic is to employ counterspells or hand disruption, such as Thoughtseize or Distress, targeting the card before it even hits the board.

Awareness and timing are key. Holding back on removal until it’s most opportune or making calculated plays that minimize the damage taken can swing the game in your favor. By carefully managing your removal resources and strategically planning your moves, you stand a good chance of diffusing the explosive potential of Pitchburn Devils and maintaining control of the game.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Pitchburn Devils MTG card by a specific set like Innistrad and Magic 2014, 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 Pitchburn Devils and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Pitchburn Devils Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2011-09-30 and 2020-07-03. Illustrated by Johann Bodin.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12011-09-30InnistradISD 1562003NormalBlackJohann Bodin
22013-07-19Magic 2014M14 1492003NormalBlackJohann Bodin
32014-06-06ConspiracyCNS 1492003NormalBlackJohann Bodin
42020-07-03Core Set 2021M21 1562015NormalBlackJohann Bodin

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Pitchburn Devils has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2020-06-23 If your life total is brought to 0 or less at the same time that Pitchburn Devils is dealt lethal damage, you lose the game before the ability goes on the stack.