Hail of Arrows MTG Card
2005-06-03 - Number 11
2007-07-13 - Number 18
2016-08-26 - Number 90
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Hail of Arrows deals X damage divided as you choose among any number of target attacking creatures.
"Do not let a single shaft loose until my word. And when I give that word, do not leave a single shaft in Eiganjo." —General Takeno
Cards like Hail of Arrows
Hail of Arrows stands out in the array of removal options within Magic: The Gathering. Functionally akin to cards like Gaze of Justice, which also allows you to tackle multiple creatures, Hail of Arrows offers the flexibility to distribute damage as you see fit. Unlike Gaze of Justice’s upfront cost and tapping of three white creatures, Hail of Arrows requires only mana investment, proportional to the threats you wish to eliminate.
Another related card is Cone of Flame, which segments its damage across three targets. Though it has a fixed distribution of damage, Hail of Arrows provides a fluid damage allocation, giving players the chance to respond dynamically to the board state. Not to be overlooked is Pyroclasm, a card that deals a flat two damage to each creature. While Pyroclasm is less flexible than Hail of Arrows, it compensates with a lower cost and the potential for a universally broader impact.
Comparing these similar options emphasizes Hail of Arrows’ place as a tactical choice for players seeking precision control over their removal strategies in Magic: The Gathering. Whether you’re shaping the battlefield or reacting to opponent moves, it offers an adaptable tool tailored to vigilant tacticians.
Cards similar to Hail of Arrows by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Hail of Arrows can be considered a power play when you’re up against a swarm of creatures. It has the potential to wipe multiple targets off the board, effectively trading one card from your hand for several of your opponent’s, tipping the scales in your favor and creating substantial card advantage.
Resource Acceleration: While it doesn’t directly provide mana or acceleration, the ability to clear out multiple mana dorks or utility creatures with a single card can indirectly slow down your opponent’s development and resource acceleration, potentially leading to a greater strategic advantage.
Instant Speed: The flexibility of casting Hail of Arrows at instant speed cannot be understated. This allows savvy players to respond to enemy moves during their turn or at the end of a turn right before theirs, keeping mana open for counterspells or other interactions and catching opponents off guard with a sudden mass removal.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Hail of Arrows requires players to tap any number of untapped creatures they control as a part of the cost. While this isn’t a discard in the traditional sense, it’s similar in that it leaves you temporarily without the use of those creatures, which could be a considerable setback if you’re left defenseless against an opponent’s next move.
Specific Mana Cost: With a specific casting cost that includes white mana, Hail of Arrows may find a limited place in decks, as it’s less flexible for those looking to incorporate it into multicolored strategies. This could make it less appealing for players not dedicated to a white or white-inclusive color scheme.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although the cost to cast this spell is variable, it often requires a significant investment to deal damage equivalent to the number of creatures you tap. If you want to make a substantial impact, the mana cost quickly adds up, meaning you might spend a large portion of your turn’s resources for an effect that might not always turn the tide in your favor.
Reasons to Include Hail of Arrows in Your Collection
Versatility: Hail of Arrows offers a flexible damage distribution ability, allowing it to be a strategic fit in decks that require precision removal of multiple creatures at once, or that aim to control the board against token strategies.
Combo Potential: This card can synergize with effects that increase the amount of damage dealt or with cards that benefit from creatures dying, such as those that generate value from death triggers or morbid abilities.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-based aggro decks are prevalent, Hail of Arrows can serve as an efficient tool to thwart swarms of attackers and maintain a stable board presence, making it a significant addition to your arsenal.
How to beat
Hail of Arrows is an intriguing card that allows players to distribute damage across multiple creatures depending on the amount of mana invested. While it can be a game-changer in combat, especially when you’re facing an army of smaller creatures, it’s not insurmountable. The key to outmaneuvering Hail of Arrows lies in strategic deck building and on-the-fly adaptability during the game.
One effective tactic is to focus on creatures with higher toughness, which naturally withstand more damage, making Hail of Arrows less impactful. Additionally, employing instant-speed spells that can buff your creatures’ toughness in response to a Hail of Arrows cast can save them from being picked off. Heroic Intervention, for instance, offers a dynamic protection as it can render your creatures indestructible momentarily, effectively negating the damage from the card altogether.
Moreover, playing cards that can counteract your opponents’ spells, like Counterspell or Negate, can stop Hail of Arrows from ever taking effect. By anticipating the moments when your opponent might have enough mana to cast such defensive spells, you can ensure your creatures stay safe and maintain your hold on the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Hail of Arrows MTG card by a specific set like Saviors of Kamigawa and Tenth Edition, 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 Hail of Arrows 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 Hail of Arrows Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2005-06-03 and 2016-08-26. Illustrated by Anthony S. Waters.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2005-06-03 | Saviors of Kamigawa | SOK | 11 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Anthony S. Waters | |
| 2 | 2007-07-13 | Tenth Edition | 10E | 18 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Anthony S. Waters | |
| 3 | 2016-08-26 | Conspiracy: Take the Crown | CN2 | 90 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Anthony S. Waters |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Hail of Arrows has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Hail of Arrows card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2005-06-01 | You choose how the damage will be divided among the target creatures at the time you cast Hail of Arrows. Each target must be dealt at least 1 damage. If any of those creatures becomes an illegal target before Hail of Arrows resolves, the division of damage among the remaining creatures doesn’t change. |