Vandalblast MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 11 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityUncommon
TypeSorcery
Abilities Overload

Key Takeaways

  1. Vandalblast can shift game momentum by removing multiple artifacts, offering a considerable form of card advantage.
  2. Due to its red mana requirement, the card’s integration into decks may be somewhat limited across various formats.
  3. Its Overload mechanic transforms Vandalblast from targeted removal to a sweeping board clear, impacting overall strategy.

Text of card

Destroy target artifact you don't control. Overload (You may cast this spell for its overload cost. If you do, change its text by replacing all instances of "target" with "each.")

Beauty is in the eye of the exploder.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Vandalblast offers a unique form of card advantage in MTG, often decimating an opponent’s arsenal of artifacts with a single cast. It can easily turn the tide by dealing with multiple threats simultaneously.

Resource Acceleration: Though not directly providing mana or acceleration, Vandalblast effectively propels you ahead by knocking your opponents’ resources back, effectively acting as a form of resource acceleration by setting your opponents behind.

Instant Speed: As a sorcery, Vandalblast can’t be cast at instant speed. However, its Overload mechanic allows you to plan a game-changing move during your turn, clearing the way for your strategy without the need to leave mana open.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Vandalblast does not require a discard, which is an upside, granting you the ability to maintain card advantage while dealing with artifacts.

Specific Mana Cost: Its prerequisite of red mana means that Vandalblast can only fit into decks that run red or have a means of mana fixing, potentially limiting its versatility across the myriad of MTG formats.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the initial cost is low, the overload mechanic, which significantly amplifies Vandalblast’s effect, requires a total of five mana. This can be steep, particularly in the early game where mana resources are crucial for establishing board presence.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Vandalblast can be seamlessly integrated into multiple deck archetypes, particularly those that need efficient artifact removal options. Its ability to either target a single artifact or sweep clean all artifacts your opponents control, makes it adaptable to various board states and situations.

Combo Potential: This card shines in environments where artifacts are critical to combo setups. Not only can Vandalblast disrupt your opponent’s artifact-based strategies, but it can also clear the path for your own combos to take center stage without the interference of pesky artifacts.

Meta-Relevance: With artifacts being a staple in many competitive formats, Vandalblast offers significant strategic advantage. It thrives in metas saturated with artifact-centric decks, making it a timely and tactical choice to gain the upper hand against prevalent strategies.


How to Beat

Vandalblast has earned its reputation as a powerful tool for eliminating artifacts in Magic: The Gathering. Its unique Overload ability can sweep clean your opponents’ boards of all artifacts, a potential game-changer. To effectively navigate and overcome this card, players should consider diversifying their threats beyond just artifact reliance. Running enchantments, creatures, and other non-artifact permanents can mitigate the impact of a Vandalblast.

Another strategy is to employ artifact indestructible options or cards that can quickly regenerate your important artifacts. Keep a watchful eye on the mana your opponent has available, especially if they’re playing red, and be cautious about overcommitting artifacts to the board. Counterspells, obviously, remain a straightforward solution to prevent Vandalblast from resolving, while cards that grant you hexproof, like Leyline of Sanctity, can shield your artifacts from targeted effects.

Being mindful of the meta and prepared for sweeping destruction effects like Vandalblast can be critical to maintaining an upper hand in matches. Balancing your gameplay and having answers ready is essential for any Magic: The Gathering player looking to triumph in a meta where such board wipes are prevalent.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the utility and timing of Vandalblast is crucial for any MTG player looking to enhance their artifact removal strategy. Its place in your deck could be the deciding factor between victory and defeat, especially in a meta where artifacts are omnipresent. We encourage players to recognize the situations where Vandalblast can truly shine and to evaluate its inclusion based on the current competitive environment. Are you ready to optimize your deck and outmaneuver your opponents’ artifact-based tactics? Dive in with us for in-depth analysis, strategic tips, and more ways to harness the raw power of Vandalblast in your MTG endeavours.


Cards like Vandalblast

Vandalblast has solidified its place in Magic: The Gathering as a premier option for players looking to efficiently manage artifacts on the battlefield. It shares space with other destruction spells, such as By Force and Shattering Spree – both of which also serve the purpose of clearing out multiple artifacts with a single spell. The distinction, however, lies in Vandalblast’s overwhelming advantage with its Overload ability, allowing the spell to shift from single-target removal to a full board sweep without harming your own artifacts.

