Fire of Orthanc MTG Card
2023-06-23 - Number 127
2023-06-23 - Number 578
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
Destroy target artifact or land. Creatures without flying can't block this turn.
The barricade was scattered as if by a thunderbolt.
Cards like Fire of Orthanc
Fire of Orthanc is a new intriguing force for burn spell enthusiasts in Magic: The Gathering. This card bears some resemblance to classic staples like Lightning Bolt for its direct damage capability. Nonetheless, Fire of Orthanc distinguishes itself by being able to target not just creatures or players, but planeswalkers too, offering greater tactical versatility. Lightning Bolt, in contrast, is limited to creatures and players.
Moving to another comparable card, Searing Spear, we see a similarity in mana cost and the ability to inflict three damage. However, Searing Spear does not have the reach that Fire of Orthanc offers with its planeswalker targeting option. On the more flexible end of the spectrum, Incinerate delivers damage while preventing regeneration of the creature it destroys, an additional strategic edge that Fire of Orthanc does not directly replicate.
Examining Fire of Orthanc’s place in MTG, its flexible targeting options combined with a solid damage output render it a potentially impactful choice. Such traits heighten its strategic usefulness across multiple scenarios, positioning Fire of Orthanc as a noteworthy contender amongst direct damage spells.
Cards similar to Fire of Orthanc by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Fire of Orthanc card is designed to disrupt your opponent’s hand while refilling your own, giving you an upper hand in maintaining a flow of options and strategies during play.
Resource Acceleration: By dealing damage, Fire of Orthanc not only paves the way for your assault but also turns up the heat by potentially unlocking additional mana sources or other resources when it causes a stir on the battlefield.
Instant Speed: Flexibility is key in any match, and the instant speed of this card means you’re always a step ahead, ready to unleash its power when it’s most advantageous or least expected by your adversary.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Invoking the Fire of Orthanc requires parting with a card from your hand. It’s a strategic setback, especially when your options are dwindling, reducing the arsenal at your disposal and potentially giving your opponent an upper hand in the resource game.
Specific Mana Cost: The incantation bound within this card calls for a precise mana combination. Its stringent requirement for two red mana sources narrows its compatibility, predominantly aligning it with decks that walk the fiery path of red magic, possibly restricting its use across the deck multiverse.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost that stands at four manas, the Fire of Orthanc demands a significant investment for its conjuring. This steep price can be quite the hurdle when alternative spells in the vast catalog of arcane offerings bring forth comparable or greater impact for lesser mana expenditure, giving players pause when considering its inclusion in their spellbooks.
Reasons to Include Fire of Orthanc in Your Collection
Versatility: Fire of Orthanc provides the flexibility to be used in various deck archetypes, particularly those that capitalize on spell damage or direct burn strategies. Its ability to deal damage gives it a universal appeal that can adapt to multiple situations in a game.
Combo Potential: This card excels at working in conjunction with cards that trigger off instances of dealing damage, or those that benefit from instants and sorceries cast during your turn, amplifying the impact of each action within a combo-heavy setting.
Meta-Relevance: In game metas where control decks and creature-centric strategies prevail, Fire of Orthanc stands out as a significant card due to its capacity to dispatch creatures or chip away at an opponent’s life total, nudging the scales in your favor during critical moments of play.
How to beat
Fire of Orthanc introduces an intriguing dynamic to MTG, challenging players to carefully navigate around its potential for disruptive play. Recognized for its ability to target not just creatures but also players and planeswalkers, it requires a strategy that emphasizes resilient creatures or spell-heavy decks that can operate independently of the battlefield. One effective approach is to use instant-speed removal spells to handle creatures before Fire of Orthanc can turn them into a liability.
Similarly, countermagic can be beneficial, allowing you to negate Fire of Orthanc before its effects can come into play. Focus on maintaining a diverse hand to avoid being forced into unfavorable discards, which is a key component of the card’s disruption. Additionally, prioritize the use of activated abilities or intrinsic abilities that are less vulnerable to Fire of Orthanc’s targeting constraints.
Ultimately, when faced with the heat of Fire of Orthanc, a cool head and a calculated approach will set the stage for coming out on top. Incorporating a mix of resilient strategies can minimize its impact, allowing players to continue their campaign unscathed by the flames.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Fire of Orthanc MTG card by a specific set like The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth and The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth, 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 Fire of Orthanc 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 Fire of Orthanc Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-06-23 and 2023-06-23. Illustrated by Jeremy Paillotin.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2023-06-23 | The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth | LTR | 127 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jeremy Paillotin | |
| 2 | 2023-06-23 | The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth | LTR | 578 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jeremy Paillotin |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Fire of Orthanc has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |