Empyrial Storm MTG Card

Generates bird tokens at instant speed, leveraging timing for optimal play. Token creation can be a resource boon, providing strategic advantages. Flexibility with use in decks focused on spells or token strategies.

Treasure Chest (PZ2)
2016-11-16 - Number 70701

Commander 2018 (C18)
2018-08-09 - Number 2

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	6
Rarity	Rare
Type	Sorcery

Text of card

When you cast this spell, copy it for each time you've cast your commander from the command zone this game. Create a 4/4 white Angel creature token with flying.

An inspiring and glorious ascent.

Cards like Empyrial Storm

Empyrial Storm is a unique spell in MTG that carves its niche among the storm family of cards. It creates Bird creature tokens with flying, a feat reminiscent of Battle Screech, which also conjures flying tokens. However, Empyrial Storm scales with the number of spells cast before it, potentially unleashing a sizeable flock which Battle Screech can’t match without jumping through additional hoops to flash it back from the graveyard.

Then we have Dragon Fodder and Krenko’s Command, both of which are straightforward spells creating two Goblin creature tokens. Granted, they’re less expensive than Empyrial Storm, but they lack its explosive token-generating potential, a crucial factor that could turn the tide of a match. Finally, Hordeling Outburst deserves mention, spawning three tokens at the expense of three mana, yet it still falls short of Empryrial Storm’s scalability and the tactical advantage granted by evasion.

While other token-generating cards offer consistency, Empyrial Storm banks on the possibility of a grand, game-ending gesture. As an investment in the future turns of a game, it offers MTG aficionados a tantalizing chance of overwhelming their opponents, making it a distinctive choice for players eager to harness the storm mechanic’s might.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Empyrial Storm shines by creating multiple Bird tokens with flying, effectively giving you additional creatures to utilize. This can overwhelm opponents and keep your hand stocked with valuable options.

Resource Acceleration: The created Bird tokens are not only threats but can also be used as sacrificial resources for various gameplay strategies, effectively bolstering your position and resources on the battlefield at a rapid pace.

Instant Speed: The ability to play Empyrial Storm at instant speed adds an element of surprise against opponents. This enables you to wait for the optimal moment to maximize the number of tokens created by responding to the spells played earlier in the turn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Casting Empyrial Storm comes with the condition that you need to have a legendary creature or planeswalker under your control to avoid discarding a card, which can be restrictive and problematic when you are lacking these permanents on the battlefield.

Specific Mana Cost: Empyrial Storm’s mana cost requires white mana, which may not seamlessly fit into decks without a solid base in white or a robust mana-fixing mechanism.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a conversion cost that requires four mana, including two white, it competes for space in your deck with other impactful four-mana spells. This can be a significant consideration when building a lean and efficient deck, as alternatives may offer similar or better effects for a lower investment.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Empyrial Storm is a card that players find appealing for its flexibility in various deck builds, easily slotting into any deck that focuses on spell casting, enchantments, or token generation strategies.

Combo Potential: With its ability to create a large number of flying creatures based on the number of spells cast before it, Empyrial Storm offers synergies with cards that capitalize on casting multiple spells in a single turn, potentially leading to explosive combo finishes.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where creature-based strategies are prevalent, being able to muster a sizeable air force can shift the balance in your favor, making Empyrial Storm a card worth considering for your deck, especially in formats with a focus on spells and instant-win conditions.

How to Beat Empyrial Storm

Empyrial Storm is an intriguing option in the realm of card advantage in Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to gradually increase your life total or churn out bird tokens can be a formidable mechanism within the right deck. Yet, just like any other strategy in the game, it can be countered. The key to overpowering this card lies in swift and decisive action.

One approach to trumping Empyrial Storm involves employing counter spells that can negate it as it hits the stack, thereby preventing its potentially escalating effects. Another effective strategy is to apply pressure early in the game. Racing against an Empyrial Storm deck before it has the chance to establish its presence is essential. Similarly, removal spells that handle enchantments directly, such as Naturalize or Disenchant, can dismantle this card’s ambitions neatly and efficiently.

Overall, while Empyrial Storm can build up a threat over time, direct disruption and a faster game tempo are your allies in ensuring that the storm clouds never gather. By staying one step ahead and using precise removal or counters, you can keep the skies clear and remain in control of the match.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Empyrial Storm MTG card by a specific set like Treasure Chest and Commander 2018, 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 Empyrial Storm and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Empyrial Storm Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2016-11-16 and 2018-08-09. Illustrated by Mark Poole.

#	Released	Name	Code	Symbol	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2016-11-16	Treasure Chest	PZ2		70701	2015	Normal	Black	Mark Poole
2	2018-08-09	Commander 2018	C18		2	2015	Normal	Black	Mark Poole

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Empyrial Storm has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Penny	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Empyrial Storm card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date	Text
2018-07-13	Each Storm’s triggered ability can copy the Storm spell even if that spell is countered before that ability resolves.
2018-07-13	Each Storm’s triggered ability counts only how many times you’ve cast your commander from the command zone before that triggered ability resolves. If you cast your commander again later, you won’t get another copy.
2018-07-13	If your commander was countered, that time you cast it still counts.
2018-07-13	The copies are created on the stack, so they’re not “cast.” Abilities that trigger when a player casts a spell (such as the Storm’s ability itself) won’t trigger.
2018-10-05	If you have multiple commanders, you’ll copy this spell for each time you’ve cast either of them. For example, if you’ve cast one commander once and one twice, you’ll copy this spell three times.