Comparably, Shattering Spree replicates itself for each additional mana paid, echoing its effect against multiple targets. By Force, on the other hand, scales its potential for destruction with the amount of mana invested into the spell, directly translating to the number of artifacts it can destroy. While both are potent, the strategic flexibility offered by Vandalblast affords players the chance to surprise opponents with a game-altering play by converting it from a precision tool into a powerful artifact-wiping force.

In sum, considering the strategic depth, scope of influence, and adaptability in game scenarios, Vandalblast indeed holds a distinguished reputation among similar MTG cards for controlling artifacts.

By Force - MTG Card versions
Shattering Spree - MTG Card versions
By Force - Amonkhet (AKH)
Shattering Spree - Guildpact (GPT)

Cards similar to Vandalblast by color, type and mana cost

Disintegrate - MTG Card versions
Fireball - MTG Card versions
Earthquake - MTG Card versions
Mana Clash - MTG Card versions
Detonate - MTG Card versions
Winds of Change - MTG Card versions
Blaze - MTG Card versions
Gamble - MTG Card versions
Meltdown - MTG Card versions
Goblin Grenade - MTG Card versions
Landslide - MTG Card versions
Tremor - MTG Card versions
Ghitu Fire - MTG Card versions
Tahngarth's Glare - MTG Card versions
Lava Burst - MTG Card versions
Overmaster - MTG Card versions
Devil's Play - MTG Card versions
Firebolt - MTG Card versions
Crack the Earth - MTG Card versions
Meteor Shower - MTG Card versions
Disintegrate - Fifth Edition (5ED)
Fireball - The List (PLST)
Earthquake - Tales of Middle-earth Commander (LTC)
Mana Clash - Ninth Edition (9ED)
Detonate - Introductory Two-Player Set (ITP)
Winds of Change - Masters Edition (ME1)
Blaze - Duels of the Planeswalkers (DPA)
Gamble - Dominaria Remastered (DMR)
Meltdown - Urza's Saga (USG)
Goblin Grenade - Arena New Player Experience Extras (XANA)
Landslide - Urza's Destiny (UDS)
Tremor - Eighth Edition (8ED)
Ghitu Fire - Invasion (INV)
Tahngarth's Glare - Apocalypse (APC)
Lava Burst - Deckmasters (DKM)
Overmaster - Dominaria Remastered (DMR)
Devil's Play - Shadows of the Past (SIS)
Firebolt - Mystery Booster (MB1)
Crack the Earth - Betrayers of Kamigawa (BOK)
Meteor Shower - Masters Edition II (ME2)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Vandalblast MTG card by a specific set like Return to Ravnica and Commander 2015, 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 Vandalblast and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Vandalblast Magic the Gathering card was released in 9 different sets between 2012-10-05 and 2024-03-08. Illustrated by 4 different artists.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12012-10-05Return to RavnicaRTR 1112003normalblackSeb McKinnon
22015-11-13Commander 2015C15 1702015normalblackSeb McKinnon
32019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 4042015normalblackKawasumi
42020-09-26The ListPLST C15-1702015normalblackSeb McKinnon
52021-03-19Time Spiral RemasteredTSR 3521997normalblackSeb McKinnon
62021-07-23Forgotten Realms CommanderAFC 1482015normalblackSeb McKinnon
72021-11-19Crimson Vow CommanderVOC 1522015normalblackSeb McKinnon
82023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 6462015normalborderlessDermot Power
92023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 2672015normalblackSeb McKinnon
102024-03-08FalloutPIP 3552015normalborderlessAKQA
112024-03-08FalloutPIP 8832015normalborderlessAKQA

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Vandalblast has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Vandalblast card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

DateText
2021-03-19 Because a spell with overload doesn't target when its overload cost is paid, it may affect artifacts with hexproof or with protection from red.
2021-03-19 If you are instructed to cast a spell with overload “without paying its mana cost,” you can't choose to pay its overload cost instead.
2021-03-19 If you don't pay the overload cost of Vandalblast, that spell will have a single target. If you pay the overload cost, the spell won't have any targets.
2021-03-19 To determine the total cost of a spell, start with the mana cost or alternative cost you're paying (such as an overload cost), add any cost increases, then apply any cost reductions. The mana value of the spell is determined by only its mana cost, no matter what the total cost to cast that spell was.

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