Ghostfire MTG Card
2007-05-04 - Number 115
2011-04-01 - Number 69
2017-10-24 - Number 40
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Ghostfire is colorless. Ghostfire deals 3 damage to target creature or player.
Only those gifted with the eye of Ugin, the spirit dragon, can see his fiery breath.
Cards like Ghostfire
The intriguing Ghostfire card stands out in Magic: The Gathering for its unique characteristic of being colorless, despite being an instant. It mirrors the functionality of cards like Shock, with both dealing a specific amount of damage to a target. Ghostfire, however, requires three mana of any color, which grants it versatility across multi-colored decks. In contrast, Shock is low-cost, requiring only one red mana, but is limited to red decks or those including a red mana source.
Comparatively, Lavaspike is another direct damage spell with a cost similar to Shock. While it also does three points of damage, Lavaspike can only target players, positioning Ghostfire as a more flexible option for targeting creatures as well. Then we have Flame Slash which stands out for its ability to deal four damage but is restricted to targeting creatures only, and at sorcery speed, giving Ghostfire the edge with its instant speed capability.
Each of these options have their place in Magic: The Gathering, but Ghostfire’s strength lies in its adaptability and the element of surprise it offers by being an unexpected instant spell capable of fitting into any deck composition.
Cards similar to Ghostfire by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Ghostfire. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Izzet Faeries | Pauper | Izzet Faeries | Pauper League 2024-02-08 |
 | Tron | Pauper | Tron | Pauper Challenge 32 2024-01-21 (1) |
 | Serpentine Curve | Pauper | Serpentine Curve | Pauper Challenge 32 2024-01-14 |
 | Jeskai Ephemerate | Pauper | Jeskai Ephemerate | Top 8 "Mulligans Championship 2.0" 9a Tappa (Lecce) |
| UR | Pauper | Pauper League 2023-11-29 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Ghostfire doesn’t directly allow you to draw cards, it affords you the tactical advantage of dealing with threats while maintaining a full grip of cards. Its colorless nature means it can slip into any deck, preserving your hand’s versatility.
Resource Acceleration: Ghostfire doesn’t provide outright mana acceleration. However, its low cost aligns with efficient mana usage, potentially freeing up resources for other plays, and keeping you ahead on the resource curve.
Instant Speed: Ghostfire’s instant speed is where it truly shines. The ability to disrupt opponents’ strategies during their turn without warning can be a game-changer. Whether it’s removing a key blocker or a surprise win-condition creature, the flexibility of Ghostfire at instant speed is a major pro for any player’s strategy.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One notable downside to Ghostfire is that it doesn’t slot easily into every strategy. For decks that are tightly managing their hand, having to let go of additional cards can tip the scales unfavorably, particularly in formats where every card counts.
Specific Mana Cost: Ghostfire requires three mana of any type to cast. While it’s flexible, this requirement might clash with decks that are heavy on color-specific spells or those that depend on assuming a strong color stance early in the game.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana to deal three damage, Ghostfire may fall behind when compared to other, lower-cost options available. Players might find that investing the same amount of mana in other spells could yield more substantial impacts on the game’s progress.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Ghostfire has the unique distinction of being colorless, which means it can slide effortlessly into a variety of deck builds without worrying about the color mana base. This allows for a seamless fit in almost any strategy seeking direct damage solutions.
Combo Potential: Ghostfire can complement setups that capitalize on colorless spells or cards with affinity for colorless, expanding its playability beyond mere damage infliction. Its ability to be included in decks that exploit various synergies gives it an edge in crafting intricate combos.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state where creatures with protection from colors pose a significant hurdle, Ghostfire shines with its ability to bypass such defenses. This gives it particular clout in metas where color-based protection strategies or indestructibility are prevalent, ensuring your deck remains competitive.
How to beat
Ghostfire is a distinctive spell in the world of MTG, known for its ability to slip through defenses by being colorless and thus, not easily countered by traditional protection from colors. This elusive quality makes it a unique challenge on the battlefield. To strategically overcome this card, players should consider using spells that counter noncreature spells or utilizing damage prevention effects that aren’t color-dependent.
For instance, employing a card like ‘Negate’, which counters any noncreature spell, circumvents the colorless aspect of Ghostfire entirely. Similarly, turning to universal damage prevention or reduction effects, such as ‘The Circle of Protection: Artifacts’ or even ‘Eldrazi Monument’, can provide a broad shield against any damage, including that dealt by Ghostfire. Understanding and leveraging these types of cards can be critical to gaining the upper hand against opponents who rely on Ghostfire’s elusive nature.
Considering these tactics, MTG players can create robust strategies to face and defeat spells like Ghostfire. Aligning your deck with versatile countermeasures ensures you’re prepared not only for Ghostfire but for a wide array of threats that may come your way in the diverse world of Magic: The Gathering.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ghostfire MTG card by a specific set like Future Sight and Duel Decks: Knights vs. Dragons, 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 Ghostfire 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 Ghostfire Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2007-05-04 and 2017-10-24. Illustrated by Cyril Van Der Haegen.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2007-05-04 | Future Sight | FUT | 115 | future | Normal | Black | Cyril Van Der Haegen | |
| 2 | 2011-04-01 | Duel Decks: Knights vs. Dragons | DDG | 69 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Cyril Van Der Haegen | |
| 3 | 2017-10-24 | Duel Decks: Merfolk vs. Goblins | DDT | 40 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Cyril Van Der Haegen |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Ghostfire has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Ghostfire card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2007-05-01 | Ghostfire is colorless in all zones. Its damage comes from a colorless source. |