Hungry Flames MTG Card
2017-01-20 - Number 84
2020-07-17 - Number 336
2020-11-12 - Number 129
2022-12-02 - Number 553
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Hungry Flames deals 3 damage to target creature and 2 damage to target player.
In the hold of the *Heart of Kiran*, Chandra answered Dovin Baan's sabotage with an explosive retort.
Cards like Hungry Flames
In the fiery echelons of direct damage spells, Hungry Flames earns its true respect, offering a harmonious balance of creature removal and player damage. The spell recalls the functionality of cards like Incendiary Flow, both dealing a stout 3 damage to a creature. However, Hungry Flames takes the advantage a step further by also zapping the opponent for an additional 2 damage, doubling up its battlefield impact. In this sense, its dual-purpose nature sets it apart.
Considering other relatives in the burn family, such as Searing Spear, we observe similarities in mana cost and instant speed flexibility. Yet, whilst Searing Spear is modest with a single-target approach, Hungry Flames outshines it with the supplemental player damage, potentially swinging the duel in your favor. Moving to less direct comparisons, such as Lightning Strike, we notice a mirrored mana cost and damage to Incendiary Flow, but Lightning Strike’s versatility in targeting either a creature or player doesn’t quite match Hungry Flames’ two-for-one package.
Ultimately, in assessing Hungry Flames against its counterparts, it emerges as a versatile and efficient choice for players who crave that extra heat in their strategy, making it a noteworthy contender in the landscape of MTG burn spells.
Cards similar to Hungry Flames by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Hungry Flames. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Mono-Red Aggro | Historic | Other | MTGA Pauper: Historic Pauper Tournament (6 Jan '24) |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: With Hungry Flames, you not only deal damage to a creature and a player but you also impact the board state positively in your favor. The ability to affect multiple targets provides a form of card advantage as it’s one card dealing with potentially two problems.
Resource Acceleration: While Hungry Flames does not directly accelerate your resources, it can indirectly influence the pace of your game. By removing a blocker or a threatening creature, you pave the way for your own creatures to attack successfully, thus potentially accelerating your path to victory.
Instant Speed: The power of Hungry Flames is amplified by its instant speed. This allows you to wait until the most opportune moment during your opponent’s turn to play it, catching them off-guard and possibly disrupting their strategy. The surprise element can shift the momentum of the game in your favor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Hungry Flames doesn’t ask for a card to be discarded, it demands precise deck construction and timing to maximize impact, which can be tricky in unpredictable game scenarios.
Specific Mana Cost: Hungry Flames requires a precise mana combination to cast (1 generic and 2 red), which may not be ideal for multicolor decks that struggle with mana consistency.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, Hungry Flames might seem costly when compared to other instant-speed burn spells that offer similar damage output for less mana, potentially slowing down your game tempo in critical turns.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Hungry Flames is a dynamic addition to multiple deck builds due to its ability to deal damage to both a creature and a player. This dual utility makes it a staple for red decks that prioritize removal and direct damage.
Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with strategies that capitalize on instants and spells that damage. It can help fuel prowess triggers or work with mechanics that benefit from casting multiple spells in a single turn.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where creature-based aggro decks are prevalent, Hungry Flames offers a swift response. It clears out small threats and chips away at an opponent’s life total, maintaining pressure and board control.
How to beat Hungry Flames
Hungry Flames is a versatile red instant from Magic: The Gathering that deals damage to both a creature and an opponent. This card offers players an opportunity to impact the board and reduce an opponent’s life total simultaneously. To effectively counteract Hungry Flames, consider cards that provide protection or hexproof abilities for your creatures. This will prevent the damage allocation to your critical assets on the board.
Moreover, employing counterspells or utilizing instant-speed interaction can disrupt a Hungry Flames play. Swift responses are key, as they allow you to address the spell directly while it’s on the stack, rendering it ineffective. Spells such as Negate or Dovin’s Veto are especially useful in blue-aligned decks to avert the incoming threat. Additionally, keeping a healthy life buffer through lifelink and other life-gaining strategies will diminish the impact of the direct damage to you, securing your position in the match.
Consideration of the board state and strategic planning are essential when playing against red spells like Hungry Flames. Guardian creatures or those with indestructible characteristics can also nullify the damage, ensuring your side of the battlefield remains robust. Aligning these tactics with your overall strategy will enhance your chances of outlasting and ultimately defeating the fiery onslaught of Hungry Flames.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Hungry Flames MTG card by a specific set like Aether Revolt and Jumpstart, 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 Hungry Flames 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 Hungry Flames Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2017-01-20 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Izzy.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2017-01-20 | Aether Revolt | AER | 84 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Izzy | |
| 2 | 2020-07-17 | Jumpstart | JMP | 336 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Izzy | |
| 3 | 2020-11-12 | Kaladesh Remastered | KLR | 129 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Izzy | |
| 4 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 553 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Izzy |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Hungry Flames has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Hungry Flames card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2017-02-09 | You can’t cast Hungry Flames unless you target both a creature and a player. If one target is illegal as Hungry Flames resolves, the spell deals damage to the remaining legal target. |