Iridian Maelstrom MTG Card


Drawing cards and accelerating resources, Iridian Maelstrom offers powerful gameplay advantages. Its instant speed utility allows for surprise plays, disrupting opponent strategies effectively. However, its discard requirement and specific mana costs may deter some deck strategies.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Destroy each creature that isn't all colors.


Cards like Iridian Maelstrom

Iridian Maelstrom introduces an interesting dynamic to the landscape of multicolored spells in Magic: The Gathering. It bears a resemblance to other powerful cards that allow multiple spell casts, such as Etali, Primal Storm. While Etali lets you cast a spell from each opponent’s deck for free upon attacking, Iridian Maelstrom grants you the ability to potentially cast numerous spells across turns by enchanting a single land.

Comparatively, we can look at the card Wilderness Reclamation, which untaps all lands you control at the end of your turn. This can lead to a significant ramp in mana resources but doesn’t directly enable casting additional spells from the top of the library like Iridian Maelstrom does. Another analogous card is Sunbird’s Invocation, which also digs into the library for casting spells when you cast another spell. However, Sunbird’s Invocation scopes out options from the library based on the converted mana cost of the cast spell, whereas Iridian Maelstrom exerts its magic by enchanting a land to play with the top card of your library.

In essence, MTG aficionados can find that Iridian Maelstrom offers a unique twist on the top-library-play strategy with a persistent effect bound to a land, setting it apart from other similar spell-casting accelerants. Its distinctive mechanic can be a game-changer, particularly in decks designed to exploit the top card of the library.

Etali, Primal Storm - MTG Card versions
Wilderness Reclamation - MTG Card versions
Sunbird's Invocation - MTG Card versions
Etali, Primal Storm - MTG Card versions
Wilderness Reclamation - MTG Card versions
Sunbird's Invocation - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Iridian Maelstrom shines in providing card advantage to players. It offers a potent draw mechanism that can refill your hand, keeping you ahead of your opponent’s moves, and strategically prepared for the turns to come.

Resource Acceleration: On top of its draw capability, this card adds a layer of resource acceleration. By potentially ramping up your mana resources, it enables a faster deployment of high-cost cards and can smoothly escalate your gameplay, giving you the upper hand in developing your board state.

Instant Speed: The true power of Iridian Maelstrom also lies in its instant speed. This feature provides flexibility, allowing players to react swiftly to the evolving game conditions. Cast it when your opponent least expects it to maximize its impact, or keep it as a surprise to disrupt their strategy during their turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Iridian Maelstrom comes with a catch that might make players think twice before casting it. As part of its activation, you’ll need to discard a card. This downside can be particularly impactful in game states where your hand is already running low, forcing you to potentially discard a vital piece of your strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: Tailoring your mana base to accommodate Iridian Maelstrom’s cost can be challenging. It requires a diverse pool of mana colors which might demand significant adjustments to your deck. This requirement could potentially restrict its compatibility with decks that do not operate on a multicolor strategy.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Weighing the benefits against the investment is critical with any high-mana card. Iridian Maelstrom’s demand for a larger quantity of mana may set you back in terms of tempo when compared to other alternatives available. In fast-paced matches, allocating resources to cast this card might prove to be less efficient and could cost you valuable momentum.


Reasons to Include Iridian Maelstrom in Your Collection

Versatility: Iridian Maelstrom excels in providing a flexible solution to any deck’s strategy. Its ability to manipulate spells or create a dynamic board state makes it a must-have for decks seeking adaptability.

Combo Potential: This card is a dream for players looking to concoct game-winning combos. With its unique interactions, it can unlock a cascade of effects that can tip the game in your favor.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where the landscape of competitive play is ever-changing, Iridian Maelstrom remains relevant. It provides options against a variety of deck archetypes, making it a strategic asset against the current meta.


How to Beat Iridian Maelstrom

The Iridian Maelstrom card presents a unique challenge to players in the arena of MTG. This card’s strength lies in its ability to control the flow of the game by manipulating turns and granting its user additional maneuvers. This can make Iridian Maelstrom seem quite formidable at first glance. Yet, like any strategy in MTG, understanding its weaknesses is key to overcoming its control.

To effectively counter Iridian Maelstrom, bear in mind the importance of card disruption and removal tools. Using instant-speed spells that can dismantle the opponent’s strategy, such as counterspells or targeted removal, can be pivotal. In addition, keeping a close eye on your own turn structure and resources will ensure that the Maelstrom’s player doesn’t gain an overwhelming advantage. Denying the player the chance to make the most out of the Maelstrom’s effect is crucial.

By adopting a proactive game plan and maintaining control over the board state, you place yourself in a position to neutralize the card’s impact. Anticipating your opponent’s actions and remaining one step ahead will transform the daunting task of beating Iridian Maelstrom into a feasible objective. Ultimately, the key is to disrupt, control, and dictate the pace of the game to your advantage.


BurnMana Recommendations

If you’re looking to edge past the competition in MTG, understanding the intricacies of Iridian Maelstrom can be a game-changer. This card is a treasure for those who master its potential for card advantage and surprise maneuvers. However, be mindful of the strategic decisions it requires in deck construction and in-play execution. Consider how it fits with your overall strategy, and if it aligns, it could very well be the linchpin for your next victorious match. Dive deeper with us into the strategic depths of MTG and discover how to best utilize Iridian Maelstrom in your plays. Embark on this journey to hone your skills and perhaps make this card the cornerstone of your game-winning strategy.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Iridian Maelstrom // Iridian Maelstrom MTG card by a specific set like Dominaria United Art Series and Dominaria United Commander, 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 Iridian Maelstrom // Iridian Maelstrom and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Iridian Maelstrom // Iridian Maelstrom Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2022-09-09 and 2022-09-09. Illustrated by Justyna Dura.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12022-09-09Dominaria United Art SeriesADMU 472015Art seriesBorderlessJustyna Dura
22022-09-09Dominaria United CommanderDMC 882015NormalBlackJustyna Dura
32022-09-09Dominaria United CommanderDMC 122015NormalBlackJustyna Dura

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Iridian Maelstrom has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal