Detonate MTG Card
1994-03-04 - Number 24
1995-04-01 - Number 184
1995-04-01 - Number 184
1995-08-01 - Number 83
1995-08-01 - Number 77
1996-05-02 - Number mj184sb
1996-05-02 - Number mj184
1996-07-01 - Number 29
1996-12-31 - Number 30
1997-03-24 - Number 218
2003-10-02 - Number 88
2011-01-10 - Number 111
2020-09-26 - Number MRD-88
| Card sets | Released in 13 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
Targets any artifact; X is the casting cost of target artifact. Target artifact is destroyed, and Detonate does X points of damage to artifact's controller. Artifact creatures destroyed in this manner may not be regenerated.
Cards like Detonate
Detonate is a unique card in the vast array of red spells within the realm of Magic: The Gathering. This disruptive spell is akin to cards like Shatter, which also targets artifacts for destruction. Detonate, however, takes a more aggressive stance by inflicting damage equal to the artifact’s converted mana cost to its controller, an aspect Shatter does not share.
In a comparable category, we discover cards such as Vandalblast, which offers the ability to obliterate multiple artifacts at once with its Overload cost—though it lacks the direct damage feature of Detonate. Then there is Smash to Smithereens, another spell in this spectrum, delivering the damage-to-controller feature for a fixed amount, but without the scaling effect based on the artifact’s mana value.
When analyzing these cards side-by-side, Detonate’s blend of targeted artifact removal and potential for significant damage based on an artifact’s value places it in a distinct position within Magic: The Gathering’s landscape of artifact interaction spells.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Detonate can strip an opponent’s valuable artifact, hindering their board state while maintaining parity in your hand as it doesn’t require card discard.
Resource Acceleration: By removing key mana rocks or artifact ramp from the game, Detonate disrupts your opponent’s resource acceleration, potentially giving you a crucial lead in the race for mana dominance.
Instant Speed: The ability to play Detonate at instant speed gives players the flexibility to respond adaptively during an opponent’s turn, interrupting combos or crucial plays without sacrificing the momentum of their own strategy.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Detonate demands that players discard a card as part of its casting cost. This condition can put a strain on your hand, especially if you’re running low on cards, potentially putting you at a disadvantage by depleting your options.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s requirement for a single red mana in its cost can be restrictive. Decks that don’t generate red mana consistently might find it challenging to integrate Detonate effectively, thereby limiting its utility across various deck types.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that is considered somewhat high relative to the card’s effect, Detonate may not always be the most cost-efficient choice in a deck. There are alternatives that provide similar or better outcomes at a lower mana investment, which might be more appealing in fast-paced games where efficiency is key.
Reasons to Include Detonate in Your Collection
Versatility: Detonate is a versatile removal spell that can handle a variety of troublesome artifacts in your opponent’s arsenal. Whether you’re facing down a mana rock or a powerful equipment, this card has the flexibility to adapt to a range of situations.
Combo Potential: This spell not only deals with threats, but it can also work well in decks that benefit from destroying their own artifacts for advantages, such as when paired with cards that have effects when going to the graveyard.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where artifact decks are prevalent, Detonate rises in utility, making it a smart addition to sideboards or even main decks dependent on the current trends.
How to beat
Detonate shines in Magic: The Gathering as a versatile removal option, particularly in metas saturated with artifacts. What sets it apart from other removal spells is the X cost, which allows players to target artifacts of varying mana values. This flexibility can swing tempo heavily in your favor as you remove key pieces from your opponent’s board while dealing damage equal to the destroyed artifact’s mana value.
To effectively counter Detonate, consider diversifying your threats beyond just high-value artifacts. Running non-artifact strategies such as enchantment-based decks, or incorporating indestructible or hexproof artifacts can cripple the effectiveness of Detonate. Moreover, employing counter spells or baiting out Detonate before committing more valuable artifacts to the board will help maintain your advantage against this destructive spell. Having a resilient game plan that does not rely heavily on artifacts is vital when facing strategies that may include Detonate.
While Detonate poses a significant threat to artifact-centric decks, understanding and employing these strategies can ensure that you maintain the upper hand in your Magic: The Gathering matches despite facing this potentially devastating spell.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Detonate MTG card by a specific set like Antiquities and Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border, 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 Detonate 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 Detonate Magic the Gathering card was released in 12 different sets between 1994-03-04 and 2011-01-10. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1994-03-04 | Antiquities | ATQ | 24 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Randy Asplund-Faith | |
| 2 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border | 4BB | 184 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Randy Asplund-Faith | |
| 3 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition | 4ED | 184 | 1993 | Normal | White | Randy Asplund-Faith | |
| 4 | 1995-08-01 | Renaissance | REN | 83 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Randy Asplund-Faith | |
| 5 | 1995-08-01 | Rinascimento | RIN | 77 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Randy Asplund-Faith | |
| 6 | 1996-05-02 | Pro Tour Collector Set | PTC | mj184sb | 1993 | Normal | Gold | Randy Asplund-Faith | |
| 7 | 1996-05-02 | Pro Tour Collector Set | PTC | mj184 | 1993 | Normal | Gold | Randy Asplund-Faith | |
| 8 | 1996-07-01 | Rivals Quick Start Set | RQS | 29 | 1993 | Normal | White | Randy Asplund-Faith | |
| 9 | 1996-12-31 | Introductory Two-Player Set | ITP | 30 | 1993 | Normal | White | Randy Asplund-Faith | |
| 10 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 218 | 1997 | Normal | White | Randy Asplund-Faith | |
| 11 | 2003-10-02 | Mirrodin | MRD | 88 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Dave Dorman | |
| 12 | 2011-01-10 | Masters Edition IV | ME4 | 111 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Randy Asplund-Faith | |
| 13 | The List | PLST | MRD-88 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Dave Dorman |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Detonate has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Detonate card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | If the artifact becomes an illegal target before resolution, then no damage is done. |