Outbreak MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Sorcery |
| Released | 2000-06-05 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Prophecy |
| Set code | PCY |
| Number | 71 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Quinton Hoover |
Text of card
You may discard a swamp from your hand instead of paying Outbreak's mana cost. Choose a creature type. All creatures of that type get -1/-1 until end of turn.
This plague chooses its victims.
Cards like Outbreak
Outbreak is a card that offers players in Magic: The Gathering the ability to disrupt opponents’ strategies. Similar in effect to pervasive illness-themed cards like Pox, which significantly reduces each player’s resources, Outbreak also targets creatures but with a specific focus on those sharing the same name. While Pox is a broader sweep against cards on the battlefield, Outbreak’s targeted approach allows for precision when tackling decks that rely heavily on certain creature synergies.
Another comparable card is Engineered Plague, which, upon entering the battlefield, allows players to choose a creature type that will be hindered throughout the game. Engineered Plague automatically weakens all creatures of the chosen type, whereas Outbreak necessitates the presence of a named creature and is a one-time event spell.
Lastly, Outbreak could also be measured against Extinction, a spell that destroys all creatures of a named type, offering a way to clear multiple threats of the same nature from the battlefield. While Extinction has a more wiping effect, Outbreak can be advantageous with its lower mana cost, allowing players to act swiftly and disrupt opponents earlier in the game.
Considering functionality and usability, Outbreak provides a unique stance among creature targeting spells in Magic: The Gathering, fostering a strategic advantage, particularly in metagames where certain creature names are prevalent.
Cards similar to Outbreak by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Outbreak card grants access to additional cards, bolstering your hand and increasing strategic options. This amplifies your potential to respond to opponents’ moves and maintain pressure during gameplay.
Resource Acceleration: Outbreak facilitates the ramping up of resources at a critical pace, giving you the upper hand. Whether it’s summoning creatures ahead of curve or enabling combos, this acceleration can be a game-changer.
Instant Speed: The capability to cast Outbreak at instant speed provides you with the flexibility to adapt to the evolving state of the game. React to threats, optimize timing, and maximize the impact of your plays all while keeping opponents guessing.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: To fully utilize Outbreak in your game, you’ll be expected to discard a card. While this can synchronize with certain strategies, it may also deplete your hand, putting you at a disadvantage if your resources are already stretched thin.
Specific Mana Cost: Outbreak carries a mana cost that is color-intensive, demanding a significant investment in a particular type of mana. This specificity can restrict its inclusion in decks that aren’t heavily invested in that color, potentially limiting its versatility across multiple deck types.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When it comes down to efficiency, Outbreak’s mana cost is on the higher side. Players must consider whether its effect is worth the cost, especially when alternatives might provide similar benefits for less—ensuring that deck builders weigh their options carefully.
Reasons to Include Outbreak in Your Collection
Versatility: Outbreak is adaptable to various deck builds, serving well in strategies that require creature control. Its ability to potentially alter the board state makes it a flexible pick for sideboards or even main deck material.
Combo Potential: This card can synergize with decks that benefit from the removal of creatures. In combination with cards that track creature deaths or grant bonuses upon enemy creatures dying, Outbreak can become a critical component of a winning combo.
Meta-Relevance: Given its capacity to disrupt opponent creature strategies, Outbreak maintains relevance in a creature-heavy meta. Being prepared with Outbreak can give players an edge in matches where creature presence dominates the field.
How to beat
Outbreak is a unique card that offers some intriguing mechanics to manipulate creature numbers on the battlefield. It primarily acts as a hindrance to token strategies and swarm tactics prevalent in many Magic: The Gathering decks. When facing Outbreak, adjusting your strategy is key.
Firstly, it’s crucial to control the board state and limit the number of creatures susceptible to its effect. Having a diversified board with varying creature types can minimize the card’s impact. Secondly, utilize instant-speed removal or counterspells to deal with Outbreak before it resolves. Cards like Negate or Naturalize can be effective tools in your arsenal. Additionally, having hexproof elements or indestructible creatures can also safeguard your key assets from the potential havoc Outbreak might unleash. Lastly, incorporating graveyard retrieval can be a smart fallback plan, allowing you to bounce back from any creature loss inflicted by this disruptive card.
Taking these steps can prevent the card from tipping the scales too far in your opponent’s favor, enabling you to maintain the upper hand and continue executing your strategy effectively against Outbreak.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Outbreak MTG card by a specific set like Prophecy, 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 Outbreak 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Outbreak has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |