Balor MTG Card


Balor ensures a steady flow of cards and resource acceleration through combat damage and death triggers. Flexibility from Treasure tokens at instant speed contrasts with Balor’s specific mana needs and high cost. With versatile impact and meta-relevance, Balor’s presence shifts game dynamics and strategic deckbuilding.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityMythic
TypeCreature — Demon
Abilities Flying
Power 5
Toughness 5

Text of card

Flying Whenever Balor attacks or dies, choose one or more. Each mode must target a different player. • Target opponent draws three cards, then discards three cards at random. • Target opponent sacrifices a nontoken artifact. • Balor deals damage to target opponent equal to the number of cards in their hand.


Cards like Balor

Balor bounds into the Magic: The Gathering battlefield as a formidable Demon creature card. It echoes the devastating power of other MTG heavyweight creatures like Territorial Kavu. Both demand attention for their significant board presence and impact on the game’s dynamic. However, while Territorial Kavu requires a multicolored mana base for optimal play, Balor thrives as a mono-colored threat, making it a potentially more seamless fit in a variety of deck builds.

Peering into the abyss of Demon-esque cards, Balor’s menacing force could be likened to Doom Whisperer, with both their substantial stats that can turn the tides of a match. Doom Whisperer offers a repeatable surveil ability that impacts deck manipulation, a different facet from Balor’s triggered abilities that deal direct damage and card advantage when it dies. Another noteworthy comparison is with Rakdos, the Showstopper, which also wields a game-changing entrance to the battlefield. Rakdos’ ability to possibly wipe out many creatures juxtaposes with Balor’s assured damage upon leaving the field.

Ultimately, Balor’s unique combination of power, resilience, and direct damage post-mortem sharpens its edge in the pantheon of MTG Demon cards, providing strategic depth and robust performance worth considering for deck builders and players alike.

Territorial Kavu - MTG Card versions
Doom Whisperer - MTG Card versions
Rakdos, the Showstopper - MTG Card versions
Territorial Kavu - MTG Card versions
Doom Whisperer - MTG Card versions
Rakdos, the Showstopper - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Balor by color, type and mana cost

Fire Elemental - MTG Card versions
Earth Elemental - MTG Card versions
Eron the Relentless - MTG Card versions
Balduvian War-Makers - MTG Card versions
Hivis of the Scale - MTG Card versions
Hulking Cyclops - MTG Card versions
Flame Spirit - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Salamander - MTG Card versions
Ma Chao, Western Warrior - MTG Card versions
Ravaging Horde - MTG Card versions
Covetous Dragon - MTG Card versions
Thundering Giant - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Strike Force - MTG Card versions
Savage Firecat - MTG Card versions
Volatile Arsonist // Dire-Strain Anarchist - MTG Card versions
Tephraderm - MTG Card versions
Avarax - MTG Card versions
Bonethorn Valesk - MTG Card versions
Frost Ogre - MTG Card versions
Heartless Hidetsugu - MTG Card versions
Fire Elemental - MTG Card versions
Earth Elemental - MTG Card versions
Eron the Relentless - MTG Card versions
Balduvian War-Makers - MTG Card versions
Hivis of the Scale - MTG Card versions
Hulking Cyclops - MTG Card versions
Flame Spirit - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Salamander - MTG Card versions
Ma Chao, Western Warrior - MTG Card versions
Ravaging Horde - MTG Card versions
Covetous Dragon - MTG Card versions
Thundering Giant - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Strike Force - MTG Card versions
Savage Firecat - MTG Card versions
Volatile Arsonist // Dire-Strain Anarchist - MTG Card versions
Tephraderm - MTG Card versions
Avarax - MTG Card versions
Bonethorn Valesk - MTG Card versions
Frost Ogre - MTG Card versions
Heartless Hidetsugu - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Balor enables you to tap into significant card draw when it deals combat damage to a player, keeping your hand stocked and options open as the game progresses.

Resource Acceleration: Its capacity to create a number of Treasure tokens equal to Balor’s power upon death accelerates your resource generation, potentially enabling game-changing plays in subsequent turns.

Instant Speed: Although Balor itself isn’t cast at instant speed, the Treasure tokens it generates can be utilized at any time, granting you the flexibility to execute high-impact spells during critical phases of the game.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: To harness Balor’s abilities, players must discard a card, diminishing their hand and potentially depleting valuable resources or strategic options that could be crucial in the later stages of the game.

Specific Mana Cost: Balor requires a mix of both specific color and generic mana to cast. This can be restrictive and may not seamlessly fit into multicolored decks that might struggle to provide the exact mana composition at the right time, impacting the card’s versatility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With Balor demanding a significant amount of mana to play, its placement on the battlefield comes later in the game. This can be a considerable setback when facing decks that thrive on speed and early-game board presence, as players may fall behind while building up the necessary mana sources.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Balor fits seamlessly into numerous deck strategies that leverage creature removal and board presence. Its ability to dispatch creatures upon death makes it a robust inclusion in control and midrange decks alike.

Combo Potential: This formidable card can be a linchpin in combo strategies, often clearing the path for a lethal strike or synergizing with graveyard mechanics to potentially create recurring threats.

Meta-Relevance: Given Balor’s capacity to alter the battlefield, it’s a card that can adapt to a variety of meta environments. Whether you’re facing off against creature-heavy decks or needing a game-changing play, Balor’s impact can be pivotal.


How to beat

Confronting the mighty Balor in Magic: The Gathering can be an intimidating challenge. This formidable card is capable of dealing massive damage and dismantling an opponent’s creature base with its daunting triggered and activated abilities. To emerge victorious against Balor, a strategic approach is vital. Having instant-speed removal spells can be a game-changer, allowing players to eliminate Balor before its abilities overrun the battlefield. Possessing cards like Path to Exile or Murderous Rider, which can bypass the indestructible characteristic, is key to taking down this juggernaut.

Another effective tactic includes deploying counter spells to prevent Balor from ever entering the fray. Keep a keen eye on your mana and have cards like Counterspell or Dovin’s Veto at the ready. Players should not underestimate the importance of managing their life total as well, as Balor’s damage output is monumental. Leveraging life gain effects from cards like Radiant Fountain or utilizing strategies around gaining life can help offset the damage dealt by Balor, improving your chances of outlasting your opponent and securing a win.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the game of MTG means appreciating the strengths and weaknesses of each card in your deck. Balor, with its knack for card advantage and resource acceleration, has proven to be a game-changer in many scenarios. Its potential in creating Treasure tokens and drawing cards can swing a match in your favor. But remember, every card’s power is situational. Knowing when to play Balor or tackle it on the opposing side is crucial. If you’re keen on optimizing your strategy, or perhaps finding alternative ways to harness the might of Demons in your deck, we have insights and tips that could sharpen your competitive edge. Get ready to upgrade your game plan and join us as we explore advanced tactics and strategies for the MTG arena. Your next win could be a study away.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Balor MTG card by a specific set like Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate and Battle for Baldur's Gate Promos, 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 Balor and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Balor Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2022-06-10 and 2022-06-10. Illustrated by Uriah Voth.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 1622015NormalBlackUriah Voth
22022-06-10Battle for Baldur's Gate PromosPCLB 162s2015NormalBlackUriah Voth
32022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 5782015NormalBlackUriah Voth
42022-06-10Battle for Baldur's Gate Art SeriesACLB 72015Art seriesBorderlessUriah Voth

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Balor has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal