Flame Discharge MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
| Released | 2022-02-18 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty |
| Set code | NEO |
| Number | 142 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Joshua Raphael |
Text of card
Flame Discharge deals X damage to target creature or planeswalker. If you controlled a modified creature as you cast this spell, it deals X plus 2 damage instead. (Equipment, Auras you control, and counters are modifications.)
"What? Why would it need a cooling unit?"
Cards like Flame Discharge
Flame Discharge is an intriguing option for MTG players looking to include a burn spell in their arsenal. Its ability to deal damage to creatures or planeswalkers while potentially boosting its power through the spell mastery ability bears resemblance to classic spells like Lightning Strike. However, Flame Discharge has the unique capability of scaling its damage output based on whether there are two or more instant and/or sorcery cards in your graveyard, something that Lightning Strike doesn’t offer.
Another comparable card is Searing Spear, which also allows for three damage at a low mana cost, yet it lacks the flexibility of Flame Discharge’s potential spell mastery boost. Shock is a staple in many burn decks due to its lower cost and instant speed, but the damage is capped at two, making Flame Discharge a more viable option for eliminating larger threats or finishing off a game.
When considering options for efficient removal or direct damage spells, Flame Discharge stands out as a versatile choice that rewards players for their spell-heavy strategies, marking its place in the MTG realm for those looking to adapt and empower their gameplay.
Cards similar to Flame Discharge by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Flame Discharge provides the opportunity to remove an opponent’s creature while potentially drawing a card, keeping your hand filled with resources and maintaining pressure on your opponent.
Resource Acceleration: By dealing damage efficiently, Flame Discharge allows you to save mana for other spells and abilities, effectively accelerating your resource management in a game.
Instant Speed: The flexibility to cast Flame Discharge at instant speed means you can strategically plan your plays, responding to threats on your opponent’s turn or maximizing the impact of your own turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Being compelled to discard a card can be particularly disadvantageous when your hand is already dwindling. It preys on your resources, which might otherwise fuel your strategy or serve as crucial answers to your opponent’s threats.
Specific Mana Cost: The precise mana needs can be a hurdle, locking out the card from multicolor decks that might struggle to consistently provide the red mana necessary to cast it. It narrows its inclusion to predominantly red decks, reducing its versatility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value that sits on the higher end for its effects, it competes with other spells where efficiency is key. For aggressive strategies, the mana invested into this card could be seen as a setback when faster, lower-cost options are available.
Reasons to Include Flame Discharge in Your Collection
Versatility: Flame Discharge is a multi-purpose card that can serve several roles in a deck. Its scalability means it can be useful both in the early game and late game, dealing with small threats or finishing off a weakened opponent.
Combo Potential: This card can work well with spell-synergy decks, particularly those that capitalize on instant and sorcery casting bonuses. It can also be part of a combo with creatures that benefit from spell casts or cards that copy spells, amplifying its impact.
Meta-Relevance: Given that creature-heavy strategies often dominate in certain metas, Flame Discharge can be an essential tool for control or burn decks looking to keep the board clear and maintain pressure on the opponent.
How to beat
Flame Discharge stands out as a powerful removal option in MTG, efficiently dealing with small to medium-sized creatures with its scalable damage output. The card can be challenging for players who rely on creature-based strategies, particularly when trying to establish board presence. To effectively counteract Flame Discharge, focus on deploying creatures out of its damage range or those with indestructible and hexproof abilities. This approach will limit the card’s impact, forcing the opponent to use it suboptimally or deterring them from casting it altogether.
Additionally, taking advantage of instant-speed spells that can buff creatures in response to Flame Discharge can prove beneficial. This transforms a threat into an opportunity—a tactical move turning the tables on the opponent. Cards like Blossoming Defense not only increase the creature’s power and toughness beyond the spell’s reach but also provide an essential shield against targeted spells. When Flame Discharge ceases to be a reliable answer, your opponent may succumb to your fortified board state.
Understanding the dynamic interactions between cards is key for MTG players. By respecting Flame Discharge’s potential while implementing appropriate countermeasures, players can maintain the upper hand, demonstrating tactical prowess that aligns one step closer to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Flame Discharge MTG card by a specific set like Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty, 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 Flame Discharge 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Flame Discharge has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Flame Discharge card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2022-02-18 | A creature that is equipped is considered modified no matter who controls the Equipment that's attached to it. |
| 2022-02-18 | A creature with a counter on it is considered modified no matter what kind of counter it is or which player put it on that creature. |
| 2022-02-18 | An Aura controlled by an opponent does not cause a creature you control to be modified. |
| 2022-02-18 | Only creatures can be modified. If a modified creature stops being a creature, it is no longer considered modified. |