Lithomantic Barrage MTG Card


Fetching lands with Lithomantic Barrage strengthens your mana base and supports threat deployment. Instant-speed play enhances flexibility and allows for strategic reactive capability in-game. Discard and specific mana requirements may limit Lithomantic Barrage’s versatility in some decks.
Lithomantic Barrage - March of the Machine
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityUncommon
TypeSorcery
Released2023-04-21
Set symbol
Set nameMarch of the Machine
Set codeMOM
Number152
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byViko Menezes

Text of card

This spell can't be countered. Lithomantic Barrage deals 1 damage to target creature or planeswalker. It deals 5 damage instead if that target is white and/or blue.

Nahiri's rage shattered hedrons into deadly, burning ruin.


Cards like Lithomantic Barrage

Lithomantic Barrage is another intriguing spell that players can utilize in their arsenal in Magic: The Gathering. One close relative in terms of effect is Oblivion Strike, which also provides an excellent removal option. Both cards are designed to eliminate key threats on the battlefield. But where Lithomantic Barrage differentiates itself is by offering potential repetitive usage if you have the required mana to escape it from the graveyard.

Comparatively, Hero’s Downfall stands out by allowing players to target planeswalkers as well as creatures, thus broadening its reach. Its instant speed gives an edge in terms of flexibility over Lithomantic Barrage which functions at sorcery speed. Conversely, Murder is another competitor with its straightforward and cost-effective approach to creature removal, yet lacking the graveyard recursion aspect. These similar spells each come with their unique advantages, depending on the strategic needs of the match.

Ultimately, each card carves its niche within the strategy of creature control. Lithomantic Barrage finds its strength in its capacity for reuse, which could sway a player’s choice in including it in their deck for ongoing control throughout the game.

Oblivion Strike - MTG Card versions
Hero's Downfall - MTG Card versions
Murder - MTG Card versions
Oblivion Strike - MTG Card versions
Hero's Downfall - MTG Card versions
Murder - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Lithomantic Barrage by color, type and mana cost

Earthquake - MTG Card versions
Fireball - MTG Card versions
Disintegrate - MTG Card versions
Goblin Grenade - MTG Card versions
Mana Clash - MTG Card versions
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Devil's Play - MTG Card versions
Firebolt - MTG Card versions
Earthquake - MTG Card versions
Fireball - MTG Card versions
Disintegrate - MTG Card versions
Goblin Grenade - MTG Card versions
Mana Clash - MTG Card versions
Winds of Change - MTG Card versions
Detonate - MTG Card versions
Meteor Shower - MTG Card versions
Tremor - MTG Card versions
Blaze - MTG Card versions
Seething Anger - MTG Card versions
Gamble - MTG Card versions
Meltdown - MTG Card versions
Landslide - MTG Card versions
Ghitu Fire - MTG Card versions
Tahngarth's Glare - MTG Card versions
Lava Burst - MTG Card versions
Overmaster - MTG Card versions
Devil's Play - MTG Card versions
Firebolt - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Lithomantic Barrage. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Izzet ControlIzzet Control StandardIzzet ControlStandard Challenge 64 2024-02-25
Mono-Red AggroMono-Red Aggro StandardMono-Red AggroBOP! Standard Open
All Other DecklistsAll Other Decklists PioneerGruul AggroNRG Series $5,000 Trial - Madison, Wisconsin (Pioneer)

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Casting Lithomantic Barrage provides the opportunity to disrupt an opponent’s strategy while simultaneously digging through your deck to retrieve two lands, ensuring that your mana base is strengthened and you’re in a better position to deploy your threats.

Resource Acceleration: Although Lithomantic Barrage doesn’t directly produce additional resources, it effectively accelerates your mana availability by fetching those two essentials lands. This can be particularly potent in formats where land drops are critical for maintaining tempo and executing a winning strategy promptly.

Instant Speed: The powerful flexibility offered by an instant-speed spell cannot be overstated. Lithomantic Barrage allows players to wait until the most opportune moment during their opponent’s turn to act, potentially protecting against incoming threats or simply when the circumstances are most advantageous to you, without committing resources prematurely. This reactive capability is invaluable in the dynamic landscape of a match, keeping your adversaries guessing and your options open.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Lithomantic Barrage card requires players to discard another card upon casting. This can be particularly taxing when your hand is already running thin, forcing tough decisions on which resources to sacrifice.

Specific Mana Cost: The precision needed to cast Lithomantic Barrage, with its requirement for specific mana colors, can be a hurdle. It necessitates dedicated deck building to accommodate such costs, which can reduce the card’s versatility across a broader range of deck types.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that’s on the higher side, players may find Lithomantic Barrage a bit too cumbersome, especially when faster or more cost-effective alternatives are available. It challenges players to consider whether its effect is worth the deck space and mana investment during crucial game moments.


Reasons to Include Lithomantic Barrage in Your Collection

Versatility: Lithomantic Barrage is a flexible addition to decks that thrive on spell-slinging. It can disrupt opponents by targeting key creatures or planeswalkers, making it a useful card in a variety of situations.

Combo Potential: This card adds value to decks that capitalize on casting multiple spells per turn. Combining it with cards that trigger upon casting noncreature spells heightens its utility, seamlessly integrating into synergistic strategies.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where creature-based strategies dominate, Lithomantic Barrage serves as an efficient removal tool. Its ability to potentially turn the tide of battle by removing blockers or threats makes it a valuable asset in many competitive formats.


How to beat Lithomantic Barrage

Lithomantic Barrage, a recent addition to the Magic: The Gathering card roster, can be quite the hurdle in gameplay. This card has its own set of rules that, if understood properly, can be navigated by strategic players. In essence, the card prevents its controller’s opponents from playing spells or abilities unless they pay a toll for each of those spells or abilities.

To circumvent this obstacle, consider playing low-cost spells to alleviate the financial strain put on your mana pool. Direct removal spells can also be effective, as they can take out the permanent imposing these restrictions. Moreover, playing at instant speed allows you to wait until your opponent’s turn to act, potentially bypassing the costlier phases of Lithomantic Barrage. It’s also beneficial to utilize abilities from the battlefield rather than playing everything from hand, thereby avoiding the additional cost of casting spells.

Ultimately, the key to overcoming Lithomantic Barrage lies in recognizing its potential to disrupt your game plan and adapting your strategy accordingly. With the right approach, you’ll be able to navigate around this significant roadblock and continue to press your advantage on the battleground.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Lithomantic Barrage MTG card by a specific set like March of the Machine, 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 Lithomantic Barrage and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Lithomantic Barrage has restrictions

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

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Lithomantic Barrage card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2023-04-14 Spells and abilities that counter spells can still target Lithomantic Barrage. Such a spell or ability won’t counter Lithomantic Barrage, but any additional effects of that spell or ability will still happen.
2023-04-14 “This spell can’t be countered” means it can’t be countered even by the ward keyword ability. If you cast Lithomantic Barrage targeting a creature or planeswalker with ward, you may still pay the ward cost if you want to, but Lithomantic Barrage won’t be countered if you don’t.