Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind MTG Card


Niv-Mizzet provides consistent card advantage, a crucial aspect in achieving victory during matches. Its color-intensive mana requirement may limit deck flexibility, requiring strategic planning. Despite late-game entry, Niv-Mizzet’s impact can be pivotal, offering both offensive and defensive advantage.
Card setsReleased in 10 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Dragon Wizard
Abilities Flying
Power 4
Toughness 4

Text of card

Flying Whenever you draw a card, Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind deals 1 damage to target creature or player. : Draw a card.

"(Z—>)90° — (E—N²W)90°t = 1"


Cards like Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind

Niv-Mizzet the Firemind makes its mark as a powerhouse in the realm of MTG combo-centric commanders. This card finds its kin in cards like The Locust God, which also has a penchant for drawing cards and synergizes well with decks focused on card draw strategies. While The Locust God rewards players with insect tokens for every card drawn, Niv-Mizzet offers direct damage to any target. It’s a key difference that can impact how a deck is built around these commanders.

Another comparable card is Azami, Lady of Scrolls, which facilitates card draw through tapping of Wizards you control. Unlike Niv-Mizzet, Azami doesn’t directly deal damage, yet it provides a steady stream of card advantage with the potential for combo interactions. Consecrated Sphinx is a notable mention too, doubling down on card draw by allowing you to draw two cards whenever an opponent draws one. Although it does not have the direct damage component, its ability to rapidly fill your hand is unparalleled.

In evaluating these cards alongside Niv-Mizzet the Firemind, it’s evident that while others excel in creating creature tokens or offering a consistent card draw, Niv-Mizzet uniquely combines the power of card draw with the ability to deal damage, paving the way for an explosive playstyle.

The Locust God - MTG Card versions
Azami, Lady of Scrolls - MTG Card versions
Consecrated Sphinx - MTG Card versions
The Locust God - MTG Card versions
Azami, Lady of Scrolls - MTG Card versions
Consecrated Sphinx - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind by color, type and mana cost

Firestorm Hellkite - MTG Card versions
Melek, Izzet Paragon - MTG Card versions
Mindwrack Liege - MTG Card versions
Nucklavee - MTG Card versions
Niv-Mizzet, Dracogenius - MTG Card versions
Arjun, the Shifting Flame - MTG Card versions
The Locust God - MTG Card versions
Niv-Mizzet, Parun - MTG Card versions
Sliv-Mizzet, Hivemind - MTG Card versions
Prophetic Titan - MTG Card versions
Neera, Wild Mage - MTG Card versions
Wyll of the Elder Pact - MTG Card versions
Mutalith Vortex Beast - MTG Card versions
Firestorm Hellkite - MTG Card versions
Melek, Izzet Paragon - MTG Card versions
Mindwrack Liege - MTG Card versions
Nucklavee - MTG Card versions
Niv-Mizzet, Dracogenius - MTG Card versions
Arjun, the Shifting Flame - MTG Card versions
The Locust God - MTG Card versions
Niv-Mizzet, Parun - MTG Card versions
Sliv-Mizzet, Hivemind - MTG Card versions
Prophetic Titan - MTG Card versions
Neera, Wild Mage - MTG Card versions
Wyll of the Elder Pact - MTG Card versions
Mutalith Vortex Beast - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Niv-Mizzet the Firemind offers a continuous source of card draw which triggers with every spell you cast, keeping your hand replenished and giving you a significant edge in the match.

Resource Acceleration: While Niv-Mizzet itself doesn’t directly produce mana, the repeated drawing of cards can unearth an array of mana sources and acceleration tools, effectively progressing your game state at a much faster pace.

Instant Speed: Niv-Mizzet’s ability allows for damage dealing at instant speed whenever you draw a card. This means you can set up potential instant kills or disrupt critical plays by your opponent in real-time without waiting for your own turn to come around.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Niv-Mizzet the Firemind allows you to draw extra cards, it does require you to have an adequate hand size to turn this into damage output. Without additional card draw mechanics in play, you could find yourself with a depleted hand and unable to capitalize on his abilities.

