Firestorm MTG Card
1997-06-09 - Number 101
1998-08-12 - Number bs101
1998-08-12 - Number br101sb
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Choose and discard X cards: Firestorm deals X damage to each of X target creatures and/or players.
"Glok loved storms! He'd sit an' watch an' laugh through the whole thing. I miss him." —Squee, goblin cabin hand
Cards like Firestorm
Firestorm is a unique spell in the MTG realm, often stacking up against cards like Pyroclasm for its mass damage ability. Pyroclasm offers a consistent two damage to all creatures for a low mana cost, but Firestorm provides players the flexibility to distribute damage across multiple targets with the caveat of discarding cards. This discard effect can sometimes be an advantage, setting up graveyard strategies.
When compared to Volcanic Fallout, Firestorm holds the benefit of not hitting yourself or your creatures, granting control in targeting. However, Fallout is uncounterable and hits each creature and player, making it a more guaranteed form of disruption against the opponent’s board. Chain Reaction is another comparison point, dealing damage to each creature based on the number of creatures on the battlefield, which can surpass Firestorm’s damage output in crowded scenarios, but lacks the precision targeting Firestorm presents.
Ultimately, while other spells may seem to have more straightforward effects, Firestorm appeals to those MTG players adept at maneuvering the balance between card advantage, board control, and strategic discards, imprinting its distinct strategic signature in MTG’s vast array of red spells.
Cards similar to Firestorm by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Firestorm. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Jund Aggro | Legacy | Madness | Eternal Weekend Europe 2023 Legacy Mainevent |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: One of the keys to winning in MTG is having more resources than your opponent and Firestorm plays a significant role here. It offers the potential to discard surplus cards to deal damage, effectively turning dead draws into direct impact on the board state.
Resource Acceleration: Although Firestorm itself doesn’t directly produce mana or tokens, by streamlining your hand and removing unwanted cards, it accelerates your game plan. This allows you to draw into more useful resources, keeping your game sharp and efficient.
Instant Speed: The agility to react during an opponent’s turn gives Firestorm strategic versatility. You can optimize your plays by waiting for the perfect moment to unleash its effect, catching opponents off-guard and disrupting their strategies at crucial junctures of the game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One of the notable drawbacks of Firestorm is the necessity to discard a number of cards equal to the number of targets you aim to hit. This can be a costly requirement when you’re depleting your own hand just to deal with threats on the board, potentially putting you at a disadvantage in term of card advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: Firestorm’s casting cost demands a strict color commitment, as it requires red mana. This makes it less flexible for multicolored decks that might have trouble generating the required red mana consistently or decks that are constrained by a color-fixed mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While being able to potentially dish out damage to multiple targets, Firestorm’s cost can be steep. To unleash a significant impact, you often need to sink a considerable amount of mana into it. This can inhibit your ability to play other spells in the same turn, which might leave you vulnerable or delay your overall game plan.
Reasons to Include Firestorm in Your Collection
Versatility: Firestorm is a card that can serve multiple roles in your deck. It can act as a way to clear out smaller creatures or finish off an opponent with its direct damage. Its utility shines in different types of decks, from burn to control, where removing creatures or dealing damage directly can change the course of the game.
Combo Potential: This card has the ability to work well with strategies that involve discarding cards, such as reanimator decks or those using graveyard synergies. It’s not just about the damage—Firestorm can set up your graveyard for future plays or capitalize on having a full hand.
Meta-Relevance: In metagames where small creature decks are prevalent, Firestorm becomes incredibly efficient. It allows you to keep the board clear and maintain pressure on your opponent. Its presence in your collection ensures you have a card that can adapt and be powerful against various popular decks in any given MTG environment.
How to beat
Firestorm is a powerful utility card in Magic the Gathering that can deal damage to multiple targets simultaneously. Its unique ability requires players to discard cards, which then translates into damage output. To effectively play against Firestorm, it is vital to minimize the number of cards in your opponent’s hand, limiting their ammunition to fuel Firestorm’s damaging capability.
Strategies to combat Firestorm include using hand disruption spells to empty your opponent’s hand before they accumulate enough cards to use Firestorm effectively. Cards like Thoughtseize or Duress are effective in this strategy. Additionally, countermagic such as Dovin’s Veto or Negate can neutralize Firestorm before it hits the board, bypassing its potential impact entirely.
Understanding when to apply pressure is also key. For instance, playing aggressively can force your opponent to use resources defensively rather than saving them for a Firestorm combo. By utilizing these tactics, players can mitigate the dangers posed by Firestorm and maintain control over the match’s tempo, leading to a greater likelihood of victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Firestorm MTG card by a specific set like Weatherlight 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 Firestorm 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 Firestorm Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1997-06-09 and 1998-08-12. Illustrated by Jeff Miracola.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1997-06-09 | Weatherlight | WTH | 101 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Jeff Miracola | |
| 2 | 1998-08-12 | World Championship Decks 1998 | WC98 | bs101 | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Jeff Miracola | |
| 3 | 1998-08-12 | World Championship Decks 1998 | WC98 | br101sb | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Jeff Miracola |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Firestorm has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Firestorm card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2008-04-01 | For example, if you discard four cards, you must target four different creatures and/or players. Firestorm will deal 4 damage to each of them. |
| 2008-04-01 | The same permanent or player can’t be targeted more than once. |
| 2008-04-01 | The value of X can’t exceed the number of cards in your hand or the number of available legal targets, whichever is smaller. X can be 0. |