Purphoros's Intervention MTG Card
2020-01-24 - Number 151s
2020-01-24 - Number 151
2020-01-24 - Number 320
2020-01-24 - Number 151p
2002-06-24 - Number 79899
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
Choose one — • Create an X/1 red Elemental creature token with trample and haste. Sacrifice it at the beginning of the next end step. • Purphoros's Intervention deals twice X damage to target creature or planeswalker.
"I bring a fire to recast all the world."
Cards like Purphoros's Intervention
Purphoros’s Intervention is a versatile red sorcery spell in MTG, part of the family of modal spells that offer multiple choices upon casting. Within this category, it’s similar to spells like Aurelia’s Fury. Both cards give players the freedom to tailor their effects based on the amount of mana invested. However, Purphoros’s Intervention is unique in its ability to either create a massive X/1 creature with trample and haste or deal twice X damage to a target creature or planeswalker, providing significant flexibility depending on the board state.
Next, we can look to Volcanic Geyser, which also delivers a powerful punch by dealing X damage to any target. Unlike Purphoros’s Intervention, it does not produce a creature, but it compensates with the capability to target opponents directly, potentially finishing games.
When considering the utility and impact of these spells, Purphoros’s Intervention stands out for its dual-purpose potential, offering both an aggressive creature play and targeted removal. This adaptability makes it a valuable card worth considering for red spell-slinging decks in MTG, catering to players who appreciate strategic choice and board control.
Cards similar to Purphoros's Intervention by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Purphoros's Intervention. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | RG | Free form | MO89#CS | |
 | Naya Aggro | Gladiator | Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 08 2024 | |
 | Mono-Red Midrange | Gladiator | Gladiator Games: We're Back | |
 | Gruul Combo | Gladiator | Gladiator Team Unified League |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Purphoros’s Intervention is a versatile spell that can either create multiple creatures based on the amount of mana spent or deal damage to a target, potentially removing an opposing creature from the battlefield. This flexibility can lead to gaining an upper hand in terms of board presence or card parity with your opponent.
Resource Acceleration: While the spell itself does not directly accelerate resources, its scalability with the amount of mana invested allows you to tailor the effect to your current mana availability. This enables you to optimally use your available resources each turn, potentially leading to a more efficient use of your cards over the course of the game.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Purphoros’s Intervention at instant speed gives you the strategic advantage of responding to your opponent’s moves during their turn. This can disrupt your opponent’s strategy while preserving the element of surprise, as you can choose the most opportune moment to utilize the spell without committing to a specific course of action prematurely.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Purphoros’s Intervention doesn’t directly require you to discard, it is vulnerable to being a dead card in your hand if lacking the appropriate mana to utilize it effectively, akin to the drawback of discard requirements in other situations.
Specific Mana Cost: This spell demands a specific commitment of mana, including red, which can restrict its inclusion to decks that can consistently provide red mana sources, potentially limiting its flexibility across various deck archetypes.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Considering its mana cost and its effect scalability based on the mana invested, Purphoros’s Intervention may be viewed as having a high mana cost compared to other removal or damage-dealing options available in the game, especially in instances where only a small effect is needed.
Reasons to Include Purphoros’s Intervention in Your Collection
Versatility: This powerful sorcery offers a dual-choice mechanic that allows players to either create a massive creature or deal a significant amount of damage, scaling with mana invested. This flexibility makes it a valuable addition to multiple deck archetypes, from aggressive red builds to more controlled strategies seeking a versatile finisher or removal tool.
Combo Potential: Whether you’re generating a hefty creature for an overwhelming board presence or triggering “whenever a creature enters the battlefield” abilities, Purphoros’s Intervention fits neatly into combo decks looking to capitalize on either aspect. It can also be an excellent enabler in decks centered around damage amplifiers or doubling effects.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta packed with creature-based aggro decks or one that often comes down to attrition battles, the capability to remove key threats or swiftly pivot to an offensive stance means Purphoros’s Intervention never loses its impact, keeping your deck adaptable and potent regardless of the shifting landscape of the game.
How to beat
Purphoros’s Intervention is a versatile card that allows players to either create a large X/1 red Elemental creature token with trample and haste or to deal twice X damage to target creature or planeswalker. Overcoming this card requires a well-thought-out strategy. Prioritize removal spells that can deal with the token, such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile. When playing against the damage-dealing aspect of the card, consider using creatures with hexproof or indestructible to negate its targeting abilities.
Counterspells are also a formidable defense against Purphoros’s Intervention. Keeping mana open for a Dovin’s Veto or a Mystical Dispute can be quite effective. Additionally, playing at instant speed can disrupt your opponent’s timing, making it harder for them to utilize the Intervention to its full potential. Managing your resources well and anticipating when to hold back can make all the difference when facing down this powerful intervention by the god of the forge.
Ultimately, knowing when and what to counter, what removal to use, and how to time your plays against Purphoros’s Intervention can help you maintain the upper hand and emerge victorious in your MTG battles.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Purphoros's Intervention MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Theros Beyond Death Promos, 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 Purphoros's Intervention 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
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Printings
The Purphoros's Intervention Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2020-01-24 and 2020-01-24. Illustrated by Aleksi Briclot.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 79899 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Aleksi Briclot | ||
| 2 | 2020-01-24 | Theros Beyond Death Promos | PTHB | 151s | 2015 | Normal | Black | Aleksi Briclot | |
| 3 | 2020-01-24 | Theros Beyond Death | THB | 151 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Aleksi Briclot | |
| 4 | 2020-01-24 | Theros Beyond Death | THB | 320 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Aleksi Briclot | |
| 5 | 2020-01-24 | Theros Beyond Death Promos | PTHB | 151p | 2015 | Normal | Black | Aleksi Briclot |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Purphoros's Intervention has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Purphoros's Intervention card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2020-01-24 | The second mode of Purphoros’s Intervention has it deal damage to the target equal to twice X. It doesn’t deal X damage then deal X damage again. |