Pyrrhic Blast MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
| Released | 2022-11-18 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | The Brothers' War |
| Set code | BRO |
| Number | 148 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Raf Kayupov |
Text of card
As an additional cost to cast this spell, sacrifice a creature. Pyrrhic Blast deals damage equal to the sacrificed creature's power to any target. Draw a card.
Only the quartermaster wept for their loss.
Cards like Pyrrhic Blast
Pyrrhic Blast joins the arsenal of red instant spells in Magic: The Gathering with a unique twist. When looking at parallels in the MTG universe, it evokes comparisons with other instant damage dealers like Lightning Bolt; a fan-favorite for its cost-efficiency in dealing 3 damage with just one mana. While Pyrrhic Blast may not boast the same low mana cost, its potential to target multiple creatures or players adds a layer of versatility that Lightning Bolt lacks.
Analogous to Pyrrhic Blast in its splash damage effect is Arc Lightning. Though Arc Lightning offers predetermined damage distribution among up to three targets, Pyrrhic Blast provides flexibility allowing strategic choices mid-game for reactive players. Another card that shares common ground is Volcanic Fallout, dealing 2 damage to each creature and player. It’s uncounterable, which gives it an edge in certain matchups, but the inability to focus damage more precisely prevents it from offering the same tactical options that Pyrrhic Blast allows.
Ultimately, Pyrrhic Blast finds its niche among red instants, bringing an adaptable damage tool to the table. Its capacity to scale damage across multiple targets makes it a force to be reckoned with in the right deck, distinguishing itself among MTG’s roster of direct damage spells.
Cards similar to Pyrrhic Blast by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Pyrrhic Blast. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Grixis Burn | Standard | Grixis Control | Japan Standard Cup: Murders at Karlov Manor |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Pyrrhic Blast offers the ability to deal with threats on the board while potentially setting you ahead. It permits targeting multiple creatures or planeswalkers, maintaining your lead in resources.
Resource Acceleration: By inflicting damage across the battlefield, it may trigger abilities that result in additional resources, indirectly accelerating your game plan.
Instant Speed: The flexibility of casting Pyrrhic Blast at instant speed provides significant tactical advantage, allowing you to react to your opponent’s moves or maximize the impact during an opportune moment.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Pyrrhic Blast demands that you discard a card as part of its casting cost. This can put you at a disadvantage, particularly when your hand is nearly empty or the cards you hold are crucial to your game plan.
Specific Mana Cost: This spell’s mana cost includes double red mana, which could be challenging for decks that run multiple colors or have a limited base of red mana sources. It restricts the card’s compatibility to primarily red or red-heavy decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Pyrrhic Blast’s combined mana cost is on the higher side for its damage output. There may be other options for damage spells or removals that can be cast for a lower total mana cost and therefore, could be preferred in decks aiming for mana efficiency.
Reasons to Include Pyrrhic Blast in Your Collection
Versatility: Pyrrhic Blast offers flexibility as an instant speed removal that can disrupt your opponent’s strategy. Its ability to target multiple creatures makes it a valuable addition to decks that require board control and precise damage allocation.
Combo Potential: The card’s damage distribution can synergize with strategies centered around damage triggers or ‘ping’ effects. By strategically planning the allocation, you can maximize the impact on each match, turning Pyrrhic Blast into a pivotal combo piece.
Meta-Relevance: In a metagame crowded with creature-heavy decks or aggressive strategies, Pyrrhic Blast can serve as an efficient countermeasure. Adjusting to the current meta often includes selecting tools that can tip the scales, and Pyrrhic Blast can be just the card to clear the way for your victory.
How to beat
Pyrrhic Blast is an impactful red spell that commands attention in Magic: The Gathering games. This spell strikes a unique balance between dealing damage and posing a potential risk to the user. Players seeking to counteract Pyrrhic Blast need to assess both its direct impact and the possible self-inflicted damage the caster may endure.
To counter this card effectively, it’s essential to maintain a healthy life total, as Pyrrhic Blast can be a lethal finisher. Mitigating damage with life gain, damage prevention, or having creatures with high toughness are reliable strategies. Moreover, controlling the board and keeping a low creature count reduces the damage Pyrrhic Blast can deal, making it less favorable for your opponent to cast.
Spot removal or creature-based strategies that can withstand Pyrrhic Blast’s damage set the stage for a successful defense. Another tactic involves holding up counterspells to nullify its casting altogether. Ultimately, playing around Pyrrhic Blast requires mindful resource management and timing to ensure the card’s inherent risks outweigh its benefits for your opponent.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Pyrrhic Blast MTG card by a specific set like The Brothers' War, 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 Pyrrhic Blast and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
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- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
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- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Pyrrhic Blast has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Pyrrhic Blast card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2022-10-14 | Players can only respond once this spell has been cast and all its costs have been paid. No one can try to interfere with the creature you sacrificed to prevent you from casting this spell. |
| 2022-10-14 | The sacrificed creature's last known existence on the battlefield is checked to determine its power. |
| 2022-10-14 | You must sacrifice exactly one creature to cast this spell; you can't cast it without sacrificing a creature, and you can't sacrifice additional creatures. |