Cone of Flame MTG Card
1997-06-09 - Number 95
2007-07-13 - Number 194
2008-11-07 - Number 54
2009-09-04 - Number 52
2011-04-01 - Number 75
2014-07-18 - Number 137
2014-12-05 - Number 54
2016-04-08 - Number 12
2022-12-02 - Number 517
| Card sets | Released in 9 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
Choose three target creatures and/or players. Cone of Flame deals 1 damage to the first, 2 damage to the second, and 3 damage to the third.
"Mine is not the warmth of compassion." —Ertai, wizard adept
Cards like Cone of Flame
Cone of Flame stands out in the Magic: The Gathering world as a pyromancer’s versatile tool, adding depth to red spell strategies. It shares the stage with other damage-dealing spells like Arc Lightning, which follows a similar spread-damage model. What sets Arc Lightning apart is its lower mana cost compared to Cone of Flame’s steeper requirement. The flexibility of distributing three damage across one, two, or three targets allows for vital tactical plays.
Another relative in this fiery family is Flames of the Raze-Boar, which also offers multipurpose damage distribution. Flames of the Raze-Boar, however, hinges on the presence of a larger creature to amplify its damage output. While it potentially delivers more damage under the right conditions, it lacks the predictability of Cone of Flame. Then, considering Pyroclasm, we notice a shift towards a more blanket approach, dealing damage to all creatures for less mana. This can be more efficient in some board states, but doesn’t provide the pinpoint accuracy and total damage output Cone of Flame offers.
Assessing these options, Cone of Flame holds a unique position. It bridges the gap between strategic precision and impactful damage, even if it requires a commitment of five mana, making it a card worth including in decks aimed at controlling the board and dictating the pace of the game.
Cards similar to Cone of Flame by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Cone of Flame card enables you to deal damage across multiple targets, potentially removing several creatures in one cast. This spread of damage can equate to drawing multiple cards worth of value by dealing with multiple threats at once.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing resource acceleration, the efficient distribution of damage helps you stay ahead on the board. This preservation of your resources while depleting your opponent’s can indirectly result in a form of acceleration through superior board position.
Instant Speed: Although the Cone of Flame is cast at sorcery speed, its impact on the game can be as pivotal as an instant. Clearing out blockers or threats before your turn allows for a more aggressive strategy, likened to the tempo advantage offered by an instant.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Unlike some other cards, Cone of Flame does not require discarding as part of its cost, offering a simpler play experience without sacrificing hand resources.
Specific Mana Cost: Cone of Flame comes at a specific mana cost that requires both red mana and generic mana, which means its inclusion is mostly favored in decks that can reliably produce red mana sources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that is somewhat high on the curve, Cone of Flame may not always align with an efficient mana strategy, especially in faster-paced games where lower-costing spells could be more impactful earlier on.
Reasons to Include Cone of Flame in Your Collection
Versatility: Cone of Flame is a flexible card that allows players to distribute damage across multiple targets. This can be used to clear the board of smaller creatures, finish off a weakened opponent, or simply target multiple threats at once.
Combo Potential: This card can work in tandem with spells that trigger upon dealing damage or with cards that benefit from the death of creatures, such as those with morbid or prowess abilities.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state dominated by creature-based strategies, Cone of Flame offers a relevant solution for dealing with numerous threats simultaneously. Its ability to affect multiple targets makes it a smart addition in a metagame filled with token strategies or against decks that aim to swarm the board.
How to Beat Cone of Flame
Cone of Flame is an impactful sorcery in MTG, dealing a configured pattern of damage across multiple targets. With this card capable of affecting multiple creatures or even hitting an opponent directly, it can be a game-changer on the battlefield. Overcoming its destructive power involves strategic planning. One effective strategy is to employ damage prevention or redirection effects. Cards with protection from red can nullify the damage Cone of Flame would deal to them, while spells like Deflecting Palm can turn its damage back on the opponent.
Counterspells are another solid line of defense. By keeping mana open, you can neutralize Cone of Flame before it even takes effect. Additionally, utilizing instant-speed removal or hexproof granting effects can protect key creatures from being targeted. It’s important to manage the board presence and be prepared for sweepers like Cone of Flame, which demand a proactive approach to ensure your valuable creatures survive or that you can recover quickly if they don’t.
A keen understanding of MTG’s mechanics and a deck tailored with the right counters can help you navigate the challenges posed by powerful sorcery cards like Cone of Flame, maintaining control over the ebb and flow of the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Cone of Flame MTG card by a specific set like Weatherlight and Tenth Edition, 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 Cone of Flame 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 Cone of Flame Magic the Gathering card was released in 9 different sets between 1997-06-09 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1997-06-09 | Weatherlight | WTH | 95 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Ron Spencer | |
| 2 | 2007-07-13 | Tenth Edition | 10E | 194 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Chippy | |
| 3 | 2008-11-07 | Duel Decks: Jace vs. Chandra | DD2 | 54 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Chippy | |
| 4 | 2009-09-04 | Planechase | HOP | 52 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Chippy | |
| 5 | 2011-04-01 | Duel Decks: Knights vs. Dragons | DDG | 75 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Chippy | |
| 6 | 2014-07-18 | Magic 2015 | M15 | 137 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chippy | |
| 7 | 2014-12-05 | Duel Decks Anthology: Jace vs. Chandra | JVC | 54 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chippy | |
| 8 | 2016-04-08 | Welcome Deck 2016 | W16 | 12 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chippy | |
| 9 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 517 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chippy |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Cone of Flame has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Cone of Flame card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2014-07-18 | Each of the three targets must be different. If there aren’t three different legal targets available, you can’t cast the spell. |
| 2014-07-18 | If one or two of Cone of Flame’s targets are illegal when it resolves, you can’t change how much damage will be dealt to the remaining legal targets. |