Shattering Pulse MTG Card

Exodus (EXO)
1998-06-15 - Number 102

Shattering Pulse - World Championship Decks 1998 (WC98)

World Championship Decks 1998 (WC98)
1998-08-12 - Number br102sb

Shattering Pulse - World Championship Decks 1999 (WC99)

World Championship Decks 1999 (WC99)
1999-08-04 - Number mlp102sb

World Championship Decks 1999 (WC99)
1999-08-04 - Number kb102sb

Card sets	Released in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Instant
Abilities	Buyback

Key Takeaways

Shattering Pulse offers potent artifact removal, potentially devastating opponents’ strategies across multiple turns.
The instant speed and flexibility of Shattering Pulse make it a tactical asset during gameplay for red decks.
While powerful with buyback, Shattering Pulse’s mana demands can strain mono-red deck resources considerably.

Text of card

Buyback o3 (You may pay an additional o3 when you play this spell. If you do, put it into your hand instead of your graveyard as part of the spell's effect.) Destroy target artifact.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Shattering Pulse provides a significant edge by offering the potential of repeatable artifact destruction. The card can eliminate key artifacts turn after turn, which can deplete an opponent’s resources while preserving your own.

Resource Acceleration: Although Shattering Pulse doesn’t directly create mana, its utility lies in removing artifacts that may be accelerating an opponent’s strategy. This can slow them down and indirectly accelerate your position in the game.

Instant Speed: Shattering Pulse can be cast at instant speed, which means you can strategically plan your plays and have the flexibility to react to your opponent’s actions. The ability to use it during your opponent’s turn before they can make full use of a troublesome artifact gives you a tactical advantage.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Shattering Pulse is straightforward in its cost and does not require you to discard a card. Players can retain their hand size while utilizing this card’s effects.

Specific Mana Cost: This spell requires red mana, making it a specific fit for red or multi-color decks that can accommodate its mana needs. For decks not running red, this card becomes unusable.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Shattering Pulse has a buyback cost, which can be beneficial for repeated use. However, casting it with buyback can be mana-intensive, potentially using up most of the mana available in a single turn for a mono-red deck.

Reasons to Include Shattering Pulse in Your Collection

Versatility: Shattering Pulse is a highly flexible card as it can be slotted into a variety of red decks, capable of removing problematic artifacts at any stage of the game with its efficient casting cost and the added Buyback ability for repetitive use.

Combo Potential: For combo-oriented decks that need to clear the way for their win conditions, Shattering Pulse can repeatedly take out key artifacts, enabling a clearer path to victory without depleting your hand.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where artifacts play a key role, having Shattering Pulse in your sideboard, or even your main deck, ensures you’re never unprepared for common threats like mana accelerators or other high-value targets, giving you an edge in the game.

How to beat

Shattering Pulse is a versatile red spell in the world of Magic the Gathering, known for its ability to systematically dismantle your opponent’s artifacts. Unlike some artifact removal spells that are one-time use, Shattering Pulse features buyback, allowing players to repeatedly use this card from their hand by paying an additional three mana. This makes it a relentless threat against decks heavily reliant on artifacts.

To outplay Shattering Pulse, consider employing strategies that either make artifacts indestructible or switch to a less artifact-dependent lineup. Cards like Darksteel Forge can render your important tools immune to Shattering Pulse’s destructive power. Alternatively, counter spells or discard effects aimed at disrupting your opponent’s hand can remove Shattering Pulse before it can cause havoc. It’s also useful to diversify your threats, not putting all eggs in one basket, so to speak. Thus, if Shattering Pulse disrupts part of your strategy, the rest of your game plan remains intact, allowing you to weather the storm and emerge victorious in the face of persistent removal.

While Shattering Pulse has the potential to be a game-changer, a well-rounded deck and preemptive measures can counteract its effectiveness, keeping your precious artifacts safe and your strategy on track.

Cards like Shattering Pulse

Delving into the tactical destruction options in Magic: The Gathering, Shattering Pulse emerges as a noteworthy card with the specific role of obliterating artifacts. A close relative in this domain is Viashino Heretic, which offers repeatable artifact removal, although it operates on a creature’s ability rather than an instant spell. Meanwhile, Shattering Pulse’s flexibility is mirrored by the likes of Abrade, which not only handles artifacts but can also deal 3 damage to a creature at instant speed.

Another comparable tool for players is Smash to Smithereens, where the artifact removal comes with the added punch of dealing damage to the opponent directly. However, what sets Shattering Pulse apart is its powerful buyback mechanic, allowing savvy players to utilize it repeatedly throughout the game, ensuring long-term control of the board against artifact-heavy opponents.

In the vast array of artifact control spells available in Magic: The Gathering, Shattering Pulse stands out due to its versatility and recast potential, cementing its place as a versatile tool in any player’s arsenal aiming for sustained artifact dominance.

Smash to Smithereens - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Shattering Pulse by color, type and mana cost

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Shattering Pulse MTG card by a specific set like Exodus and World Championship Decks 1998, 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 Shattering Pulse and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Shattering Pulse Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1998-06-15 and 1999-08-04. Illustrated by Donato Giancola.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	1998-06-15	Exodus	EXO	102	1997	Normal	Black	Donato Giancola
2	1998-08-12	World Championship Decks 1998	WC98	br102sb	1997	Normal	Gold	Donato Giancola
3	1999-08-04	World Championship Decks 1999	WC99	mlp102sb	1997	Normal	Gold	Donato Giancola
4	1999-08-04	World Championship Decks 1999	WC99	kb102sb	1997	Normal	Gold	Donato Giancola