Flameshot MTG Card
2000-06-05 - Number 90
2000-08-02 - Number jk90sb
2019-11-07 - Number 931
2020-09-26 - Number PCY-90
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
You may discard a mountain from your hand instead of paying Flameshot's mana cost. Flameshot deals 3 damage divided as you choose among any number of target creatures.
Cards like Flameshot
Flameshot offers MTG strategists a unique mix of precision and versatility in dealing damage. Standing out within its category, Flameshot gives players the potential to target multiple creatures or even hit the opposing planeswalker directly. Cards such as Arc Lightning from the older sets share this ability to distribute damage across several targets but lack the modal flexibility that Flameshot provides.
When comparing Flameshot to other spells like Pyroclasm and Anger of the Gods, which affect the entire board, Flameshot’s precision approach allows players to preserve their own creatures while dismantling an opponent’s board presence. Although it may not always clear the field as effectively as its mass removal cousins, the control it offers can be more valuable in certain strategic situations.
In looking at single-target removals like Lightning Bolt or Shock, Flameshot trades off the lower mana cost and instant speed for a broader impact on the game. In the right deck, the trade-off of using Flameshot for a scalable and potentially multitargeted effect could be the edge to tactically outmaneuver opponents in MTG matchups, making it a noteworthy spell among red damage-dealing options.
Cards similar to Flameshot by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Flameshot provides an immediate impact on the battlefield by allowing you to deal damage directly to creatures or planeswalkers. This enables you to potentially remove multiple threats with a single card, making it a valuable tool for controlling the board and maintaining card superiority.
Resource Acceleration: Although Flameshot doesn’t directly produce resources or mana, its low casting cost means it can be a pivotal play without setting back your mana curve. This allows you to efficiently use your mana while still progressing your gameplay and preserving resources for future turns.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Flameshot at instant speed offers strategic flexibility. You can respond to your opponent’s actions, decide the best moment during their turn to alter the board state, or even surprise an opponent by removing a key creature before it can contribute to their strategy. This level of responsiveness makes Flameshot a versatile card in many situations.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing Flameshot requires the additional cost of discarding a card, potentially depleting your hand and hindering your long-term game strategy, especially when you’re short on card supply.
Specific Mana Cost: With its red mana prerequisite, Flameshot’s usability is somewhat restricted, favoring monored or red-centric multicolor decks, which could limit its versatility in a diverse MTG meta.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing three red mana can be a drawback for Flameshot in a fast-paced game environment where casting spells with lower mana requirements could lead to quicker advantages on the battlefield.
Reasons to Include Flameshot in Your Collection
Versatility: Flameshot provides flexibility in deck building, offering direct damage that can be allocated to multiple targets, making it a suitable choice for a variety of Red deck archetypes.
Combo Potential: This card excels when combined with spell amplification effects or when used to fulfill requirements for casting-cost based synergies in decks centered around instants and sorceries.
Meta-Relevance: Given the shift towards creature-heavy strategies, Flameshot can serve as a crucial tool to control the board and eliminate key threats, maintaining a relevance in dynamic competitive environments.
How to beat
Flameshot is a compelling instant for any player who enjoys a strategic burn spell in their arsenal. In the realm of red spells, Flameshot presents a tricky challenge due to its ability to potentially deal 3 damage divided as you choose among any number of target creatures and/or players. This makes it a versatile weapon, especially in the late game where pinpoint damage can swing the tide of battle.
To effectively counteract Flameshot, consider employing spells or abilities that grant your creatures hexproof or indestructible as Flameshot’s damage can be negated or minimized this way. Additionally, faster board development can outpace the damage potential of Flameshot, putting pressure on the opponent to find more answers. Cards like Dive Down can be a cost-effective means to protect key creatures at crucial moments. Furthermore, leveraging lifegain strategies could help buffer your life total against direct damage from spells like Flameshot, preserving your position on the battlefield.
In essence, when devising a strategy against Flameshot, it’s important to anticipate its appearance, protect your critical assets, and maintain a life total that can endure direct hits. This way, you retain control over the game’s pace and limit the impact of such damage-dealing spells.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Flameshot MTG card by a specific set like Prophecy and World Championship Decks 2000, 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 Flameshot 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
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Printings
The Flameshot Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2000-06-05 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Mark Brill.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2000-06-05 | Prophecy | PCY | 90 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Mark Brill | |
| 2 | 2000-08-02 | World Championship Decks 2000 | WC00 | jk90sb | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Mark Brill | |
| 3 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 931 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Mark Brill | |
| 4 | The List | PLST | PCY-90 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Mark Brill |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Flameshot 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 Flameshot card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | You can’t choose zero targets. You must choose at least one target. |