Icefall MTG Card


Icefall offers card advantage by disrupting opponents and potentially destroying tapped assets. Acting at instant speed, it gives players flexibility to respond to threats any time. Despite its versatility, Icefall’s requirements can constrain deck building and mana resources.
Icefall - Coldsnap
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityCommon
TypeSorcery
Abilities Recover
Released2006-07-21
Set symbol
Set nameColdsnap
Set codeCSP
Number85
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byWarren Mahy

Text of card

Destroy target artifact or land. Recover (When a creature is put into your graveyard from play, you may pay . If you do, return this card from your graveyard to your hand. Otherwise, remove this card from the game.)

As the Thaw met Terisiare, mountains shed their icy skins, crushing homes and hopes alike.


Cards like Icefall

Icefall holds a distinctive place among Magic: The Gathering’s repertoire of destruction spells. Its similarities with spells like Seismic Spike are quite apparent, both offering land destruction capabilities. However, Icefall goes a step further, granting the flexibility to target artifacts in addition to lands, which Seismic Spike lacks. This versatility can significantly impact the dynamics of a match.

A closer card in comparison could be Demolish. Both Icefall and Demolish allow players to destroy an artifact or a land. The difference lies in the recoverability factor — Icefall has rebound, making it castable for no mana on the subsequent turn, thus providing potential double value. In contrast, Demolish is a one-and-done deal with no recurring effect. On the other side, Molten Rain stands out as it not only destroys a land but deals additional damage to the land’s controller. While Molten Rain is more aggressive, Icefall’s rebound offers a strategic edge for recurring control.

Evaluating these cards, it’s clear Icefall has a unique advantage with its repeatable effect. It’s a strategic option for players seeking control over key game resources, enhancing its value in MTG decks designed around denial and disruption strategies.

Seismic Spike - MTG Card versions
Demolish - MTG Card versions
Molten Rain - MTG Card versions
Seismic Spike - MTG Card versions
Demolish - MTG Card versions
Molten Rain - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Icefall by color, type and mana cost

Flashfires - MTG Card versions
Shatterstorm - MTG Card versions
Anarchy - MTG Card versions
Phoenix Heart - MTG Card versions
Reign of Chaos - MTG Card versions
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Flowstone Flood - MTG Card versions
Relentless Assault - MTG Card versions
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Draconic Intervention - MTG Card versions
Illuminate History - MTG Card versions
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Granulate - MTG Card versions
Touch and Go - MTG Card versions
Sunder from Within - MTG Card versions
Flashfires - MTG Card versions
Shatterstorm - MTG Card versions
Anarchy - MTG Card versions
Phoenix Heart - MTG Card versions
Reign of Chaos - MTG Card versions
Deadshot - MTG Card versions
Aftershock - MTG Card versions
Ruination - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Flood - MTG Card versions
Relentless Assault - MTG Card versions
Flameshot - MTG Card versions
Bend or Break - MTG Card versions
Scorching Missile - MTG Card versions
Reckless Crew - MTG Card versions
Draconic Intervention - MTG Card versions
Illuminate History - MTG Card versions
Demolish - MTG Card versions
Granulate - MTG Card versions
Touch and Go - MTG Card versions
Sunder from Within - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Casting Icefall provides a dual effect of both freezing an opponent’s asset and potentially destroying it if it’s already tapped, setting you ahead in board presence.

Resource Acceleration: As a versatile interaction piece in your deck, Icefall can disrupt an opponent’s game plan, leading to a slowdown while you continue to develop your resources unhindered.

Instant Speed: With Icefall being an instant, it allows for flexibility in your play, letting you react to threats on the fly or even during your opponent’s turn, keeping them on their toes.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the downsides of the Icefall card is the obligatory discard of another card from your hand to cast it. This can be particularly problematic when your hand size is dwindling, and each card’s value becomes critical to maintaining gameplay advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Icefall requires not just a combination of mana for casting but also specifically for red and blue mana. This makes it less adaptable outside of decks that are tailored to support such mana demands, potentially restricting deck building flexibility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Given the competitive nature of MTG, efficient mana spending is key. Icefall commands a relatively significant amount of resources to play, which might not always correlate to the impact it has on the game, particularly when compared to lower-cost cards with similar or more disruptive effects.


Reasons to Include Icefall in Your Collection

Versatility: Icefall is a dynamic card that can adapt to various strategies, making it a crucial pick for decks that aim to control the board. Its ability to reuse lands or untap key permanents allows for unexpected plays.

Combo Potential: The card synergizes well with strategies that manipulate lands, such as landfall decks, or ones that focus on freezing opponents’ resources, giving players inventive ways to disrupt their opponent’s game plan.

Meta-Relevance: Icefall holds its ground in environments where tempo plays are essential. Its dual capacity for land untapping or disruption makes it a strategic tool in games where maintaining or shifting momentum is pivotal.


How to beat

The Icefall card in Magic: The Gathering presents a strategic challenge with its ability to disrupt land resources. It’s a tool that can lock down an opponent’s mana base, putting them at a disadvantage. To counter this, players should focus on maintaining land diversity in their deck, which lessens the impact of a targeted Icefall cast. Including instant-speed cards that can remove or counter this spell also offers a reliable solution. Players should also consider the timing of their land plays, holding back on crucial lands if they suspect an Icefall play from the opponent. Utilizing mana artifacts or mana dorks alongside lands can help mitigate the risk of falling behind in resources, thus staying ahead in the game despite the potential disruption caused by Icefall. By taking these tactics into account, players could effectively navigate around this frosty hindrance and continue their path to victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Icefall MTG card by a specific set like Coldsnap, 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 Icefall and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Icefall has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal