Soul's Fire MTG Card


Soul’s Fire combines removal and player damage, maximizing board control and reducing extra card needs. Its instant speed grants flexibility for strategic plays, crucial in responding to opponent maneuvers. Despite mana and battlefield constraints, it fits well in aggro and combo decks, enhancing strategies.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

Target creature you control in play deals damage equal to its power to target creature or player.

An avatar he sculpts of anger and flame.


Cards like Soul's Fire

Soul’s Fire offers an intriguing twist in Magic: The Gathering’s arsenal of direct damage spells. It shares a kinship with cards like Fling, which allows a player to sacrifice a creature and deal damage equal to its power to any target. Soul’s Fire, however, does not require the sacrifice of the creature, making it a non-lethal alternative for leveraging a creature’s power to damage another target, be it a creature or player.

Another similar spell is Thud, operating on the same principle as Fling but at a cheaper cost of one red mana. Despite this, Thud and Fling introduce an inherent card disadvantage by losing the creature used in the process. Soul’s Fire skirts around this by keeping the creature on the battlefield, potentially allowing for further board presence and pressure. Additionally, there is Gravitic Punch, which also taps into a creature’s power for direct damage, but it includes the jump-start mechanic, enabling a second use from the graveyard.

Strategically, Soul’s Fire occupies a unique position by allowing players to maintain their creatures while still using them as a source of direct damage. This capability not only preserves resources but also permits simultaneous combat and damage strategies, underlining its distinct value in creature-centric decks within MTG.

Fling - MTG Card versions
Thud - MTG Card versions
Gravitic Punch - MTG Card versions
Fling - MTG Card versions
Thud - MTG Card versions
Gravitic Punch - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Soul's Fire by color, type and mana cost

Solfatara - MTG Card versions
Trumpet Blast - MTG Card versions
Urza's Rage - MTG Card versions
Turf Wound - MTG Card versions
Char - MTG Card versions
Chaos Warp - MTG Card versions
Merchant of the Vale // Haggle - 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
Smash - MTG Card versions
Fiery Temper - MTG Card versions
Orcish Cannonade - MTG Card versions
Chaos Wrap - 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
Solfatara - MTG Card versions
Trumpet Blast - MTG Card versions
Urza's Rage - MTG Card versions
Turf Wound - MTG Card versions
Char - MTG Card versions
Chaos Warp - MTG Card versions
Merchant of the Vale // Haggle - 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
Smash - MTG Card versions
Fiery Temper - MTG Card versions
Orcish Cannonade - MTG Card versions
Chaos Wrap - 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

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Soul’s Fire provides a distinct advantage by potentially removing an opponent’s creature or planeswalker while simultaneously dealing damage directly to a player. This targeted removal combined with direct damage can effectively reduce the need for additional cards to control the board or finish off an opponent.

Resource Acceleration: Although Soul’s Fire doesn’t directly generate additional mana or treasure, it does offer an efficient use of resources. By using creatures you already control to deal damage without putting them at risk of combat, you’re accelerating your offensive strategy without additional resource investment.

Instant Speed: This spell’s capability to be cast at instant speed offers strategic flexibility. It allows players to wait for the most opportune moment either during their turn or in response to an opponent’s actions, maximizing the potential impact of the damage dealt.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Soul’s Fire requires the controller to have both a creature and a valid target for the damage, which may be a hindrance if the battlefield is not in your favor.

Specific Mana Cost: The red and generic mana cost insists on a firm position within red-inclined decks, potentially limiting its inclusion in a multicolored or flexible mana base strategy.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Priced at three mana, Soul’s Fire may compete with other burn spells or creature enhancements that cost less and offer instant advantages on the board.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Soul’s Fire adds value across various playstyles with its ability to turn any creature into a direct source of damage, seamlessly integrating into aggressive decks as well as controlled strategic setups.

Combo Potential: This card shines in combination with high-power creatures or with effects that double damage, potentially ending games out of nowhere or targeting key threats across the table.

Meta-Relevance: In a setting that favors creature-based strategies, Soul’s Fire offers direct interaction, enabling players to remove blockers or finish opponents without committing to combat, keeping pace with dynamic and creature-centric metas.


How to beat

Soul’s Fire presents a unique challenge on the battlefield, offering players a chance to inflict damage equal to the power of one of their creatures directly to any target. This ability can turn the tide of the game, making it crucial to understand how to counter this potent spell. Unlike direct creature combat, Soul’s Fire allows for damage without the risk of losing the attacking creature, elevating its strategic potential.

To withstand the impact of Soul’s Fire, players should focus on maintaining a high life total and controlling the board state. Strong creature removal spells can eliminate the potential targets for Soul’s Fire before it’s cast. Utilize instant-speed removals, such as Path to Exile or Fatal Push, to disrupt the synergy and protect your life points. Additionally, countermagic is key. By keeping up mana for spells like Negate or Mana Leak, you can prevent Soul’s Fire from ever resolving, hence securing your position in the game.

Adaptability is the hallmark of a seasoned MTG player. By preemptively managing threats and being vigilant against powerful spell casts, one can navigate past the dangers posed by cards like Soul’s Fire. Understanding the significance of timely responses and board presence will go a long way in securing victories against such high-stakes cards.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the art of MTG involves both understanding your cards’ potential and anticipating what lies in your opponent’s hand. Soul’s Fire epitomizes strategic depth and can be a game-changer when played wisely. Its ability to turn creatures into direct damage dealers without risking them in combat offers a tactical advantage that’s hard to ignore. Considering the pros, cons, and methods to counter this spell, it’s clear that it deserves consideration for your red-centric deck. Are you ready to optimize your deck’s performance and harness the power of Soul’s Fire? Join us to enrich your gameplay and collection as we delve deeper into the combustible world of MTG.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Soul's Fire MTG card by a specific set like Shards of Alara and Ultimate Masters, 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 Soul's Fire and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Soul's Fire Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2008-10-03 and 2020-11-20. Illustrated by Wayne Reynolds.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12008-10-03Shards of AlaraALA 1152003NormalBlackWayne Reynolds
22018-12-07Ultimate MastersUMA 1482015NormalBlackWayne Reynolds
32020-11-20Commander LegendsCMR 2002015NormalBlackWayne Reynolds

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Soul's Fire has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2020-11-10 If either target is an illegal target as Soul's Fire resolves, no damage is dealt.