Blistering Barrier MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Wall |
| Abilities | Defender |
| Released | 1996-10-08 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Mirage |
| Set code | MIR |
| Power | 5 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 159 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | David Ho |
Text of card
Defender (This creature can't attack.)
I live without food, stand without leg, wound without force, and am harder to fight than to kill. What am I? —Femeref riddle
Cards like Blistering Barrier
Blistering Barrier is an intriguing defensive option for players looking to fortify their board in Magic: The Gathering. It can be compared to cards like Wall of Runes, which also offers a low-cost defensive creature with the added benefit of scrying to set up future draws. What distinguishes Blistering Barrier is its mana-generating death-trigger, setting it slightly apart by providing a mana resource when it’s destroyed.
In the realm of barrier creatures, we also find Gleaming Barrier. This card similarly leaves behind a mana resource upon destruction and shares the same mana value and toughness as Blistering Barrier. However, Gleaming Barrier forgoes the direct damage to attacking creatures that Blistering Barrier can inflict, swapping that for a wider color utility with a Treasure token that can tap for any color of mana.
Consequently, the choice between Blistering Barrier and similar cards ultimately comes down to the needs of the deck and the player’s strategy. The unique combination of defense and resource generation that Blistering Barrier offers can be a subtle yet impactful advantage in many game scenarios.
Cards similar to Blistering Barrier by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Blistering Barrier, upon entering the battlefield, creates a strategic advantage by presenting an obstacle that must be addressed by your opponent. It forces them to expend resources to overcome this roadblock, often leading to card advantage for you as they use up spells or attacks that could have been directed elsewhere.
Resource Acceleration: When Blistering Barrier is put into the graveyard from the battlefield, it provides a key sense of resource acceleration by gifting you an Elemental creature token. This token can be utilized to boost your board presence or as a sacrificial element for various synergistic gameplay mechanics.
Instant Speed: While Blistering Barrier itself does not function at instant speed, its presence on the field can complement instant-speed interactions within your deck. It can act as a deterrent, buying you crucial time to respond with instants on your opponent’s turn, effectively meshing defense with your overall reactive game plan.
Card Cons
Specific Mana Cost: Blistering Barrier comes with a specific mana cost that demands a particular mana type, potentially limiting its integration into multi-colored decks that might not consistently generate the necessary mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Deploying Blistering Barrier onto the battlefield requires a significant mana investment. There are instances where players might find other cards that provide similar protection or board presence for a lesser mana cost, making this card a less efficient option for some strategies.
Discard Requirement: To fully utilize Blistering Barrier’s capabilities, a player might have to meet certain discard requirements. This could hinder your hand advantage and put you at a tactical setback, especially when other cards in hand are vital to your game plan.
Reasons to Include Blistering Barrier in Your Collection
Versatility: Blistering Barrier excels as a defensive measure that can fit into a variety of deck archetypes. It serves as an efficient early-game roadblock against aggressive decks, making it a sound choice for those looking to fortify their defenses.
Combo Potential: When Blistering Barrier perishes, it leaves behind an Elemental token with prowess. This token can seamlessly integrate into strategies focused on spell-slinging or prowess-themed decks, where casting noncreature spells can make the token a substantial threat.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta swarming with combat-centric decks, Blistering Barrier provides a surefire way to hamper your opponent’s onslaught. Its mere presence on the battlefield can deter attacks, making it a strategic inclusion for decks aiming to stall until executing their win conditions.
How to beat
Blistering Barrier is a unique yet challenging wall-type creature that can be a real obstacle for MTG players. This red element card fortifies a player’s defense, preventing opponents from dealing damage as easily. Overcoming such a card requires a strategy that can bypass or dismantle this sturdy line of defense.
One approach is leveraging spells that can deal direct damage or provide removal effects. Cards that can target creatures or players, such as Lightning Bolt or Murder, can be effective against a barrier that relies on its toughness. Alternatively, enhancing your creatures’ abilities to surpass the Barrier’s defense through enchantments or equipments that increase power can turn the tides in your favor. Also, remember that effects allowing you to deal damage regardless of toughness—such pointers could be the key to outplaying this formidable bulwark on the battlefield.
When it comes to tactical positioning within the game of MTG, understanding how to dismantle such barriers can be crucial. Selecting the right spells, creatures, and strategy that prioritize removal or overpowering defenses will ensure that the Blistering Barrier doesn’t stall your victory march.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Blistering Barrier MTG card by a specific set like Mirage, 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 Blistering Barrier 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Blistering Barrier has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |