Inner Struggle MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
| Released | 2016-04-08 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Shadows over Innistrad |
| Set code | SOI |
| Number | 167 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Mathias Kollros |
Text of card
Target creature deals damage to itself equal to its power.
"Reflect upon your evils lest they reflect upon you." —Inquisitor Laerin
Cards like Inner Struggle
Inner Struggle is a unique card in Magic: The Gathering that inflicts damage to a creature equal to its own power. This spell is reminiscent of cards like Soul’s Fire, which also leverages a creature’s power to direct damage, although it targets creatures or players. Inner Struggle, however, is self-contained and focuses solely on the targeted creature, providing a more surgical approach to creature removal.
In the arena of red removal spells, we see parallels with Chandra’s Outrage. While Chandra’s Outrage also deals damage to a creature, it carries the additional benefit of hitting the creature’s controller. The trade-off is a higher mana cost and the restriction of dealing a set amount of damage. Inner Struggle, on the other hand, scales with the target creature’s power, making it potentially more lethal against beefier foes.
Overall, Inner Struggle holds its ground as a formidable option in red’s removal suite. Its ability to capitalize on creatures with high power makes it a versatile addition to any deck, especially when dealing with large threats that other spells can’t handle as efficiently.
Cards similar to Inner Struggle by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Inner Struggle enables a player to disrupt an opponent’s board while maintaining the number of cards in hand, effectively tipping the balance of the game by removing a key creature without losing card parity.
Resource Acceleration: While Inner Struggle doesn’t directly accelerate resources in the form of mana, it can be seen as a form of tempo acceleration by eliminating an opponent’s blocker or attacker, potentially clearing the way for your own creatures to press the advantage.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Inner Struggle at instant speed offers significant strategic flexibility. It allows players to react to threats on the fly or at the end of an opponent’s turn, thereby optimizing the use of mana each round and keeping options open as the game unfolds.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One of the drawbacks of Inner Struggle is that it comes with a discard requirement. This condition can put players at a disadvantage, especially when they have a scant number of cards in hand and are forced to let go of potentially vital assets within their game strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Inner Struggle includes red mana. This specificity can restrict the card’s inclusion exclusively to red-centric or compatible multicolor decks. As a result, the restrictive mana requirement can be a hurdle for using Inner Struggle in a broader range of decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Inner Struggle comes with a relatively high mana cost for its effect. Players need to assess whether the cost-to-impact ratio is beneficial, as there might be alternative spells available that can deliver similar or better effects with less mana expenditure. When mana efficiency is critical, this card may not be the optimal choice.
Reasons to Include Inner Struggle in Your Collection
Versatility: Inner Struggle is a flexible removal spell that can be slotted into any red deck. Whether you are running an aggressive build or a control strategy, it can be a great way to remove problematic creatures that your opponent controls without targeting restrictions.
Combo Potential: This card has hidden synergy with effects that care about damage or when a creature dies. Coupling Inner Struggle with cards that trigger off such events can turn this simple removal into a combo piece for larger plays.
Meta-Relevance: Considering that creature-heavy decks are common in many MTG metas, Inner Struggle holds its value as an efficient way to deal with large threats. As the game evolves, having reliable removal like Inner Struggle can be crucial in maintaining a competitive edge.
How to beat
Inner Struggle is an intriguing card that poses a unique challenge to players in Magic the Gathering. This instant spell targets a creature and deals damage equal to its own power, turning the creature’s strength against itself. Understanding the mechanics behind Inner Struggle is key to countering it effectively. One solid strategy is to play creatures with low power and high toughness, thereby minimizing the damage they would take from their own power if targeted.
Another tactic is to utilize hexproof or shroud abilities, which render your creatures untargetable by spells like Inner Struggle. Additionally, keeping instant-speed protection spells or abilities in hand that can either give a creature indestructibility or boost its toughness when an Inner Struggle targets it can save your creature and leave your opponent’s resources depleted.
In essence, while Inner Struggle can be a surprising way to eliminate a major threat, it’s important to be proactive and consider the ways to safeguard your creatures. Using these strategies, you can turn the tables and maintain a strong board presence in the face of this potent removal spell.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Inner Struggle MTG card by a specific set like Shadows over Innistrad, 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 Inner Struggle 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Inner Struggle has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |