Inferno MTG Card
1994-08-01 - Number 71
1995-04-01 - Number 205
1995-04-01 - Number 205
1995-08-01 - Number 90
1997-03-24 - Number 243
1997-03-24 - Number 243†
1999-04-21 - Number 191
2001-04-11 - Number 198★
2001-04-11 - Number 198
2003-07-28 - Number 196
2003-07-28 - Number 196★
2002-06-24 - Number 62439
| Card sets | Released in 12 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 7 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Inferno does 6 damage to all players and all creatures.
"Any scrap of compassion that still existed in my soul was permanently snuffed out when they cast me out into the flames." —Mairsil, called the Pretender
Cards like Inferno
Inferno is a potent spell in Magic: The Gathering that deals a sweeping six damage to each creature and player. It draws comparison to cards like Earthquake and Rolling Earthquake, which also deliver damage to each creature and player. Yet Inferno distinguishes itself with its fixed amount of damage, unlike the X cost of the Quake spells, which can be scaled to match the game situation.
Another peer in this category is Star of Extinction, a formidable spell that not only delivers 20 damage to each creature and planeswalker, but also obliterates a land. Although it’s a game-changing play, its high mana cost is a steep price compared to the relatively quicker deployment of Inferno. Additionally, Comet Storm stands out with its multitarget flexibility and instant speed, yet the commitment of mana to match Inferno’s damage output demands strategic planning.
Assessing Inferno alongside its counterparts, it becomes clear that while it may not have the adaptability of scalable damage or the colossal impact of Star of Extinction, its immediate and unchangeable six damage for a single red mana cost makes it a reliable and fearsome element in a Magic: The Gathering player’s arsenal.
Cards similar to Inferno by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Inferno generates significant card advantage by potentially removing multiple creatures in one sweep. This can lead to a positive shift in the balance of cards, especially against decks that rely on a wide board presence.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly involved in accelerating resources, the efficient use of mana to clear the board with Inferno can pave the way to a more secure game state, allowing for more effective deployment of your resources in subsequent turns.
Instant Speed: The power of Inferno is multiplied by its instant speed, providing flexibility to dictate the pace of the game. You gain the ability to react swiftly to your opponent’s moves, using Inferno at the most opportune moment to disrupt their strategy and maintain control of the game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing Inferno requires a discard from your hand, which can deplete your options, especially in tight game scenarios where every card counts.
Specific Mana Cost: Inferno’s casting cost demands a heavy red mana commitment, potentially restricting its use to mono-red or two-color decks that can consistently produce enough red mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana investment for unleashing Inferno is significant, and in a fast-paced game environment, it might be less efficient compared to cards with lower mana costs offering similar board impact.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Inferno can serve as a powerful tool in decks that thrive on high impact spells. Its ability to deal damage across multiple targets makes it a versatile option for controlling the board and clearing out smaller creatures.
Combo Potential: This card can complement strategies especially those revolving around spells with high casting costs or those that manipulate damage outputs. Inferno’s considerable damage potential makes it a cornerstone in decks looking to execute game-ending combinations.
Meta-Relevance: This card shines in an environment where dense creature strategies are prevalent. As the meta shifts towards decks that deploy a lot of creatures, Inferno provides a means to sweep the board, keeping the pace in the player’s favor.
How to Beat
Inferno is a powerful force in the landscape of Magic: The Gathering, known for its sheer ability to deal massive amounts of damage across multiple targets. Overcoming such a card requires strategic planning and a mindful approach to the game. The key to beating Inferno involves a blend of preemptive action and reactive measures.
One effective strategy is to limit the number of targets available for the card to affect. This involves maintaining a streamlined board presence, favoring creatures with higher toughness, or utilizing spells and abilities that can grant indestructibility or protection from red. Cards with instant speed that can counter spells or redirect damage are also invaluable when facing down the fiery wrath of Inferno.
Card advantage plays a crucial role as well. Drawing into your answers quickly ensures that you have the necessary tools at the right time, thereby reducing the impact of Inferno. Deck building revolving around efficient removal, counterspells, and damage prevention can tilt the scales in your favor. Remember, meticulous play and a well-tailored deck with strong synergies can turn the tide against even the most daunting cards in Magic: The Gathering.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Inferno MTG card by a specific set like The Dark and Fourth 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 Inferno 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 Inferno Magic the Gathering card was released in 9 different sets between 1994-08-01 and 2003-07-28. Illustrated by 4 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1994-08-01 | The Dark | DRK | 71 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Randy Asplund-Faith | |
| 2 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition | 4ED | 205 | 1993 | Normal | White | Randy Asplund-Faith | |
| 3 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border | 4BB | 205 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Randy Asplund-Faith | |
| 4 | 1995-08-01 | Renaissance | REN | 90 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Randy Asplund-Faith | |
| 5 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 243 | 1997 | Normal | White | Mike Kerr | |
| 6 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 243† | 1997 | Normal | Black | Mike Kerr | |
| 7 | 1999-04-21 | Classic Sixth Edition | 6ED | 191 | 1997 | Normal | White | Mike Kerr | |
| 8 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 198★ | 1997 | Normal | Black | Don Hazeltine | |
| 9 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 198 | 1997 | Normal | White | Don Hazeltine | |
| 10 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 62439 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Vance Kovacs | ||
| 11 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 196 | 2003 | Normal | White | Don Hazeltine | |
| 12 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 196★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Don Hazeltine |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Inferno has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |