Catalyst Elemental MTG Card
2018-07-13 - Number 132
2022-12-02 - Number 510
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Elemental |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Sacrifice Catalyst Elemental: Add .
As the hyperstormic generator crept past redline, a being emerged from the arc.
Cards like Catalyst Elemental
Catalyst Elemental is a notable card for those seeking to ramp their mana in Magic: The Gathering. When you compare it to cards like Iron Myr, you’ll notice that while both grant you mana, Catalyst Elemental provides a burst by sacrificing itself for a notable addition of red mana. Unlike Iron Myr, which offers a persistent but lesser increment of mana each turn.
Examining Skirk Prospector, another card with a sacrifice-for-mana ability, we discover that it’s cheaper to play and can convert goblins into red mana at any time. However, Catalyst Elemental outshines it in the sheer amount of mana generated from a single sacrifice. Analyzing Generator Servant, similarly, we see that it also sacrifices to give you mana. Yet, it also bestows haste to the creature you cast with that mana, a strategic advantage Catalyst Elemental lacks.
Ultimately, Catalyst Elemental serves a unique purpose in red decks that require a sudden surge in mana for an impactful play. Its similarity to other red mana source cards confirms its role in enabling powerful turns, even though it sacrifices itself in the process.
Cards similar to Catalyst Elemental by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Catalyst Elemental may not directly provide card draw, but its ability to sacrifice for additional mana can be pivotal in casting card-drawing spells or enabling combos that result in card advantage.
Resource Acceleration: Sacrificing Catalyst Elemental provides a burst of mana, offering a temporary boost in resources that can be the difference between victory and defeat, especially in decks that aim to win quickly or need a surge to cast high-impact spells.
Instant Speed: While Catalyst Elemental itself doesn’t have a cast at instant speed, its sacrifice ability can be activated at any time you could cast an instant. This flexible timing allows you to make strategic decisions on the fly and surprise your opponent with unanticipated plays.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Catalyst Elemental requires you to sacrifice it, which means relinquishing board presence; a steep price for accelerating your mana.
Specific Mana Cost: The card demands a specific red mana as part of its casting cost, which could be restrictive for multicolored decks aiming for a balanced mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Three mana for a one-time burst of two red mana may not be as cost-effective as other ramp options available in the MTG universe, making it a less optimal choice in competitive play.
Reasons to Include Catalyst Elemental in Your Collection
Versatility: Catalyst Elemental’s flexiblity shines in decks that thrive on explosive mana acceleration. Whether you’re casting high-cost creatures or activating demanding abilities, this Elemental provides a burst of energy exactly when you need it. Its sacrifice mechanic easily integrates into various archetypes, from ramp to red-based combo decks.
Combo Potential: With its unique ability to sacrifice for additional red mana, Catalyst Elemental can be the key to unleashing powerful combos. It pairs well with strategies that capitalize on casting multiple spells in a single turn or that require a sudden influx of mana to execute a game-winning play.
Meta-Relevance: In gameplay where speed and tempo can dictate the winner, Catalyst Elemental offers immediate value. It’s especially useful in a meta that favors aggressive playstyles, enabling you to outpace opponents by accelerating your mana curve and deploying threats ahead of schedule.
How to beat
Catalyst Elemental offers a unique twist to the mana resources in Magic: The Gathering. This card allows players to sacrifice it to add three red mana to their mana pool. While this burst of resources can be quite the game-changer, it’s important to understand strategies to navigate and overcome it.
One effective approach is utilizing removal spells before your opponent gets a chance to leverage that sudden influx of mana. Instant-speed removal like Lightning Bolt or Fatal Push can dispatch Catalyst Elemental before it’s sacrificed, preventing the mana boost. Alternatively, countering key spells that your opponent might unleash with that extra mana can mitigate the impact of Catalyst Elemental’s ability. Cards like Counterspell or Essence Scatter serve this purpose well.
Winning against decks that include Catalyst Elemental often hinges on disrupting the opponent’s strategy, timing, and maintaining pressure. By recognizing the pivotal moments when your adversary lacks sufficient mana and then taking advantage of those situations, you can often minimize or negate the advantage Catalyst Elemental could provide them. Remaining vigilant and proactive with your responses ensures your strategy remains uninterrupted regardless of your opponent’s potential mana surge.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Catalyst Elemental MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2019 and Jumpstart 2022, 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 Catalyst Elemental 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 Catalyst Elemental Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2018-07-13 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Deruchenko Alexander.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2018-07-13 | Core Set 2019 | M19 | 132 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Deruchenko Alexander | |
| 2 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 510 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Deruchenko Alexander |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Catalyst Elemental 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 |