Electrify MTG Card
2017-04-28 - Number 129
2018-07-13 - Number 139
2022-12-02 - Number 527
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Electrify deals 4 damage to target creature.
"Some hid from the storm. I embraced it and learned its name."
Cards like Electrify
Electrify stands out in the realm of creature removal spells in Magic: The Gathering. Its performance can be juxtaposed with cards like Lightning Strike, which also delivers damage to creatures or players. However, Electrify brings a distinct advantage to the table – the ability to deal a more significant amount of damage to creatures, albeit at a higher mana cost and only during your own turn.
Comparable spells, such as Chandra’s Outrage, throw a spotlight on the balance of cost and effect. Like Electrify, Chandra’s Outrage inflicts 4 damage to a creature and also adds 2 damage to that creature’s controller. This positions it as a spell with a broader impact, yet it demands an additional mana and still remains limited to sorcery speed. Searing Spear, another spell often equated with these, offers more flexibility as an instant and deals 3 damage at a lesser cost, but it lacks the raw power of Electrify in eliminating stout creatures.
Assessing these options, Electrify carves its niche in Magic: The Gathering owing to its potency against formidable creatures, despite the inflexibility of a sorcery. The spell’s capacity to sway combat outcomes makes it a noteworthy choice in any player’s arsenal.
Cards similar to Electrify by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Electrify bolsters your strategic depth by dealing direct damage, effectively removing a threat from the board and potentially keeping your hand packed with resources for upcoming turns.
Resource Acceleration: Damage spells like Electrify can efficiently clear a path for your own creatures, accelerating the pace at which you can connect with your opponent and secure the game.
Instant Speed: The flexibility of casting Electrify at instant speed provides the opportunity to disrupt your opponent’s plays during their turn and can be a pivotal play in maintaining control over the game state.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Engaging the power of Electrify demands you to discard another card, a strategic setback when your hand is already dwindling.
Specific Mana Cost: Locking in at two red mana, Electrify’s piercing energy is bound to mono-red or two-color decks, potentially clashing with a player’s mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With four mana to summon its blaze, Electrify faces stiff competition from a suite of spells known for dealing damage more efficiently, leaving some players to ponder its value on the battlefield.
Reasons to Include Electrify in Your Collection
Versatility: Electrify proves to be a flexible card that can be slotted into a range of red decks. Its straightforward nature allows it to serve as an efficient removal spell for creatures, easily eliminating threats on the board.
Combo Potential: As a damage dealer, Electrify functions well in decks that capitalize on spells that deal direct damage. It can work in tandem with cards that increase spell damage or grant additional benefits when casting instants and sorceries.
Meta-Relevance: Considering the pace of many competitive games, Electrify keeps up with the demands by offering a reliable way to dispatch creatures that are key to opponent strategies. Its capability to remove mid-sized creatures makes it relevant in various matchups.
How to Beat Electrify
Electrify is an impactful spell in MTG, offering a straightforward approach to removing creatures from the battlefield. To effectively counter this four-mana removal card, it’s essential to strategize around its limitations. For instance, creatures with toughness greater than 4 or those that have hexproof or protection from red are out of reach for Electrify. Moreover, playing creatures with an “enters the battlefield” effect ensures you gain value even if Electrify is used against them.
Another strategy is to make your creatures indestructible or use instant speed spells that can counteract the damage Electrify deals, such as giving your creature a toughness boost. Alternatively, focusing on playing cards that replace themselves or generate additional advantage through other creatures entering the game can also offset the 1-for-1 nature of removal spells like Electrify. Understanding and anticipating this type of single-target removal will make your deck resilient and capable of sustaining your board presence against direct damage spells.
Adopting such strategies can help you navigate against Electrify, preserving your creatures and maintaining a strong position in the game. Keep in mind the dynamics of your deck and what kind of threats you’re likely to face to prepare the most effective countermeasures.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Electrify MTG card by a specific set like Amonkhet and Core Set 2019, 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 Electrify 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Electrify Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2017-04-28 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Craig J Spearing.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2017-04-28 | Amonkhet | AKH | 129 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Craig J Spearing | |
| 2 | 2018-07-13 | Core Set 2019 | M19 | 139 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Craig J Spearing | |
| 3 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 527 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Craig J Spearing |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Electrify 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 |