Scorching Spear MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeSorcery

Key Takeaways

  1. Scorching Spear shines for its versatility, targeting creatures or players directly at an instant pace.
  2. Its low cost accelerates gameplay, inviting strategic play but also demands a card discard.
  3. Efficient for red deck strategies, though its single-red mana cost can be restrictive in multicolor decks.

Text of card

Scorching Spear deals 1 damage to any one creature or player.

Lift your spear as you might lift your glass, and toast your enemy.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Scorching Spear card provides a solid advantage by dealing damage directly to any target, offering a reliable solution for removing smaller creatures from the board or chipping away at an opponent’s life total. This versatility is key in gaining the upper hand in matches.

Resource Acceleration: While not a direct source of mana or color fixing, the low casting cost of Scorching Spear enables swift gameplay, allowing players to utilize their mana efficiently. This can accelerate the pace of the game and allow for more strategic plays.

Instant Speed: Scorching Spear’s ability to be cast at instant speed gives players the flexibility to respond to an opponent’s actions during their turn. This reactivity can help keep opponents on their toes and provide advantageous surprise plays, making it a valuable addition to any deck that thrives on quick and reactive strategies.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Scorching Spear comes with a hefty price of discarding a card upon casting. This can potentially deplete your hand, especially if you’re in a tight spot and need to keep all your resources at the ready.

Specific Mana Cost: Locked into a single red mana cost, Scorching Spear may clash with multi-color deck strategies, restricting it to more mono-red builds or those that can reliably produce red mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value that might be considered steep for its effect, Scorching Spear faces competition from other spells that deliver similar damage output or utility for a lower cost, impacting its viability in cost-effective deck construction.


Reasons to Include Scorching Spear in Your Collection

Versatility: Scorching Spear is a versatile pick for any MTG player building a red deck. Its ability to deal direct damage to any target makes it a flexible tool for controlling the board.

Combo Potential: This card also shines when integrated into combos. Its low mana cost can set off a chain of spells or synergize with cards that benefit from spells being cast or damage being dealt.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where small creatures are prevalent, Scorching Spear proves its worth by picking off key threats. It is particularly effective in dealing with early-aggressive strategies, maintaining your pace in the game.


How to beat

Dealing with Scorching Spear in MTG requires a strategic approach. This direct damage card can be quite the thorn in your side, but fear not, as it’s not unstoppable. Like many red spells, Scorching Spear lacks versatility, focusing purely on dealing damage. To negate its impact, consider using cards that prevent damage or redirection effects which can turn the tables on your opponent. Life gain strategies also work well as a counterbalance, allowing you to stabilize your life total despite the incoming damage. On top of these, spells that grant hexproof or protection from red to your permanents can nullify Scorching Spear’s fiery sting, leaving your opponent with a fizzled spell and a wasted card. Past these individual strategies, efficient deckbuilding and anticipation can also position you to shrug off the heat of this menacing card.

Remember, timing and knowledge of your deck are key. Keeping back-up plans in reserve and predicting the right moment to neutralize the threat can shift the momentum of the game in your favor. Stay alert to the flow of the match, prepare your defenses, and you will be well-equipped to come out on top against the blazing assault of Scorching Spear.


Cards like Scorching Spear

Scorching Spear is another thrilling entry in the pool of damage-dealing spells in Magic the Gathering. This card draws parallels to fan favorites like Shock, which also delivers a quick two points of damage to any target. Scorching Spear provides the same amount of damage but stands out due to its additional kicker cost that lets you deal extra damage if paid.

We can also look at cards like Magma Jet, which not only inflicts damage but also entails a scry ability, allowing for better control of upcoming plays. While Magma Jet offers more tactical advantage, Scorching Spear’s flexible damage output can be a game-changer. Furthermore, comparing it to Lightning Strike, we find a similar cost but Lightning Strike constantly deals three damage without requiring an additional kicker cost.

Evaluating the worth of these burn spells in a Magic the Gathering game, Scorching Spear provides a solid choice for players seeking versatile damage potential, fitting snugly into strategies that value the option to intensify their impact on the battlefield.

Shock - MTG Card versions
Magma Jet - MTG Card versions
Lightning Strike - MTG Card versions
Shock - Stronghold (STH)
Magma Jet - Fifth Dawn (5DN)
Lightning Strike - Theros (THS)

Cards similar to Scorching Spear by color, type and mana cost

Disintegrate - MTG Card versions
Fireball - MTG Card versions
Earthquake - MTG Card versions
Mana Clash - MTG Card versions
Detonate - MTG Card versions
Winds of Change - MTG Card versions
Gamble - MTG Card versions
Meltdown - MTG Card versions
Goblin Grenade - MTG Card versions
Tremor - MTG Card versions
Ghitu Fire - MTG Card versions
Tahngarth's Glare - MTG Card versions
Lava Burst - MTG Card versions
Overmaster - MTG Card versions
Devil's Play - MTG Card versions
Firebolt - MTG Card versions
Blaze - MTG Card versions
Crack the Earth - MTG Card versions
Meteor Shower - MTG Card versions
Burning Inquiry - MTG Card versions
Disintegrate - Fifth Edition (5ED)
Fireball - The List (PLST)
Earthquake - Tales of Middle-earth Commander (LTC)
Mana Clash - Ninth Edition (9ED)
Detonate - Introductory Two-Player Set (ITP)
Winds of Change - Masters Edition (ME1)
Gamble - Dominaria Remastered (DMR)
Meltdown - Urza's Saga (USG)
Goblin Grenade - Arena New Player Experience Extras (XANA)
Tremor - Eighth Edition (8ED)
Ghitu Fire - Invasion (INV)
Tahngarth's Glare - Apocalypse (APC)
Lava Burst - Deckmasters (DKM)
Overmaster - Dominaria Remastered (DMR)
Devil's Play - Shadows of the Past (SIS)
Firebolt - Mystery Booster (MB1)
Blaze - Duels of the Planeswalkers (DPA)
Crack the Earth - Betrayers of Kamigawa (BOK)
Meteor Shower - Masters Edition II (ME2)
Burning Inquiry - Magic 2010 (M10)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Scorching Spear MTG card by a specific set like Portal and Starter 1999, 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 Scorching Spear and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Scorching Spear Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1997-05-01 and 1999-07-01. Illustrated by Mike Raabe.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11997-05-01PortalPOR 1481997normalblackMike Raabe
21999-07-01Starter 1999S99 1161997normalwhiteMike Raabe

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Scorching Spear has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

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