Fires of Undeath MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Common
Type	Instant
Abilities	Flashback
Released	2012-02-03
Set symbol
Set name	Dark Ascension
Set code	DKA
Number	88
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Jason Chan

Key Takeaways

Fires of Undeath provides card advantage and reusability through its flashback mechanic, making it a resilient choice.
This MTG instant speed spell offers real-time flexibility, allowing adept players to adapt quickly to game shifts.
Despite versatility, Fires of Undeath may pose deck-building limitations due to its specific multi-color mana cost.

Text of card

Fires of Undeath deals 2 damage to target creature or player. Flashback (You may cast this card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then exile it.)

"I drink of those who are worthy of my palate. The rest I burn."

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Fires of Undeath offers a dual utility where it can deal damage directly to a creature or player, potentially removing a threat or closing in on a victory. Additionally, its flashback ability ensures you get a second use out of the card, effectively doubling its value and contributing to card advantage in the game.

Resource Acceleration: While this card itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its efficient cost-to-damage ratio can help preserve other resources. By handling threats with Fires of Undeath, you may save more costly spells and abilities for later turns, indirectly accelerating your resource management and usage.

Instant Speed: The strength of Fires of Undeath lies in its flexibility as an instant-speed spell. This allows players to react in real-time to board changes and make decisive moves during an opponent’s turn. Whether you’re disrupting an attacker or removing a key blocker, the instant nature of this card ensures you’re always a step ahead of the competition.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Fires of Undeath demands a card be discarded to activate its flashback ability. This can be a tough call during gameplay, especially when your hand is already running thin on options.

Specific Mana Cost: With a casting cost that includes both red and black mana, Fires of Undeath can be restrictive. It’s not as easily slotted into multi-colored decks as you might wish, especially if your mana base isn’t perfectly tuned.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At three mana for an initial cast, its efficiency is debatable. Considering the card deals only two damage to any target, you might find other spells in your arsenal that achieve the same or greater impact with less of an investment.

Reasons to Include Fires of Undeath in Your Collection

Versatility: Fires of Undeath is a flexible card that can be slotted into numerous red-based decks. Its ability to deal direct damage makes it a useful tool for controlling the board or finishing off an opponent.

Combo Potential: This card can be a key component in combos that revolve around direct damage and spell-slinging. Its flashback ability allows for repeated use, making it a powerful ally in longer games.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta dominated by creature-heavy decks, Fires of Undeath serves as an efficient removal option. Its instant speed and ability to target creatures or players keep it relevant across various game scenarios.

How to beat

Fires of Undeath is an intriguing red instant from Magic: The Gathering, allowing you to deal damage directly to either a creature or player. Much like other damage spells such as Lightning Bolt or Shock, it offers flexibility and immediate impact. But what sets Fires of Undeath apart is its flashback ability, enabling you to cast it from your graveyard for a second round of damage, ensuring its usefulness long after its initial cast.

To effectively counter this card, always keep an eye on your opponent’s graveyard once Fires of Undeath is played. Strategies to beat it include employing counterspells like Negate when it’s initially cast or using graveyard hate cards such as Relic of Progenitus to exile it and prevent its flashback. It’s also wise to maintain a healthy life total and protect your key creatures from being easy targets for this fiery spell.

Overall, respecting the recurring threat that Fires of Undeath presents is crucial. By proactively managing your opponent’s graveyard and considering the timing of your plays, you can mitigate the impact of this versatile burn spell and maintain control of the game state.

Cards like Fires of Undeath

Fires of Undeath is an intriguing instant spell within the realm of direct damage in Magic: The Gathering. It’s often measured alongside cards like Lightning Bolt for its ability to deal damage directly to any target. While Lightning Bolt is more mana-efficient, offering 3 damage for a single red mana, Fires of Undeath provides flexibility with its flashback ability, allowing you to cast it twice if needed, even though its initial cost is higher.

Comparing it to Searing Spear, which also deals 3 damage at the cost of two mana, Fires of Undeath stands out with the flashback feature, providing players with a strategic edge by leveraging their graveyard as an extended hand. Incinerate, another similar card, prevents damage from being prevented, making it especially useful against creatures with regenerative abilities. Fires of Undeath lacks this preventive measure but compensates with its reusability through flashback.

Assessing Fires of Undeath alongside its counterparts, the card carves out a niche due to its versatility. Players looking for recurring damage output may find Fires of Undeath a valuable pick to apply consistent pressure throughout the game.

Cards similar to Fires of Undeath by color, type and mana cost

Spontaneous Combustion - MTG Card versions

Unlicensed Disintegration - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Fires of Undeath MTG card by a specific set like Dark Ascension, 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 Fires of Undeath and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Fires of Undeath has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Penny	Legal