Lava-Field Overlord MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 9 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Dragon |
| Abilities | Assist,Flying |
| Released | 2018-06-08 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Battlebond |
| Set code | BBD |
| Power | 5 |
| Toughness | 4 |
| Number | 60 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Todd Lockwood |
Text of card
Assist (Another player can pay up to of this spell's cost.) Flying When Lava-Field Overlord enters the battlefield, it deals 4 damage to target creature an opponent controls.
Cards like Lava-Field Overlord
Lava-Field Overlord enters the arena as a formidable creature in Magic: The Gathering, showcasing traits akin to other heavy hitters in the game. One such comparison can be drawn with Demanding Dragon, an equally imposing dragon that also imposes a tough choice on the opponent either to sacrifice a creature or take damage. Where Lava-Field Overlord stands out is its Assault ability, which offers the tactical advantage of reducing an opponent’s creature power, potentially influencing the battlefield beyond just presenting a large threat.
Similarly, Thundermaw Hellkite flies onto this list with the power to tap all opposing flying creatures when it enters the battlefield, delivering a clear path for potential damage. While this effect disrupts the opponent’s aerial defense, it does not directly diminish the power of creatures like Lava-Field Overlord can. Additionally, there’s Siege Dragon that, while it requires a bit more mana, annihilates all opposing walls and damages non-flyers upon attacking, providing a different yet substantial form of battlefield control.
In sum, Lava-Field Overlord’s unique blend of sheer force and creature debilitation carves its niche among MTG’s dragon-themed cards, positioning it as a strategic choice for players aiming to command the pace of the match with its entrancing capabilities.
Cards similar to Lava-Field Overlord by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Lava-Field Overlord’s ability to force the opponent to sacrifice a creature upon entering the battlefield can shift the tide of a game by reducing your opponent’s board presence and potentially creating a card advantage. This is especially beneficial if the opponent sacrifices a creature of higher value.
Resource Acceleration: As a creature with assist, the Lava-Field Overlord offers a collaborative playstyle, allowing another player to help you cast it by providing up to {5} mana of the Overlord’s cost. This can lead to a significant acceleration of your resources as you effectively cast a creature with a substantial presence at potentially a far lower personal mana investment.
Instant Speed: Even though Lava-Field Overlord itself is a creature and therefore does not have instant speed, its steep mana cost suggests pairing it with instant speed spells and abilities that can ready your board state in preparation for its arrival, or immediately respond to the evolving game post-summoning. Utilizing instants and flash abilities can ensure you’re maximizing your turns while working toward casting the Overlord.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing Lava-Field Overlord requires a player to discard another card, presenting a potential setback when hand size or specific card retention is critical for your strategy. This mechanic forces players to weigh the cost of losing immediate resources against the potential late-game benefits the card may bring.
Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost of this creature is highly specialized, with a significant amount of it being red. This can restrict deck building as it may necessitate a heavy commitment to red mana production, potentially reducing the flexibility and adaptability of your deck.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost demanding five mana, including a triple red, the investment to summon Lava-Field Overlord is considerable against other options that may provide a similar level of board presence but at a lower mana value. This could slow down your game, especially when facing decks that aim to win quickly.
Reasons to Include Lava-Field Overlord in Your Collection
Versatility: The Lava-Field Overlord card is a robust addition to any deck demanding a high-impact creature. Its ability to join the fray as a formidable flying creature allows it to adapt to various board states, making it a viable choice in different scenarios.
Combo Potential: With its assault-triggered ability to force an opponent to sacrifice a creature, this card has significant combo potential. It meshes well with decks that aim to diminish the opponent’s creature resources, or that benefit from opponents losing creatures.
Meta-Relevance: Against decks that rely on key creatures, the sacrifice effect of Lava-Field Overlord can disrupt your opponent’s strategy. This card can shine in a meta full of creature-based synergies, providing an edge by consistently clearing the path for your victory.
How to beat
Lava-Field Overlord brings a formidable presence to any MTG game with its powerful ability to impose additional costs on your opponent’s spells. Its Assault trigger, which activates upon entering the battlefield, demands careful attention and strategy to counter effectively. Similar cards, like Descent upon the Sinful, also provide major board impact, but Lava-Field Overlord uniquely disrupts opponents’ plans by taxing their resources.
To navigate around this fiery adversary, consider incorporating low-cost removal cards or counter spells that can deal with it before the Assault ability becomes too oppressive. Spell Pierce, for instance, serves as an efficient answer to counter high-cost creatures before they see play. Meanwhile, targeted removal such as Path to Exile can exile Lava-Field Overlord without allowing it to leave a lasting mark. Furthermore, competing cards like Conclave Tribunal provide a way to neutralize it after landing, locking down the threat without burning a hole in your mana pool.
Ultimately, while the Overlord presents a daunting challenge, equipping your deck with precise, low-cost counters will position you for victory, ensuring that the Lava-Field Overlord doesn’t dominate the game with its disruptive assault.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Lava-Field Overlord MTG card by a specific set like Battlebond, 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 Lava-Field Overlord 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 Lava-Field Overlord has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Lava-Field Overlord card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2018-06-08 | Assist allows another player to pay for any amount of generic mana. If an effect changes the cost of the spell, the amount that player may pay will be more or less than the amount in the spell’s reminder text. |
| 2018-06-08 | If an effect allows a player to cast a spell spending mana “as though it were mana of any color” or “of any type,” that player must still pay for the colored mana in that spell’s total cost. That cost doesn’t become generic. |
| 2018-06-08 | Only the generic mana portion of a spell’s cost can be paid with assist. Any colored mana costs must be paid by the spell’s controller, even if the assisting player paid mana of that color. |
| 2018-06-08 | You may reveal a card with assist and discuss how to pay for it before you begin to cast the spell. Targets are chosen for that spell before you choose another player to help you pay for it and before that player has committed any mana to doing so. |