Pulse of the Forge MTG Card


Enables repeated plays for sustained damage, applying constant pressure on opponent’s life total while conserving hand resources. Acts at instant speed, allowing for surprise plays and responsive strategies to maximize damage efficiency. Limited to situations where your life total is less than your opponent’s, reducing flexibility and increasing predictability.
Pulse of the Forge - Darksteel
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeInstant
Released2004-02-06
Set symbol
Set nameDarksteel
Set codeDST
Number66
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byPaolo Parente

Text of card

Pulse of the Forge deals 4 damage to target player. Then if that player has more life than you, return Pulse of the Forge to its owner's hand.

Before wars or weapons, there was anger.


Cards like Pulse of the Forge

Exploring the dynamics of red’s direct damage spells in MTG reveals Pulse of the Forge as a unique entry. Its closest relative might be Shard Volley, which, much like Pulse of the Forge, requires a sacrifice of lands for a swift damage delivery. However, Pulse of the Forge carries that rare ability to return to its caster’s hand if the conditions are right, offering recurring value that Shard Volley lacks.

Intriguingly, Flame Rift also shares the pain-spreading agenda, dealing 4 damage to each player for just two mana. But here again, Pulse of the Forge differentiates itself by providing the potential for repeated use against opponents, whereas Flame Rift is a one-shot event. Comparably, Lightning Bolt is another benchmark in efficiency, dealing 3 damage for a single mana without potential recoil, but it doesn’t possess the reusable nature of Pulse of the Forge.

To encapsulate, Pulse of the Forge stands out in the echelon of red spells with its blend of aggression and endurance. Its unique recursive ability makes it a formidable tool, particularly in long games where sustaining pressure is key.

Shard Volley - MTG Card versions
Flame Rift - MTG Card versions
Lightning Bolt - MTG Card versions
Shard Volley - MTG Card versions
Flame Rift - MTG Card versions
Lightning Bolt - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Pulse of the Forge by color, type and mana cost

Solfatara - MTG Card versions
Urza's Rage - MTG Card versions
Char - MTG Card versions
Chaos Warp - MTG Card versions
Seething Song - MTG Card versions
Unforge - MTG Card versions
Aura Barbs - MTG Card versions
Path of Anger's Flame - MTG Card versions
Fiery Temper - MTG Card versions
Orcish Cannonade - MTG Card versions
Fatal Frenzy - MTG Card versions
Seismic Strike - MTG Card versions
Staggershock - MTG Card versions
Flames of the Blood Hand - MTG Card versions
Rally the Forces - MTG Card versions
Brimstone Volley - MTG Card versions
Downhill Charge - MTG Card versions
Trumpet Blast - MTG Card versions
Annihilating Fire - MTG Card versions
Massive Raid - MTG Card versions
Solfatara - MTG Card versions
Urza's Rage - MTG Card versions
Char - MTG Card versions
Chaos Warp - MTG Card versions
Seething Song - MTG Card versions
Unforge - MTG Card versions
Aura Barbs - MTG Card versions
Path of Anger's Flame - MTG Card versions
Fiery Temper - MTG Card versions
Orcish Cannonade - MTG Card versions
Fatal Frenzy - MTG Card versions
Seismic Strike - MTG Card versions
Staggershock - MTG Card versions
Flames of the Blood Hand - MTG Card versions
Rally the Forces - MTG Card versions
Brimstone Volley - MTG Card versions
Downhill Charge - MTG Card versions
Trumpet Blast - MTG Card versions
Annihilating Fire - MTG Card versions
Massive Raid - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Pulse of the Forge brings a unique repetitive edge to card advantage. The ability to return it to your hand if an opponent has more life than you can mean multiple uses from a single card. This recycling effect ensures you continually apply pressure on your opponent’s life total while maintaining resources in hand.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing mana, the repeated use of Pulse of the Forge can simulate resource acceleration by effectively increasing the number of damage-dealing spells you have access to without drawing additional cards. This can be especially crucial in decks that focus on depleting the opponent’s life total rapidly.

Instant Speed: The flexibility of casting Pulse of the Forge at instant speed allows you to wait for the most opportune moment to strike, potentially catching an opponent off-guard. Its instant nature also means you can make decisions based on your opponent’s actions, maximizing the impact and efficiency of this powerful damage dealer.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Pulse of the Forge does not have a discard requirement, but it necessitates that your life total be less than your opponent’s. This could be restrictive as it limits the times you can play the card effectively, potentially leaving you with a dead card in hand during crucial moments.

Specific Mana Cost: Pulse of the Forge has a specific mana cost that requires two red mana, making it less flexible for multicolored decks and possibly straining your mana base if you’re not running a predominantly red deck or have the right mana fixing.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost of three, including two red, for a direct damage spell, some players might find Pulse of the Forge on the expensive side when quicker burn options are available. This can be especially poignant in fast-paced games where mana efficiency is crucial.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Pulse of the Forge is flexible enough to slot into various red-focused decks, notably those that aim to manipulate life totals. Whether running an aggressive burn deck or a more midrange setup that benefits from repeatable damage sources, Pulse of the Forge offers a valuable tool for maintaining pressure on the opponent.

Combo Potential: For decks that hinge on damage amplifiers or synergy with spells cast, Pulse of the Forge shines. It can be particularly potent in conjunction with cards that double damage or with effects that trigger upon casting red spells or dealing noncombat damage.

Meta-Relevance: In metagames where life totals frequently teeter above a certain point, Pulse of the Forge can repeatedly swing the game. It’s a boon against decks that gain life incrementally, ensuring that the opponent’s life total remains within reach for a finishing move.


How to beat

Pulse of the Forge is a potent direct damage spell that can be a relentless force in Magic: The Gathering. This Red card poses a unique challenge due to its ability to return to the owner’s hand if the opponent has more life than the caster upon resolution. To effectively counter Pulse of the Forge, players should aim to maintain a life total lower than their opponent’s, thereby negating the card’s recursion ability. Additionally, card types that can preemptively remove spells from the stack, such as counterspells, are particularly useful. Cards like Negate or Counterspell can provide a one-time solution, preventing the damage and the return clause altogether.

Strategic life total management is key; using cards like Phyrexian Arena for card advantage while losing life can be a clever play. Staying aggressive with creature damage can help to suppress your life total in a safe zone. Employing lifegain as a reactive strategy, rather than proactively padding your life, will also maximize your chances of disarming Pulse of the Forge’s enduring threat. By evaluating the rhythm of your life points and utilizing timely disruption, you can expertly navigate the battlefield and emerge victorious against such a relentless attack.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Pulse of the Forge MTG card by a specific set like Darksteel, 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 Pulse of the Forge and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Pulse of the Forge has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal