Paroxysm MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Enchantment — Aura |
| Abilities | Enchant |
| Released | 1998-06-15 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Exodus |
| Set code | EXO |
| Number | 94 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Scott Kirschner |
Text of card
During the upkeep of enchanted creature's controller, reveal the top card of that player's library to all players. If that card is a land card, destroy enchanted creature. Otherwise, enchanted creature gets +3/+3 until end of turn. (Return the card to the top of the player's library, face down.)
Cards like Paroxysm
Paroxysm, a card in MTG, brings unique dynamics to the battlefield, akin to other cards that trigger upon certain conditions. It features a distinct ebb and flow, much like the patterns we see in Cyclical Evolution. Both cards govern the pace at which players enact their strategies, although Paroxysm’s bite is arguably sharper, causing damage during upkeep under the right circumstances. This puts it on a different strategic level compared to its counterpart.
Another similar effect is found in cards like Sulfuric Vortex, which guarantees damage with each turn. However, Paroxysm provides a more controlled form of recurring damage while also doubling as a potential deterrent against opponents’ creature strategies. Unlike the consistent burn from Sulfuric Vortex, Paroxysm can fluctuate, offering tactical advantages when properly timed or when exploiting the metagame.
Understanding the nuances between cards like Paroxysm and their counterparts gives players the edge in crafting decks. The tactical advantage gained by Paroxysm’s conditional damage can set it apart in games where managing card effects over time is crucial. Overall, its blend of deterrence and potential for damage makes it a calculative inclusion in specific MTG decks.
Cards similar to Paroxysm by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Paroxysm, when played, forces each opponent to discard cards, potentially stripping away their crucial resources while you remain unaffected. This can swing the tide of the game, maintaining your strategic stronghold.
Resource Acceleration: While Paroxysm itself doesn’t directly generate mana or tokens, its ability to disrupt opponents’ plans can indirectly accelerate your game. By removing key cards from play, it allows you to gain a tempo advantage, leading to quicker and more impactful turns.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Paroxysm at instant speed gives you the flexibility to respond to your opponents’ moves during their turn. This strategic advantage means you can wait to see if your opponent plays an important spell or commits to a strategy before deciding to use Paroxysm, keeping them constantly guessing about the contents of your hand.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Paroxysm demands a card discard, which can set you back in the game, particularly when your hand size is already dwindling.
Specific Mana Cost: With a requirement for both red and an additional color of mana, this card is not as flexible in mono-red decks or in matches where mana fixing is not optimal.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Given Paroxysm’s substantial cost alongside its effects, players might opt for alternatives that offer similar benefits without the steep mana investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Paroxysm can slip into various deck builds, given its ability to disrupt opponent’s strategies. Whether it’s controlling the board in Burn decks or as a sideboard option, it adds robust flexibility.
Combo Potential: This card has synergies with decks that capitalize on dealing damage through non-combat means or those aiming to quickly diminish opponent’s life totals, potentially accelerating your victory.
Meta-Relevance: Considering the ever-shifting landscape of competitive play, Paroxysm may rise to prominence in scenarios where maintaining pressure on your opponents’ life totals is crucial for keeping the upper hand in the game.
How to beat
Paroxysm is a card that can shake up the battlefield in MTG, enchanting a player’s creature to give it the ability to inflict more damage. However, with each upswing also comes its downside, as the card’s enchanted creature becomes increasingly vulnerable to removal spells with the cumulative upkeep cost. Understanding the rhythm of this card is crucial for developing counter-strategies.
One effective method to combat Paroxysm is by utilizing low-cost instant-speed removal or bounce spells when the upkeep triggers. Employing cards like Path to Exile or Unsummon not only disrupts the opponent’s plans but can also turn the upkeep cost into an unanticipated disadvantage for them. Another tactic is to control the board until the cumulative upkeep is no longer sustainable for the opponent, forcing them to sacrifice the creature targeted by Paroxysm, thereby turning their investment into a liability.
Navigating around Paroxysm’s surge in power conveys the dynamic nature of MTG gameplay, where foresight and adaptability go a long way. Timely responses and strategic choices often distinguish between a surprising defeat and a clever victory when facing such potent enchantments.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Paroxysm MTG card by a specific set like Exodus, 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 Paroxysm 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 Paroxysm has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Paroxysm card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | The ability is not optional. |