Assault // Battery MTG Card
2000-10-02 - Number 295
2006-10-06 - Number 106
2009-09-04 - Number 103
2023-01-13 - Number 210
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
Assault deals 2 damage to target creature or player.
Cards like Assault // Battery
Assault // Battery is a versatile split card in Magic: The Gathering that players often compare with other flexible damage or creature generating spells. Assault, capable of dealing damage directly to a target, is reminiscent of Lightning Bolt for its direct damage capability, albeit at a higher mana cost. However, Lightning Bolt doesn’t provide the alternative option to deploy a creature like Battery does.
In relation to Battery, the card is often weighed against cards like Call of the Herd. Both can put a significant creature on the board, but Battery offers the added flexibility of potentially being an instant damage spell if the situation calls for it. While Call of the Herd has the upside of flashback, allowing it to be used from the graveyard, it lacks the immediate impact and versatility that comes with a split card.
Assessing the utility and flexibility of Assault // Battery against its peers reveals the distinctive advantage of having a choice within one card. This feature can accommodate various in-game scenarios, making it a unique asset to the arsenal of MTG players looking for combined effects of creature play and burn strategies within the same card slot.
Cards similar to Assault // Battery by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The versatility of Assault // Battery provides a significant edge in terms of card advantage. With the ability to choose between a creature and a direct damage effect, you effectively have two potential plays from a single card, maximizing your in-game resources.
Resource Acceleration: Battery, the green half of the card, places a 3/3 Elephant creature token onto the battlefield, which can rapidly escalate your board presence. This not only gives you a strong blocker or attacker but can work synergistically with other cards that benefit from creatures entering the battlefield.
Instant Speed: Assault, the red component, can be cast at instant speed, allowing you to adapt to the unfolding game by dealing damage during your opponent’s turn. This flexibility is a tactical advantage since it can disrupt your opponent’s strategy by removing key creatures or securing the game by directly damaging the opponent at the most opportune moment.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Assault // Battery does not have a direct discard requirement, it is part of the split card family. In certain cases, such as with mechanics that interact with discarding, it may not be as beneficial as a singular card would be.
Specific Mana Cost: Assault // Battery requires both green and red mana to utilize both halves of the card effectively. This requirement can restrict deck-building options, as you need to ensure a consistent mana base for both colors to play the card optimally.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When examining the cost-effectiveness, Battery’s ability to create a 3/3 creature token for four mana can be considered high when compared to other creature token generation cards in MTG. This may make it less appealing for players looking for efficient ways to populate the board, especially in a mana-intensive format.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Assault // Battery offers flexibility in gameplay by being a split card. Players get to choose between a quick creature removal or generating a 3/3 creature token, adapting to the needs of the situation on the battlefield.
Combo Potential: The ability to create a creature token can synergize with strategies that capitalize on creature spells or token generation. Additionally, the direct damage aspect of Assault can be used in conjunction with damage doublers or other spells to amplify its impact.
Meta-Relevance: Due to its dual nature, this card can be especially powerful in the ever-shifting meta, providing answers to aggressive creatures or surprise blockers when needed. Its role can be crucial in both offensive and defensive scenarios, making it a valuable asset in various deck archetypes.
How to beat
The Assault // Battery card brings versatility to any player’s deck in Magic: The Gathering. It offers dual functionality—either you can dispatch a swift 3 damage with Assault or summon a 3/3 green Elephant creature token with Battery. This fusion of direct damage and board presence makes it a formidable card to face against.
Overcoming it requires strategic play. Prioritize removing the creature token quickly if your opponent opts for Battery, as it could bolster their defenses or lead to increased aggression. If facing Assault’s 3 damage, be mindful of your life total and have a plan for safeguarding your valuable creatures.
Counterspells are your best friend when dealing with such split cards; having one ready can neutralize either side of the card before it impacts the game. Efficient removal spells are also paramount, ideally able to deal with the creature token without a significant mana investment. Managing your resources efficiently and anticipating the duality of Assault // Battery will help tilt the match in your favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Assault // Battery MTG card by a specific set like Invasion and Time Spiral Timeshifted, 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 Assault // Battery and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Assault // Battery Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2000-10-02 and 2023-01-13. Illustrated by Ben Thompson.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2000-10-02 | Invasion | INV | 295 | 1997 | Split | Black | Ben Thompson | |
| 2 | 2006-10-06 | Time Spiral Timeshifted | TSB | 106 | 1997 | Split | Black | Ben Thompson | |
| 3 | 2009-09-04 | Planechase | HOP | 103 | 2003 | Split | Black | Ben Thompson | |
| 4 | 2023-01-13 | Dominaria Remastered | DMR | 210 | 2015 | Split | Black | Ben Thompson |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Assault // Battery has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |