Magmatic Scorchwing MTG Card


Delivers direct damage and board presence, forcing opponents to redirect valuable resources. Enhances mana use efficiency, supporting quicker spell deployment in subsequent turns. Utilizes flash synergies for tactical surprises, disrupting opponents during their turn.
Magmatic Scorchwing - Alchemy: Phyrexia
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Dragon
Abilities Flying
Released2023-02-28
Set symbol
Set nameAlchemy: Phyrexia
Set codeYONE
Power 4
Toughness 4
Number12
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byFilip Burburan

Text of card

Flying When Magmatic Scorchwing enters the battlefield, if there are no nonbasic land cards in your library, Magmatic Scorchwing deals 3 damage to any target.


Cards like Magmatic Scorchwing

Magmatic Scorchwing introduces itself as a fiery contender in the array of red creatures within Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to potentially become a hastened threat closely aligns it with Swiftblade Vindicator, another creature that can surprise an unprepared opponent. Yet, Magmatic Scorchwing comes with the ability to gain Flying, making it a versatile option capable of soaring over ground-based defenses.

Another relative in this conversation would be Skyknight Legionnaire, which inherently has Flying and Haste, ready to strike from the skies immediately. The tradeoff lies in its colored mana requirements, whereas Magmatic Scorchwing’s single red mana cost offers a more flexible casting opportunity in multi-color decks. Then, you have the Stormblood Berserker, boasting a resilience to removal with its Bloodthirst ability, yet it lacks the immediate board impact and evasion provided by Magmatic Scorchwing’s potential flight.

Ultimately, Magmatic Scorchwing stands out for players who prize adaptability and the element of surprise. Its low cost and possible evasion give it an edge in aggressive red decks, situating it as a solid choice amongst its kin in the fast-paced landscape of Magic: The Gathering’s various creatures.

Swiftblade Vindicator - MTG Card versions
Skyknight Legionnaire - MTG Card versions
Stormblood Berserker - MTG Card versions
Swiftblade Vindicator - MTG Card versions
Skyknight Legionnaire - MTG Card versions
Stormblood Berserker - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Magmatic Scorchwing provides an edge by potentially dealing damage directly to your opponent, thinning their life total while you maintain board presence. This can translate into a positional advantage as your adversary is forced to address the threat, often at the cost of using resources that might otherwise be used to build their own position.

Resource Acceleration: Although Magmatic Scorchwing doesn’t directly ramp your mana resources, it is a cost-effective creature for its power level. This efficiency means you can deploy other spells sooner, indirectly accelerating your resource development by saving mana for future turns.

Instant Speed: The true potential of Magmatic Scorchwing shines with synergies that enable you to utilize it at instant speed. Combining it with flash mechanics can catch opponents off guard, upheave their combat calculations, or disrupt their strategic plays during their turn, providing a tactical upper hand.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Magmatic Scorchwing demands players to discard a card to utilize its ability, which can be particularly taxing when your hand is already depleted or when every card is crucial to your game strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Magmatic Scorchwing includes two red mana, necessitating a commitment to red mana sources. This can make it less flexible and harder to cast in multicolored decks not heavily favoring red.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that’s on the higher side for its effect and stats, Magmatic Scorchwing might not always be the most mana-efficient choice, especially when other cards may provide similar or better effects at a lower mana investment.


Reasons to Include Magmatic Scorchwing in Your Collection

Versatility: Magmatic Scorchwing boasts flexible play options, fitting seamlessly into both aggressive red decks and multicolored builds that capitalize on its flying ability.

Combo Potential: This creature’s haste attribute allows for instant impact on the battlefield, able to synergize with cards that benefit from dealing combat damage or spells that scale with the number of creatures you control.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state that rewards quick, decisive play, Magmatic Scorchwing’s ability to immediately press the advantage makes it a formidable choice against decks that take time to establish their board presence.


How to beat

Magmatic Scorchwing introduces a bold dynamic for aggressive decks in Magic: The Gathering. Its flying ability ensures it ascends above ground-based defenders, and its power surge upon attacking makes it a formidable threat in the skies. Yet, as with any card, it has its vulnerabilities. Control of the battlefield, particularly the skies, is crucial. Ensuring a suite of instant-speed removal spells in your arsenal like Shock or Frost Bite can be pivotal in keeping Magmatic Scorchwing at bay. It’s also worth noting that while its attack trigger is impactful, this creature must survive until the declare attackers step to utilize it, presenting a window for its removal.

Another approach is to outpace the threat. By deploying creatures with greater toughness or those with reach, you can nullify the card’s advantages or force unfavorable trades. Additionally, cards that negate flying, like Gravity Well or Archetype of Imagination, could be strategic inclusions in your deck. Counterplay in MTG often involves predicting your opponent’s moves, so consider sideboarding specific answers like Negate or Essence Scatter when facing a deck that might run Magmatic Scorchwing.

Effectively managing the battlefield and maintaining a responsive hand are key to overcoming the fiery onslaught of Magmatic Scorchwing. Deliberate card choices and strategic play will quell its flames, securing your triumphant survival in the duel of wits and strategy that is Magic: The Gathering.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Magmatic Scorchwing MTG card by a specific set like Alchemy: Phyrexia, 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 Magmatic Scorchwing and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Magmatic Scorchwing has restrictions

FormatLegality
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
HistoricLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal