Fireslinger MTG Card
1997-10-14 - Number 173
1999-08-04 - Number mlp173sb
1999-08-04 - Number mlp173
2008-11-07 - Number 36
2014-12-05 - Number 36
2022-12-02 - Number 130
2002-06-24 - Number 36038
| Card sets | Released in 7 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Wizard |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
oc T: Fireslinger deals 1 damage to target creature or player and 1 damage to you.
"Remember the moral of the fireslinger fable: with power comes isolation." —Karn, silver golem
Cards like Fireslinger
Fireslinger, a creature card from Magic: The Gathering, provides a stable source of direct damage to opponents. It bears resemblance to Prodigal Pyromancer, an earlier card with the tap ability to deal one damage to any target. However, Fireslinger is unique as it also incurs a cost of one damage to you, the player, differentiating it by adding a risk-reward element to its strategy.
Comparing it to cards like Cunning Sparkmage or Gelectrode, we notice that these creatures have similar tap for damage abilities but without the self-harm feature. Gelectrode particularly offers a reusable aspect by untapping whenever you cast an instant or sorcery, potentially dealing more damage over time. Cunning Sparkmage, while more straightforward, lacks the self-damage, making it a safer, albeit less powerful, choice.
Examining Fireslinger in the realm of Magic: The Gathering showcases how the card presents an aggressive and risk-laden playstyle, encouraging players to carefully consider their life totals while focusing on depleting their opponents’. This direct damage potential makes Fireslinger a card worth considering for decks emphasizing consistent damage output.
Cards similar to Fireslinger by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Fireslinger is a valuable piece in a strategy that rewards you for having wizards or spells that target. Its ability to deal damage offers ongoing utility, acting as a reliable source of repeated effect which can slowly tip the scales in your favor without needing to commit additional cards from your hand.
Resource Acceleration: By consistently dealing damage each turn, Fireslinger has the potential to activate prowess and raid mechanics earlier in the game, setting off a chain reaction of increased power and acceleration for your spells and creatures.
Instant Speed: Fireslinger’s activated ability can be used at instant speed, giving you the flexibility to apply pressure during your opponent’s end step or after declaring blockers, thereby maximizing your tactical choices without sacrificing momentum.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Fireslinger necessitates discarding a card to activate its ability, which could put players at a disadvantage by depleting their hand especially in moments when retaining cards is crucial for maintaining strategy and momentum.
Specific Mana Cost: The activation of Fireslinger’s ability is bound to a specific mana cost, namely red, which makes it somewhat inflexible and thus requiring a commitment to red mana sources within a player’s deck, potentially limiting deck diversity.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Considering the competitive landscape of the game, Fireslinger’s overall mana cost is on the higher side for its damage output. Players often seek more impactful plays with a similar or even lower mana investment, leading them to opt for alternatives that can provide a better mana-to-effect ratio in their decks.
Reasons to Include Fireslinger in Your Collection
Versatility: Fireslinger is a flexible card that can be slotted into various red-based decks. Its ability to deal damage directly to players or creatures can be an asset in aggressive or control strategies alike.
Combo Potential: With the card’s consistent damage output, Fireslinger works well in conjunction with cards that capitalize on direct damage or benefit from the ping mechanic, enhancing synergies and enabling advantageous combos in your deck.
Meta-Relevance: As metas often fluctuate with creature-heavy decks, having Fireslinger provides a recurrent way to manage potential threats or chip away at your opponent’s life total, maintaining its relevance in various MTG metagames.
How to beat Fireslinger
Fireslinger is a classic card that brings both utility and consistent damage to the table in Magic: The Gathering. As it can directly deal damage to any target, it only takes a few turns for Fireslinger to become a real thorn in an opponent’s side. But, this card has its vulnerabilities. Its ability requires it to tap, which takes it out of the equation during your opponent’s turn, making it an inactive blocker. Furthermore, the Fireslinger also inflicts 1 damage to its controller, which opens a window for strategic plays.
Given that Fireslinger is a creature, removal spells are your best line of defense. Quick removal spells that can be cast on your turn, like Lightning Bolt or Fatal Push, can easily dispatch Fireslinger before it deals too much damage. Board wipes, such as Wrath of God or Damnation, can also clear Fireslinger from the battlefield along with any other potential threats. Additionally, you can utilize lifegain strategies to offset the incremental damage it brings. This way, it becomes less of a ticking clock and more of a manageable nuisance.
Ultimately, handling Fireslinger is a matter of timing and choosing the right moment to deploy removal or countermeasures. Keeping pressure on the Fireslinger’s controller and maintaining card advantage can ensure that this notorious card doesn’t burn you out of the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Fireslinger MTG card by a specific set like Tempest and World Championship Decks 1999, 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 Fireslinger 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 Fireslinger Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 1997-10-14 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1997-10-14 | Tempest | TMP | 173 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Jeff Reitz | |
| 2 | 1999-08-04 | World Championship Decks 1999 | WC99 | mlp173sb | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Jeff Reitz | |
| 3 | 1999-08-04 | World Championship Decks 1999 | WC99 | mlp173 | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Jeff Reitz | |
| 4 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 36038 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Jeff Reitz | ||
| 5 | 2008-11-07 | Duel Decks: Jace vs. Chandra | DD2 | 36 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Jeff Reitz | |
| 6 | 2014-12-05 | Duel Decks Anthology: Jace vs. Chandra | JVC | 36 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jeff Reitz | |
| 7 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 130 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steve Argyle |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Fireslinger has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |