Kessig Flamebreather MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Human Shaman
Power 1
Toughness 3

Key Takeaways

  1. This card provides continuous pressure on opponents with its passive damage ability triggered by noncreature spells.
  2. Playing at low cost, it supports swift play and synergy with spell-slinging strategies for fast damage accumulation.
  3. Although limited to red decks, its unique trigger conditions make it a versatile tool against creature-heavy metas.

Text of card

Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, Kessig Flamebreather deals 1 damage to each opponent.

"Hunter's fire" was meant for slaying monsters in the Ulvenwald, but that never stopped Ralen from showing it off.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Kessig Flamebreather enhances the potential to increment card value through its ability to deal 1 damage to each opponent whenever you cast a noncreature spell. This passive damage accrual subtly pressures opponents while you build up your hand and board presence.

Resource Acceleration: As a low-cost creature, Kessig Flamebreather can be played early, quickly establishing a board state that benefits from every noncreature spell. This speed in play complements strategies that aim to quickly outpace the opponent by maximizing mana efficiency and preserving resources for pivotal plays.

Instant Speed: The ability of Kessig Flamebreather to trigger off of any noncreature spell includes those played at instant speed, thus offering flexibility and surprise factor during gameplay. Casting instants on an opponent’s turn not only disrupts their strategy but also deals unexpected damage, maintaining a steady offensive without dedicating a separate turn to do so.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Kessig Flamebreather doesn’t directly ask you to discard cards, it requires you to cast noncreature spells to trigger its ability. In situations where hand size is dwindling, activating its damage-dealing capability can become challenging, potentially leaving it as a mere 1/3 on the battlefield with minimal impact.

Specific Mana Cost: Kessig Flamebreather’s activation is bound to a red mana cost, narrowing its inclusion to primarily red or red-containing decks. Players running multicolor decks may find it less flexible compared to more color-versatile options available in the format.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana cost sitting at two mana (one red, one generic), Kessig Flamebreather faces stiff competition from other two-drops. Cards at a similar mana cost point can offer immediate impact or have more substantial stats, making the Kessig Flamebreather a secondary choice for players looking to optimize their deck’s performance.


Reasons to Include Kessig Flamebreather in Your Collection

Versatility: Kessig Flamebreather is easily slotted into any red deck, particularly those that employ numerous noncreature spells. Its ability to deal incremental damage boosts its value in a broad spectrum of strategies.

Combo Potential: The card excels when paired with low-cost instant and sorcery spells, allowing for rapid damage accumulation. This synergy can be devastating in decks built around casting multiple spells in a single turn.

Meta-Relevance: With the MTG landscape often populated by creature-centric decks, Kessig Flamebreather serves as a constant threat every time a spell is cast, making it a pertinent addition in shifting metas.


How to beat

Kessig Flamebreather is known for its ability to whittle down an opponent’s life total every time you cast a noncreature spell. This red creature card can quickly become a thorn in the side if left unchecked on the battlefield. Its strength lies in its synergy with decks packed with instants and sorceries.

Overcoming Kessig Flamebreather requires a two-pronged strategy. Firstly, control the number of noncreature spells you play. Consider using creature-based strategies or abilities to mitigate the damage Kessig Flamebreather can deal. Secondly, removal is key. Efficient removal spells can deal with the Flamebreather before it becomes too much of a threat. Instant-speed removal such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile can be particularly effective, as they disrupt the rhythm of a spell-heavy deck and eliminate the pesky pinger before it has a chance to tip the scales.

Ultimately, Kessig Flamebreather’s impact is directly tied to how long it remains on the field and the spell strategy of its controller. Swiftly addressing this creature and adapting your playstyle can be your ticket to victory against a deck that utilizes this impactful card.


BurnMana Recommendations

Kessig Flamebreather’s unique ability to chip away at opponents’ life totals with each noncreature spell makes it an asset in any red spellcaster’s arsenal. Don’t underestimate the power of incremental damage; it can be enough to turn the tide when used strategically. From card pros like mana acceleration to dealing with this creature’s cons, your approach in MTG can involve fine-tuning strategies that optimize the Flamebreather’s potential. Harness the might of spell combos and stay ahead in the meta game. For those eager to master the art of fiery spells, join us to further explore and harness the potential of Kessig Flamebreather.


