Molten Birth MTG Card


Generates tokens for board presence, useful in sacrifice or aggressive strategies. Deck building challenges arise from mana requirements and opportunity costs. Its unique mechanic adds a chance-based twist to token generation spells.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Put two 1/1 red Elemental creature tokens onto the battlefield. Then flip a coin. If you win the flip, return Molten Birth to its owner's hand.

"Few can coax the creatures within the magma to be cooled and take form." —Koth of the Hammer


Cards like Molten Birth

Molten Birth captures the essence of red’s creature creation spells in MTG. This sorcery stands out through its potential for repeatability; each time you cast it, there’s a chance to return it to hand if you win a coin flip. This is quite distinct from other spells like Krenko’s Command, which consistently generates two Goblin tokens for the same amount of mana but lacks the potential for reuse.

Dragon Fodder is another comparable spell that creates two tokens without the additional game of chance. It is reliable but doesn’t offer the excitement of possibly casting Molten Birth multiple times in a game. Hordeling Outburst also deserves a mention; it costs one more mana but reliably puts three tokens on the board, providing a greater immediate impact without the randomized return.

In the world of token-generating sorceries in MTG, Molten Birth gives a fun twist that can either be a one-time event or a recurring advantage. The extra layer of chance in Molten Birth can turn the tide of a match, making it a spell that combines the excitement of unpredictability with the strategic creation of creature tokens.

Krenko's Command - MTG Card versions
Dragon Fodder - MTG Card versions
Hordeling Outburst - MTG Card versions
Krenko's Command - MTG Card versions
Dragon Fodder - MTG Card versions
Hordeling Outburst - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Molten Birth by color, type and mana cost

Stone Rain - MTG Card versions
Game of Chaos - MTG Card versions
Evaporate - MTG Card versions
Pillage - MTG Card versions
Steam Blast - MTG Card versions
Goblin Offensive - MTG Card versions
Desert Sandstorm - MTG Card versions
Arc Lightning - MTG Card versions
Search for Survivors - MTG Card versions
Searing Rays - MTG Card versions
Rupture - MTG Card versions
Tundra Fumarole - MTG Card versions
Browbeat - MTG Card versions
Erratic Explosion - MTG Card versions
Threaten - MTG Card versions
Sizzle - MTG Card versions
Hammer of Bogardan - MTG Card versions
Fiery Gambit - MTG Card versions
Flamebreak - MTG Card versions
Panic Attack - MTG Card versions
Stone Rain - MTG Card versions
Game of Chaos - MTG Card versions
Evaporate - MTG Card versions
Pillage - MTG Card versions
Steam Blast - MTG Card versions
Goblin Offensive - MTG Card versions
Desert Sandstorm - MTG Card versions
Arc Lightning - MTG Card versions
Search for Survivors - MTG Card versions
Searing Rays - MTG Card versions
Rupture - MTG Card versions
Tundra Fumarole - MTG Card versions
Browbeat - MTG Card versions
Erratic Explosion - MTG Card versions
Threaten - MTG Card versions
Sizzle - MTG Card versions
Hammer of Bogardan - MTG Card versions
Fiery Gambit - MTG Card versions
Flamebreak - MTG Card versions
Panic Attack - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Molten Birth has the potential to create multiple Elemental tokens over multiple uses if you win the coin flip, thereby bolstering your board presence without expending additional cards from your hand.

Resource Acceleration: Every token generated can be an asset in strategies that sacrifice creatures for mana or other effects, indirectly contributing to resource acceleration.

Instant Speed: While Molten Birth operates at sorcery speed, the tokens it creates can be crucial blockers or enable combat tricks during the opponent’s turn, offering strategic depth to your plays.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: In terms of deck construction and gameplay, holding onto Molten Birth often means needing to strategically consider your hand. It’s not a card you can freely cast whenever you want without potentially sacrificing valuable card advantage in the process.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring two red mana, Molten Birth may not seamlessly fit into multicolor decks that don’t heavily favor red mana. As such, this can restrict deck-building options and reduce its versatility in various MTG strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For three mana, Molten Birth does provide token creatures, yet in the realm of MTG, there are other options at three mana or less that can provide similar – if not more strategic – benefits. This makes Molten Birth a less-than-ideal choice when mana efficiency is critical to a player’s strategy.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Molten Birth is a card that can serve multiple roles within deck archetypes that prioritize creature strategies or spells that can be played several times. Its ability to produce tokens enhances board presence and works well with both aggressive and token-focused strategies.

Combo Potential: With its repeatable nature upon winning a coin flip, Molten Birth offers synergies in decks that exploit recasting opportunities or benefit from repeated spell casting, potentially integrating well with storm strategies or cards that monitor the number of spells you play in a turn.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where token generators and red deck wins strategies are prevalent, Molten Birth maintains a solid place. It contributes to the swarm tactics and can overwhelm opponents not prepared for a multitude of creatures hitting the board in quick succession.


How to beat

Molten Birth is an interesting card that offers Magic: The Gathering players both a creature presence and potential recurring value. When you cast Molten Birth, you immediately create two 1/1 red Elemental creature tokens, and then a coin flip determines if the spell returns to your hand. To effectively counter this card, it’s essential to have strategies that can handle multiple creatures or negate the card’s repeating mechanic.

One method is to employ sweepers or board wipes like “Wrath of God” or “Pyroclasm” to manage the tokens generated in one fell swoop. Targeted removal is less effective against Molten Birth due to the potential for token replenishment. Countering the spell is also a solid strategy, so cards like “Counterspell” or “Negate” can ensure that Molten Birth doesn’t resolve in the first place. If you’re facing an opponent who relies heavily on this card, enchantments such as “Solemnity” can prevent the coin flip from occurring at all, negating the card’s recursive threat.

Smart deck building and acknowledging the importance of control in your arsenal are key to overcoming Molten Birth’s potential for endless tokens. By being prepared with the right counters and answers, you can turn the tide of battle in your favor.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dive into the strategic nuances of Molten Birth and unlock its true potential within your MTG arsenal. This intriguing card can transform your deck’s dynamic, offering both a robust defense and the exhilaration of chance. If you’re crafting a red-based strategy or looking to enrich your collection with versatile cards that can tip the scales in your favor, consider giving Molten Birth a place in your deck. Embrace the unpredictable nature of MTG and discover how a well-placed Molten Birth can be the key to outsmarting your opponents. Join us for in-depth insights and tips to harness this card’s power for victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Molten Birth MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2014 and Ultimate Masters, 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 Molten Birth and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Molten Birth Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2013-07-19 and 2018-12-07. Illustrated by Jaime Jones.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12013-07-19Magic 2014M14 1472003NormalBlackJaime Jones
22018-12-07Ultimate MastersUMA 1402015NormalBlackJaime Jones

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Molten Birth has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2018-12-07 If you win the flip, Molten Birth goes directly from the stack to its owner’s hand. It never goes to a graveyard.