Pierce the Sky MTG Card
2018-04-27 - Number 176
2019-11-07 - Number 1293
2020-09-26 - Number DOM-176
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
Key Takeaways
- Targets flying creatures, providing control over the battlefield and negating aerial threats effectively.
- Cost-efficient and instant-speed attributes offer strategic depth and flexibility during gameplay.
- Despite being specialized, it’s a valuable inclusion in green decks to handle prevalent metagame flyers.
Text of card
Pierce the Sky deals 7 damage to target creature with flying.
Llanowar elves conceal their ballistae in the upper canopy of the forest, ready to clear the skies of any intruder.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Unlike many other removal spells, Pierce the Sky stands out by specifically targeting flying creatures—often a prevalent threat in games. Its ability to neutralize an opponent’s powerful airborne forces can swing the momentum in your favor and ensure you maintain control of the battlefield.
Resource Acceleration: Although Pierce the Sky doesn’t directly accelerate resources, it’s cost-effective. For just two mana, this card fits well into many game plans, allowing players to preserve mana for other strategic plays and maintain a steady pace throughout the match.
Instant Speed: The instantaneous nature of Pierce the Sky gives players the flexibility to respond to threats at a moment’s notice. This allows for strategic depth in gameplay, providing the element of surprise and the ability to react during the opponent’s turn, further complicating their offensive strategies.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Pierce the Sky requires no discard, but being a specialized card means having less versatility in a player’s hand, potentially taking the spot of a card with broader applications.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s green mana requirement positions it squarely within green decks. Players focused on multicolor or non-green strategies may find it less accessible.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of two mana, which may be steep for the effect of targeting only flying creatures. Some players might seek a lower-cost alternative or more inclusive removal spells that address a broader range of threats for similar or lower mana investments.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Pierce the Sky is a dedicated answer to flying creatures, making it a valuable sideboard card in green decks that struggle against flyers.
Combo Potential: This card can complement strategies that involve creature control or those that manage opponents’ threats, working well in tandem with other removal spells.
Meta-Relevance: Given that flying creatures are often found in various MTG metas, having Pierce the Sky on hand ensures you’re prepared to take down key aerial threats.
How to beat
Pierce the Sky is a card that MTG players often reach for when faced with flying powerhouses that dominate the board. Its ability to deal with creatures soaring high above the battlefield makes it a staple in green decks that need to clear the aerial path. Yet, every strategy has its weaknesses, and Pierce the Sky is no exception.
To effectively counter this card, one could employ tactics that make their creatures less reliant on flying. Diversifying the creature abilities, such as including those with reach or simply playing a variety of non-flying threats can mitigate the impact of Pierce the Sky. Another method is to use spell protection like hexproof or to employ counterspells that can negate Pierce the Sky’s effect before it resolves, neutralizing the threat it poses.
Adapting to the presence of Pierce the Sky in your opponent’s deck is all about flexibility. The key lies in anticipating this move and having a plan to ensure your high-value flying creatures aren’t left vulnerable to a targeted removal. By taking these precautions and adjusting your strategy accordingly, you’ll be able to maintain your board presence and keep your flying forces in the battle.
Cards like Pierce the Sky
Pierce the Sky holds a certain niche within the green spells of Magic: The Gathering, designed expressly to deal with flying creatures. When placed side by side with similar cards like Plummet, which also destroys a creature with flying, Pierce the Sky offers the same effect but with an added advantage — it allows its caster to draw a card if the targeted creature is legendary.
Another comparable card is Crushing Canopy. It shares the ability to eliminate flyers, and additionally provides flexibility by granting the choice to destroy an enchantment instead. Though it comes at a higher mana cost compared to Pierce the Sky, this versatility can be crucial in the right deck and matchup. Wing Snare is also worth mentioning, as it’s been an option for green mages looking to ground imposing winged adversaries. While it doesn’t provide the card advantage that Pierce the Sky might against legendary creatures, it offers a similar specialized removal at a steeper mana investment.
Evaluating them all, Pierce the Sky distinguishes itself as a relatively cost-effective removal with a potential card draw upside, positioning it as an appealing choice for players facing decks heavy with legendary fliers.
Cards similar to Pierce the Sky by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Pierce the Sky MTG card by a specific set like Dominaria and Mystery Booster, 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 Pierce the Sky and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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
Printings
The Pierce the Sky Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2018-04-27 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Slawomir Maniak.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2018-04-27 | Dominaria | DOM | 176 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Slawomir Maniak | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1293 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Slawomir Maniak | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | DOM-176 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Slawomir Maniak |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Pierce the Sky 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 |