Cards like Kessig Flamebreather

Kessig Flamebreather is an intriguing component in decks that focus on casting noncreature spells in Magic: The Gathering. It bears a resemblance to cards such as Thermo-Alchemist, a creature that also deals damage to each opponent whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell. Kessig Flamebreather, however, activates its ability with any noncreature spell, providing a broader range of triggers that include enchantments and planeswalkers as well.

Another card in this comparison is Firebrand Archer, which, like Kessig Flamebreather, damages opponents when noncreature spells are cast. While the Archer affects each opponent, it commands a mana more for its service. Comparatively, Electrostatic Field offers a sturdier body for defense while performing a similar role, yet it lacks the aggressive potential that Kessig Flamebreather provides with its lower cost and easier setup.

Delving deeper, we see that these cards are essential in spell-slinging strategies where the consistency of dealing damage is crucial. The low cost and wide trigger range of Kessig Flamebreather make it a staple in these archetypes, offering repeatable damage that can quickly add up over the course of a game.

Thermo-Alchemist - MTG Card versions
Firebrand Archer - MTG Card versions
Electrostatic Field - MTG Card versions
Thermo-Alchemist - Eldritch Moon (EMN)
Firebrand Archer - Hour of Devastation (HOU)
Electrostatic Field - Guilds of Ravnica (GRN)

Cards similar to Kessig Flamebreather by color, type and mana cost

Rock Hydra - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Weaponsmith - MTG Card versions
Goblin Rock Sled - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Lieutenant - MTG Card versions
Goblin Recruiter - MTG Card versions
Heart Sliver - MTG Card versions
Mogg Flunkies - MTG Card versions
Goblin Elite Infantry - MTG Card versions
Fireslinger - MTG Card versions
Skittish Kavu - MTG Card versions
Rage Weaver - MTG Card versions
Minotaur Explorer - MTG Card versions
Sparksmith - MTG Card versions
Goblin Lookout - MTG Card versions
Skirk Marauder - MTG Card versions
Hellspark Elemental - MTG Card versions
Storm Entity - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Soldier - MTG Card versions
Mogg War Marshal - MTG Card versions
Stigma Lasher - MTG Card versions
Rock Hydra - Collectors' Edition (CED)
Dwarven Weaponsmith - Foreign Black Border (FBB)
Goblin Rock Sled - The Dark (DRK)
Dwarven Lieutenant - Fallen Empires (FEM)
Goblin Recruiter - Visions (VIS)
Heart Sliver - Tempest (TMP)
Mogg Flunkies - Stronghold (STH)
Goblin Elite Infantry - Classic Sixth Edition (6ED)
Fireslinger - Duel Decks Anthology: Jace vs. Chandra (JVC)
Skittish Kavu - Invasion (INV)
Rage Weaver - Invasion (INV)
Minotaur Explorer - Odyssey (ODY)
Sparksmith - Onslaught (ONS)
Goblin Lookout - Legions (LGN)
Skirk Marauder - Legions (LGN)
Hellspark Elemental - DCI Promos (PDCI)
Storm Entity - Future Sight (FUT)
Dwarven Soldier - Masters Edition (ME1)
Mogg War Marshal - Duel Decks: Elves vs. Goblins (DD1)
Stigma Lasher - Eventide (EVE)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Kessig Flamebreather MTG card by a specific set like Innistrad: Crimson Vow and Innistrad: Double Feature, 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 Kessig Flamebreather and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Kessig Flamebreather Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2021-11-19 and 2022-01-28. Illustrated by Lius Lasahido.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12021-11-19Innistrad: Crimson VowVOW 1642015normalblackLius Lasahido
22022-01-28Innistrad: Double FeatureDBL 4312015normalblackLius Lasahido

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Kessig Flamebreather has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal

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