Fathom Fleet Firebrand MTG Card

At just 1R, Fathom Fleet Firebrand slots into aggressive decks, pressuring opponents early in the game. Its activated ability can be a combat surprise, potentially swinging fights in your favor. Lack of synergy with graveyard strategies is a notable downside for deck diversity.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Human Pirate
Released	2017-09-29
Set symbol
Set name	Ixalan
Set code	XLN
Power	2
Toughness	2
Number	142
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Zezhou Chen

Text of card

: Fathom Fleet Firebrand gets +1/+0 until end of turn.

As she charges into battle, her arcane tattoos stir and crawl like fiery serpents.

Cards like Fathom Fleet Firebrand

Fathom Fleet Firebrand is a staple in the aggro pirate decks of Magic: The Gathering, standing out due to its aggressive nature. A card that sparks comparison is Rakdos Cackler, which also offers a solid early game presence, though eschewing flexibility for an unconditional 2/2. Fathom Fleet Firebrand’s advantage lies in its ability to pump up its power, making it potentially more dangerous as the game progresses.

Another card that often comes to mind is Ghitu Lavarunner. While it starts weaker, it quickly becomes threatening by achieving wizard synergy and costing less to activate compared to Fathom Fleet Firebrand’s mana-intensive power boost. Moreover, cards like Fire Shrine Keeper offer an explosive late-game option, entering as a 1/1 but potentially leaving a larger impact on the board with its menace and sacrificial area damage.

Ultimately, Fathom Fleet Firebrand carves its niche among two-drop creatures with its unique combination of immediate board presence and the potential for late-game impact. Its ability to adapt to the flow of the battle by augmenting its power ensures it remains a relevant choice for players looking to apply consistent pressure on their opponents.

Cards similar to Fathom Fleet Firebrand by color, type and mana cost

Goblin Elite Infantry - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While not directly impacting your card draw, Fathom Fleet Firebrand is a creature that can pressure your opponent into unfavorable trades. This can potentially lead to card advantage as your opponent is forced to deal with the threat.

Resource Acceleration: Although Fathom Fleet Firebrand does not provide traditional mana acceleration, its aggressive cost of 1R allows you to maintain resources for other plays. It fits smoothly into the curve of an aggressive deck, enabling a faster deployment of threats.

Instant Speed: The real-time benefit of Fathom Fleet Firebrand lies in its activated ability. For just 2 mana, you can boost its power instantly, which can catch an opponent off guard during combat, optimizing your resource use in pivotal moments of the game.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: A notable downside of Fathom Fleet Firebrand is its lack of a discard effect, which may make it less synergistic in strategies aimed at utilizing the graveyard or discarding for value.

Specific Mana Cost: Deck building with Fathom Fleet Firebrand means you are committing to red mana, potentially restricting your deck’s color diversity and making it difficult to include in multicolor strategies that aren’t red-centric.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When considering the card’s abilities and impact on the game, the mana investment might not line up with the benefits it provides. There are numerous two-drop creatures in MTG that may offer more bang for your buck, making it less appealing in a competitive environment.

Reasons to Include Fathom Fleet Firebrand in Your Collection

Versatility: Fathom Fleet Firebrand offers flexibility for players crafting aggressive strategies. This card is a solid inclusion in Red deck lineups, capable of providing consistent early game pressure against opponents.

Combo Potential: With its activated ability, Fathom Fleet Firebrand can be an unexpected source of extra damage, partnering well with cards that increase attack power or offer additional combat phases.

Meta-Relevance: Given its low casting cost and ability to quickly escalate in power, Fathom Fleet Firebrand remains a relevant choice in certain fast-paced matchups where early game dominance is crucial.

How to Beat Fathom Fleet Firebrand

Fathom Fleet Firebrand is a solid aggressive card used in many MTG decks for its early battlefield impact. With its ability to pump its own power, it can be a quick threat on board. To effectively tackle this creature, consider using instant-speed removal spells that can deal with it before the power boost. Cards like Fatal Push or Shock can be used to efficiently remove the Firebrand from the game before it makes a significant dent.

Another strategy against the Fathom Fleet Firebrand is to utilize blockers with high toughness. Since the Firebrand must use mana to boost its power, using creatures that can withstand an initial attack without being destroyed provides a stable line of defense, which can also help preserve your life total while you set up more robust plays. For example, deploying a well-timed Wall of Blossoms can not only thwart the Firebrand’s attack but also draw you a card, potentially leading to your own game-winning play.

Lastly, don’t overlook the power of combat tricks that can surprise your opponent. A timely Cast Down or even a instant-speed pump spell on your blocker can swing the combat phase in your favor, eliminating the Firebrand and maintaining board presence. By anticipating the Firebrand’s capabilities and preparing your responses, you stand a better chance of outmaneuvering this fiery opponent.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Fathom Fleet Firebrand MTG card by a specific set like Ixalan, 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 Fathom Fleet Firebrand and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Fathom Fleet Firebrand 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