Fissure MTG Card
1994-08-01 - Number 63
1995-04-01 - Number 194
1995-04-01 - Number 194
1995-08-01 - Number 85
2007-09-10 - Number 93
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Target land or creature is buried.
"Must not all things at the last be swallowed up in death?" —Plato
Cards like Fissure
Fissure is an intriguing spell in the vast arsenal of Magic: The Gathering’s removal options. Set within the universe as a powerful red spell, Fissure can directly destroy a creature or land. It’s a card that presents similarities with the functional, yet costly, land destruction effects found in spells like Stone Rain. Where Stone Rain remains focused purely on lands, Fissure brings added versatility by also targeting creatures.
Examining Earthquake, another classic red spell, we find parallel mechanics in dealing damage that can influence the whole board. However, Earthquake can’t fully mimic Fissure’s targeted precision and its higher mana cost also applies to creatures only, sparing lands. Conversely, Volcanic Offering presents as a candidate that allows players to nix both creatures and lands, but this card differs significantly as it also gives opponents a choice in what gets destroyed.
In reviewing the strengths of these similar cards, Fissure holds its ground not just as a targeted removal but for its ability to tilt the scales in a strategic turn. It might be mana-intensive, but the dual-option destruction offers a level of control and flexibility that is valued in MTG’s dynamic gameplay.
Cards similar to Fissure by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Fissure offers a strategic edge by removing a target creature or land from the game, thereby potentially disrupting your opponent’s board presence and setting them back on resources.
Resource Acceleration: Although Fissure itself doesn’t directly generate mana or treasure, it can indirectly lead to resource acceleration by clearing the way for your attacks or disrupting your opponent’s mana base, which could accelerate your path to victory.
Instant Speed: Fissure operates at instant speed, giving players the flexibility to decide the most opportune moment during the game to cast it. This surprise element can be leveraged to navigate around your opponent’s strategy and upset their plans at a critical juncture.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing Fissure necessitates that you sacrifice a permanent, which could set you back significantly, especially when your board presence is already limited.
Specific Mana Cost: Fissure’s demand for a precise mana combination, specifically four mana including one red, means it’s not always the easiest card to slip into a multi-color deck without careful mana balancing.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For a single target removal, the overall cost of four mana, particularly in fast-paced games, is a steep price that could potentially slow down your momentum against opponents.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Fissure offers strategic flexibility as both a removal option and a way to disrupt your opponent’s board presence. It can target creatures, lands, and even troublesome artifacts, making it a useful tool in a variety of situations.
Combo Potential: This card can be part of a land destruction strategy or combine with cards that penalize opponents when their permanents are destroyed. Its ability to remove key pieces can pave the way for game-winning combos.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where indestructible or regenerative creatures are prevalent, Fissure provides a straightforward solution by destroying them without targeting, bypassing those abilities. Its presence can shift the balance in matches where permanents need to be dealt with definitively.
How to Beat
Fissure is an older card that can be a game-changer in MTG, offering the ability to destroy a target creature or land. It’s a powerful option for players looking to remove key pieces from their opponent’s board. Yet, while Fissure’s strength is undeniable, it does have a cost. Coming in at a steep five mana, it’s important for players facing this card to strategically manage their resources and maintain board presence.
To counteract the potential damage caused by Fissure, consider using low-cost creatures to bait out removal or diversify your threats so that the loss of one land or creature doesn’t cripple your game plan. Cards with indestructible abilities or lands that aren’t susceptible to destruction spells are also efficient ways to mitigate the impact of this classic removal spell. By keeping up the pressure and making every resource count, you stand a better chance of outpacing the setback that this powerful card presents.
Understanding the intricacies of timing and resource management in MTG can give players the edge needed to overcome formidable spells like Fissure. By making calculated decisions and maintaining a diverse array of threats, you can navigate around its destructive capability and pave your way to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Fissure MTG card by a specific set like The Dark and Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border, 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 Fissure 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 Fissure Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 1994-08-01 and 2007-09-10. Illustrated by Douglas Shuler.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1994-08-01 | The Dark | DRK | 63 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Douglas Shuler | |
| 2 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border | 4BB | 194 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Douglas Shuler | |
| 3 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition | 4ED | 194 | 1993 | Normal | White | Douglas Shuler | |
| 4 | 1995-08-01 | Renaissance | REN | 85 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Douglas Shuler | |
| 5 | 2007-09-10 | Masters Edition | ME1 | 93 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Douglas Shuler |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Fissure has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |