Volcano Imp MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Imp
Abilities	Flying
Released	2001-02-05
Set symbol
Set name	Planeshift
Set code	PLS
Power	2
Toughness	2
Number	56
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Thomas M. Baxa

Key Takeaways

Volcano Imp’s instant speed flight offers a dynamic defense and surprising attack strategies on the battlefield.
Its mana-specific casting cost and potential card disadvantage could hinder versatility and hand stability.
Within MTG, Volcano Imp’s agility allows for early game pressure and enhanced board control.

Text of card

Flying o1o R: Volcano Imp gains first strike until end of turn.

Its claws cut faster than a flame flickers.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Volcano Imp may not directly allow you to draw cards, its flying ability ensures it can often bypass ground defenses, effectively preserving your hand by letting your other cards handle more pressing threats.

Resource Acceleration: Although not a direct source of mana, Volcano Imp’s agility on the board can pressure opponents early in the game, leading to a faster victory and fewer resources required to control the game’s pace.

Instant Speed: The real power of Volcano Imp lies in its ability to gain flying at instant speed. This flexibility allows you to adapt to your opponent’s moves, keeping them guessing whether to block or not and enabling surprise attacks that can shift the game in your favor.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Volcano Imp requires the player to forfeit a card to unleash its flying ability. This can be detrimental when your hand is depleted or when every card counts towards a strategic win condition.

Specific Mana Cost: This creature needs a precise red mana combination to hit the battlefield, which means it is not as versatile across various deck types. Players without a dedicated red mana base may find it challenging to cast Volcano Imp consistently.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that necessitates both generic and colored mana, players might find the cost a bit steep for a 2/2 creature. In the current meta, there are more cost-effective creatures with similar or better abilities and power-toughness ratios.

Reasons to Include Volcano Imp in Your Collection

Versatility: Volcano Imp offers flexibility in various deck builds, fitting seamlessly in strategies that capitalize on flying creatures and efficient mana costs.

Combo Potential: With its flying ability and the option to gain first strike, it can synergize with spells and abilities that amplify these traits, turning the Imp into a formidable threat.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where evasion is key, Volcano Imp’s flying trait ensures it remains a relevant choice for piercing through crowded battlefields.

How to beat

Volcano Imp is a familiar sight for players delving into the realms of red-deck strategies in Magic: The Gathering. Uniquely poised as a flying creature, it presents a tactical vantage that is both a boon for its controller and a thorn for opponents. With its ability to gain flying until the end of the turn, this imp can swiftly become an evasive threat that demands an immediate answer.

To effectively counteract Volcano Imp, it’s essential to consider removal spells that can target creatures regardless of their flight status. Cards such as Murder or Doom Blade, both widely recognized for their creature-targeting proficiency, can readily dispatch the imp regardless of its airborne capabilities. Additionally, employing creatures with reach, or those that can deal damage to flying creatures, like Giant Spider or Hurricane, can serve as both a deterrent and a removal option. It’s also beneficial to maintain a pace that pressures an opponent, reducing the likelihood that they’ll have the necessary mana to consistently utilize Volcano Imp’s flying ability each turn.

Ultimately, while Volcano Imp can carve a niche in the MTG red deck ensemble with its agility and potential for damage, its dominance is far from insurmountable. A strategic approach that includes responsive removal, board control, and persistent pressure can effectively mitigate the threats posed by this volcanic menace.

Cards like Volcano Imp

Volcano Imp has a unique place in the realm of creature cards with evasion abilities in Magic: The Gathering. When assessing its capabilities, the Imp shares a flight trait with many other creatures, enabling it to avoid ground blockers effortlessly. Its nearest counterparts include Skittering Skirge and Dusk Imp, both offering the flying ability – a hallmark of evasion in the game.

Skittering Skirge, like Volcano Imp, has a built-in way to bypass defenders, however, it forces the player to sacrifice it when they play another creature, a significant disadvantage. Dusk Imp, on the other hand, brings flying to the table but lacks the self-enablement feature that Volcano Imp possesses with its Firebreathing ability, allowing for increased damage at the cost of mana.

Ultimately, Volcano Imp stands out with its flexible damage-boosting Firebreathing ability, setting it apart from the traditional flying creatures. It gives players tactical adaptability, making it a versatile choice for decks looking to apply steady aerial pressure. While similar in some respects to its kindred spirits, the Volcano Imp offers a fiery twist to the classic evasion strategy.

Cards similar to Volcano Imp by color, type and mana cost

Orcus, Prince of Undeath - MTG Card versions

Blim, Comedic Genius - MTG Card versions

Rakdos, Lord of Riots - MTG Card versions

Wort, Boggart Auntie - MTG Card versions

Exava, Rakdos Blood Witch - MTG Card versions

Falkenrath Aristocrat - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Volcano Imp MTG card by a specific set like Planeshift, 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 Volcano Imp and other MTG cards: