Dwarven Catapult MTG Card
1994-11-01 - Number 51
1996-05-02 - Number et51sb
1997-03-24 - Number 220
2007-09-10 - Number 91
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Dwarven Catapult does X damage, divided evenly among all of opponent's creatures (round down).
"Often greatly outnumbered in battle, Dwarves relied on catapults as one means of damaging a large army." —*Sarpadian Empires, vol. IV*
Cards like Dwarven Catapult
Dwarven Catapult is a classic offensive option from Magic: The Gathering’s long list of red spells and hails from earlier sets. It’s an instant that deals damage divided evenly among all creatures target opponent controls. Its closest relatives in function include cards like Earthquake and Rolling Earthquake, which also inflict damage across the board. However, what makes Dwarven Catapult unique is its ability to target only the creatures of a single opponent, which can be advantageous in multiplayer scenarios where you wish to circumvent harming your own board presence.
Another comparable card is Pyroclasm—cheaper in mana cost but offering less control, as it indiscriminately hits all creatures for 2 damage. This can be problematic if your own creatures are within that damage threshold. In contrast, Dwarven Catapult’s variable damage output provides a more surgical approach to creature control. Then we have Fiery Confluence, which offers versatility by giving players a choice of modes but comes at a higher cost and lacks the precision targeting of Dwarven Catapult.
Overall, Dwarven Catapult stands its ground in red’s arsenal, providing targeted crowd control in MTG, a choice that can be instrumental for players facing numerous threats or aiming to avoid collateral damage to their own creatures.
Cards similar to Dwarven Catapult by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Even though Dwarven Catapult doesn’t directly allow a player to draw cards, it provides an advantage by potentially clearing multiple creatures off the board with a single card. This tactic can leave an opponent at a significant creature disadvantage, tilting the resource scales in favor of the Dwarven Catapult user.
Resource Acceleration: This card can act as a force multiplier, particularly in a deck with a strategy to ramp up mana quickly. While it doesn’t provide direct resource acceleration like adding more mana, it lets players utilize available mana to control the board, allowing for more efficient use of resources.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Dwarven Catapult at instant speed gives players flexibility to respond to threats during the combat phase or at the end of an opponent’s turn. This timing keeps opponents guessing and can potentially disrupt their combat strategies, providing a tactical edge.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Dwarven Catapult requires a strategic hand management, as it forces you to discard a card upon use. This can be particularly challenging when you are running low on cards, potentially setting you back in the game.
Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost for Dwarven Catapult is locked into red, which means it’s not as flexible for multicolored decks. Players must have sufficient red mana sources to utilize this card, potentially limiting its versatility in non-monocolor deck builds.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that may be considered steep for the damage it deals, Dwarven Catapult’s effectiveness can be questioned when compared to other damage-dealing options. In a fast-paced game, the mana investment might not yield the expected tactical advantage, especially in high-stakes scenarios where every mana point counts.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Dwarven Catapult offers a unique ability to deal damage divided as you choose among any number of target creatures. This makes it suitable for a broad range of situations, from clearing out swarms of smaller creatures to finishing off damaged opponents in a strategic manner.
Combo Potential: This card has the potential to synergize with strategies that manipulate damage distribution or benefit from the destruction of creatures. It can easily become part of a larger strategy involving board control and tactical advantage.
Meta-Relevance: Dwarven Catapult can be particularly relevant in metas where creature-heavy decks are prominent. Its ability to disrupt opponent’s board presence gives it a valuable slot in decks looking to hold back tide of creature-based strategies prevalent in some formats.
How to beat
Dwarven Catapult can be a formidable card in the arsenal of any MTG player, especially when facing token-heavy strategies or decks that deploy numerous low-toughness creatures. Its instant speed allows for strategic timing, often clearing the board of smaller threats at a critical moment. To outmaneuver this powerful red spell, consider incorporating cards that generate hexproof or shroud effects, which can prevent your creatures from being targeted by such direct damage spells.
Another effective tactic is to use creature counters or indestructible-granting cards that fend off destruction-based spells. Prioritizing the summoning of creatures with higher toughness can also diminish the impact of Dwarven Catapult, forcing your opponent to commit more mana to achieve the same board-clearing effect. Additionally, instants that counter spells are crucial – having a Mana Leak or Negate at the ready can save your creatures and possibly turn the tide of the game.
Remember that timing plays a crucial role here. Monitor your opponent’s mana availability and play conservatively when you suspect that a Dwarven Catapult could be at play. By taking these precautions and including the right countermeasures in your deck, you can nullify the advantage that this potent card represents and maintain a strong presence on the board.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Dwarven Catapult MTG card by a specific set like Fallen Empires and Pro Tour Collector Set, 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 Dwarven Catapult 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 Dwarven Catapult Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 1994-11-01 and 2007-09-10. Illustrated by Jeff A. Menges.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1994-11-01 | Fallen Empires | FEM | 51 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Jeff A. Menges | |
| 2 | 1996-05-02 | Pro Tour Collector Set | PTC | et51sb | 1993 | Normal | Gold | Jeff A. Menges | |
| 3 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 220 | 1997 | Normal | White | Jeff A. Menges | |
| 4 | 2007-09-10 | Masters Edition | ME1 | 91 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Jeff A. Menges |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Dwarven Catapult has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Dwarven Catapult 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 | Count the number of creatures on resolution of the spell and divide X by that number at that time. If the number of creatures changes before resolution, the damage done may be different than what you expected. |
| 2007-09-16 | For example, if X is 5 and the targeted opponent controls three creatures, Dwarven Catapult deals 1 damage to each of those creatures. |
| 2014-02-01 | If the targeted opponent controls more than X creatures, no damage will be dealt to any of them. |