Arrow Storm MTG Card
2014-09-26 - Number 98
2019-11-07 - Number 842
2020-09-26 - Number KTK-98
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Sorcery |
| Abilities | Raid |
Text of card
Arrow Storm deals 4 damage to target creature or player. Raid — If you attacked with a creature this turn, instead Arrow Storm deals 5 damage to that creature or player and the damage can't be prevented.
First the thunder, then the rain.
Cards like Arrow Storm
Arrow Storm stands out in the pantheon of Magic: The Gathering direct damage spells. At a glance, one might liken it to other five-mana cost spells such as Lava Axe, which also delivers a substantial chunk of damage to your opponent’s health total. However, Arrow Storm carries the added versatility of being able to target creatures as well, something Lava Axe can’t claim.
Comparing it further, we can look at Flames of the Raze-Boar, which also has the potential to deal 4 damage to a creature, then 2 damage to each other creature the player controls if you have a large creature on board. Arrow Storm, on the other hand, is straightforward with its damage and offers the Raid mechanic — if you attacked with a creature this turn, Arrow Storm deals 5 damage instead of 4 and isn’t confined to a conditional bonus damage scenario.
Drawing parallels closer to its mana cost, we also have Explosive Impact. Despite having a higher damage output, Arrow Storm’s ability to deal an extra point of damage with its Raid bonus and its flexibility as both a creature and player targeted spell, makes it an admirable contender in the array of damage-dealing sorceries in MTG. The Raid bonus is key to leveraging tactical advantages during the late game, adding strategic depth that goes beyond pure damage output.
Cards similar to Arrow Storm by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Arrow Storm can be a game-changer when you’re looking to deal damage directly to your opponent or to a creature. While it doesn’t allow you to draw cards directly, the ability to potentially close a game can be seen as a form of advantage – you’re using one card to make a significant impact.
Resource Acceleration: Although Arrow Storm isn’t a traditional resource acceleration card, it benefits from the Raid mechanic. If you’ve attacked with a creature this turn, the spell costs less to cast, effectively speeding up your resource usage and allowing for more flexibility in your turn.
Instant Speed: Arrow Storm is a sorcery, so it can’t be played at instant speed. However, its power lies in strategic timing during your main phase. Use it post-combat to make the most of the Raid ability or as a powerful finisher to apply pressure and seize victory.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Arrow Storm demands a full attack commitment to utilize its Raid ability, often forcing players to risk valuable creatures on the battlefield.
Specific Mana Cost: With a requirement of three red mana as part of its five total mana cost, Arrow Storm can be challenging to cast in multicolored decks, potentially limiting its flexibility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Five mana is a significant investment for a single-target damage spell. Players may find the cost-to-damage ratio less appealing when compared to other spells in a similar mana range.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Arrow Storm is a flexible card that can be included in a diverse array of red decks. Its ability to deal damage directly to both creatures and players allows for strategic plays in various game scenarios.
Combo Potential: As a spell with the Raid mechanic, Arrow Storm pairs well with decks that emphasize attacking with creatures. It rewards aggressive play styles and can be a powerful finisher after a successful combat phase.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where creatures are key, Arrow Storm’s capacity to remove potential blockers or diminish an opponent’s life total makes it a relevant choice for adjusting to the current meta, nicely fitting into both aggressive and burn deck strategies.
How to beat
Arrow Storm, as a finisher in red burn decks for Magic: The Gathering, delivers a significant impact with its potential for five damage at sorcery speed. One strategy to circumvent this card is by using counterspells like Negate or Dispel to prevent it from resolving. Timing and anticipation are essential; knowing when your opponent has reached five mana can be crucial to successfully stopping the Arrow Storm.
An alternative tactic involves life gain effects to offset the damage dealt by Arrow Storm. Cards such as Radiant Fountain or Rest for the Weary can provide the needed buffer to survive the impact. Additionally, creatures with lifelink like Ajani’s Pridemate not only help you recover from the damage but also become stronger in the process, opposing the burn strategy effectively.
Ultimately, understanding the red deck’s pace and preserving defensive resources accordingly is the key to neutralizing the threat of Arrow Storm. Adjusting your gameplay to maintain a higher life total when at critical mana levels will help ensure that Arrow Storm doesn’t mark the end of the game for you.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Arrow Storm MTG card by a specific set like Khans of Tarkir and Mystery Booster, 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 Storm and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
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Printings
The Arrow Storm Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2014-09-26 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Steve Prescott.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2014-09-26 | Khans of Tarkir | KTK | 98 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steve Prescott | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 842 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steve Prescott | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | KTK-98 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steve Prescott |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Arrow Storm has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Arrow Storm card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2018-01-19 | Raid abilities care only that you attacked with a creature. It doesn’t matter how many creatures you attacked with, or which opponent or planeswalker controlled by an opponent those creatures attacked. |
| 2018-01-19 | Raid abilities evaluate the entire turn to see if you attacked with a creature. That creature doesn’t have to still be on the battlefield. Similarly, the player or planeswalker it attacked doesn’t have to still be in the game or on the battlefield, respectively. |