Specific Mana Cost: Niv-Mizzet’s mana cost is quite color-intensive, needing three blue and three red mana. This specific requirement makes it challenging to fit Niv-Mizzet into a multi-color deck that doesn’t heavily focus on these colors, potentially restricting deck-building options.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of six mana, Niv-Mizzet the Firemind comes into play relatively late in the game. There are other creatures and spells which cost less and can impact the board state more immediately. In faster-paced games, Niv-Mizzet’s high cost may be a significant drawback as you could be overtaken by opponents with more aggressive strategies.


Reasons to Include Niv-Mizzet the Firemind in Your Collection

Versatility: Niv-Mizzet the Firemind serves multiple roles in a deck. Its ability to draw cards upon dealing damage makes it a formidable flying threat that can both defend and enable card advantage. Its flexibility allows it to be a key player in control and combo decks alike.

Combo Potential: This iconic dragon pairs exceptionally well with cards that untap it or with those that enable multiple draws, leading to explosive turns where you can decimate an opponent’s life total or achieve an alternative win condition. Cards like Curiosity can create a loop with Niv-Mizzet that can quickly close out games.

Meta-Relevance: In game formats where long-term value and board presence are pivotal, Niv-Mizzet the Firemind can dominate. Its relevance in the meta often revolves around its ability to contend with various strategies by disrupting opponent plays through card draw and pinpoint damage.


How to beat Niv-Mizzet the Firemind

Niv-Mizzet the Firemind is a powerhouse card known for its potential to dominate a game in Magic: The Gathering. Pilots of this card often pair it with strategies that enable drawing lots of cards, thereby dealing damage with Niv-Mizzet’s triggered ability. To effectively counter this strategy, disrupting the card draw synergy is key. Utilizing instant-speed removal spells that can target Niv-Mizzet before the card drawing engine starts is one tactic. Cards like Swords to Plowshares or Path to Exile can exile Niv-Mizzet, avoiding the card’s ability to deal damage when it leaves the field.

Another angle is to employ counterspells, keeping Niv-Mizzet off the board entirely. Counterspell or Negate are excellent in these scenarios, preventing your opponent from getting their engine online. When facing Niv-Mizzet, keeping a close check on your hand and the stack becomes crucial. A well-timed Thoughtseize can not only disrupt your opponent’s hand but also give you insight into their game plan. Always be ready to adjust your strategy on the fly, as the Niv-Mizzet player will be keen to find a way around your defenses.


BurnMana Recommendations

MTG enthusiasts understand the importance of adapting strategies and fine-tuning their decks for peak performance. Niv-Mizzet the Firemind exemplifies a dynamic card that can both challenge and fortify your gameplay, demanding smart synergies and astute reactions. Beyond its undeniable impact when it hits the board, it’s pivotal to comprehend its strengths and possible vulnerabilities to utilize it effectively. Whether you’re enticed by its card draw capabilities or looking to unleash devastating combos, including Niv-Mizzet in your collection can provide game-changing advantages. Immerse yourself in our detailed guides and expand your MTG tactics to unlock the full potential of Niv-Mizzet the Firemind in your deck.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Guildpact, 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 Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind Magic the Gathering card was released in 10 different sets between 2006-02-03 and 2024-01-12. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 325832003NormalBlackTodd Lockwood
22006-02-03GuildpactGPT 1232003NormalBlackTodd Lockwood
32008-08-29From the Vault: DragonsDRB 112003NormalBlackTodd Lockwood
42012-09-07Duel Decks: Izzet vs. GolgariDDJ 12003NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
52015-05-22Modern Masters 2015MM2 1822015NormalBlackTodd Lockwood
62017-08-25Commander 2017C17 1852015NormalBlackTodd Lockwood
72018-03-16Masters 25A25 2102015NormalBlackTodd Lockwood
82018-11-02GRN Guild KitGK1 262015NormalBlackDaarken
92020-04-17Commander 2020C20 2252015NormalBlackTodd Lockwood
102024-01-12Ravnica RemasteredRVR 4671997NormalBlackTodd Lockwood

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2018-03-16 If a spell or ability causes you to draw multiple cards, Niv-Mizzet’s ability triggers that many times.
2018-03-16 If dealing 1 damage to a permanent or player causes you to draw a card, perhaps because Niv-Mizzet is enchanted by Curiosity, you’ll continue this loop until the loop is interrupted, perhaps by a player losing the game.