A-Pyre-Sledge Arsonist MTG Card


Enables deck cycling through its discard and draw mechanics, avoiding lulls in card advantage. Acts as a ramp tool; can sacrifice artifacts instantly for unexpected mana gain. Demands careful hand management due to its discard requirement for ability activation.
A-Pyre-Sledge Arsonist - Streets of New Capenna
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Viashino Shaman
Released2022-04-29
Set symbol
Set nameStreets of New Capenna
Set codeSNC
Power 2
Toughness 3
NumberA-118
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byKekai Kotaki

Text of card

, : Pyre-Sledge Arsonist deals X damage to any target, where X is the number of permanents you've sacrificed this turn.


Cards like A-Pyre-Sledge Arsonist

A-Pyre Sledge Arsonist forms part of a unique group in the realm of Magic: The Gathering. This card shows parallels to others that interact with the battlefield in a pyromantic fashion. Consider Ember Hauler, which also allows you to pay and sacrifice it to deal damage, although it targets any opponent or creature directly. A-Pyre Sledge Arsonist, while exclusively focusing on creatures, brings additional value by potentially taking down multiple adversaries with its one damage to each creature upon death.

Comparing it further, Firebrand Archer resonates with A-Pyre Sledge Arsonist’s damage-dealing nature, but Archer’s ability triggers upon casting a noncreature spell, favoring a spell-heavy deck composition. On another note, Satyr Firedancer leverages damage spells cast to pick off creatures, an interesting parallel yet distinct in its approach. The synergies with outside forces offer a versatile gameplay, differing from the inherent self-reliant destructive exit of the Arsonist.

Deck builders will weigh the cost-benefit ratios of these cards, noting A-Pyre Sledge Arsonist’s potential as an all-creature encompassing threat upon its leave from the battlefield. It holds its own among MTG’s flame-wielding creatures with its potential for widespread impact.

Ember Hauler - MTG Card versions
Firebrand Archer - MTG Card versions
Satyr Firedancer - MTG Card versions
Ember Hauler - MTG Card versions
Firebrand Archer - MTG Card versions
Satyr Firedancer - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: A-Pyre Sledge Arsonist helps you to churn through your deck by enabling discard and draw mechanics, ensuring you’re not falling behind in the race for crucial cards.

Resource Acceleration: This card can be a key player in ramp strategies, offering the potential to sacrifice artifacts for a burst of mana, propelling you ahead of your opponents in the resource game.

Instant Speed: One of the attributes of A-Pyre Sledge Arsonist is its capability to perform at instant speed. This flexibility allows for surprise plays, disrupting opponents’ strategies by removing key pieces when they least expect it.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The A-Pyre Sledge Arsonist requires you to discard a card to fully utilize certain abilities. This demand for extra resources can be a potential setback, particularly when your hand size is critically low and every card counts.

Specific Mana Cost: This arsonist demands both red mana and generic mana for casting, inherently restricting seamless integration into multi-color decks. Players must carefully consider their mana base to ensure they can deploy it reliably whenever needed.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that might feel steep for its given impact on the game, there are viable alternatives that may offer similar benefits at a lower mana investment. The trade-off between cost and effect is a significant aspect players need to weigh when including this card in their decks.


Reasons to Include A-Pyre Sledge Arsonist in Your Collection

Versatility: A-Pyre Sledge Arsonist is a flexible option for various red-based decks. Its ability to deal damage to creatures or planeswalkers allows it to be a useful tool against a wide range of threats on the battlefield.

Combo Potential: For decks that capitalize on direct damage and spell synergies, A-Pyre Sledge Arsonist can be a key component. Its damage-dealing ability can work in tandem with other cards to create powerful and potentially game-ending combos.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where small creatures and planeswalkers play a significant role, having a card like A-Pyre Sledge Arsonist can provide you with an answer to those strategies, making it a worthy addition to decks looking to stay competitive.


How to beat

The A-Pyre Sledge Arsonist adds a layer of fiery strategy to the creature card lineup in Magic: The Gathering. With its ability to deal damage to not only players but also planeswalkers, it presents a notable threat on the board. Navigating past this arsonist’s flaming path calls for clever tactics and timely responses. Removing it before it can attack is key, so spells that can exile or destroy creatures at instant speed are essential. Focus on maintaining control over the board and utilizing efficient removal to extinguish the threat it poses. Keeping a watch on your mana availability ensures that you can respond quickly to its appearance during gameplay.

Consider including versatile answers such as Swords to Plowshares or Fatal Push in your deck, which can handle the arsonist efficiently. Moreover, don’t underestimate the value of counterplay with spells that prevent damage or protect your key assets. Protecting your life total and your planeswalkers from its potential onslaught is critical. Time your spells correctly and you can manage the risk posed by the A-Pyre Sledge Arsonist, maintaining an advantage and curbing its destructive force effectively.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase A-Pyre-Sledge Arsonist MTG card by a specific set like Streets of New Capenna, 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 A-Pyre-Sledge Arsonist and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where A-Pyre-Sledge Arsonist has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal