Rain of Thorns MTG Card
2012-05-04 - Number 190
2013-11-01 - Number 163
2017-08-25 - Number 156
2019-11-07 - Number 1302
2020-09-26 - Number C17-156
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
Choose one or more — Destroy target artifact; destroy target enchantment; and/or destroy target land.
When the forests became havens for evil, the archmages devised new ways to cleanse the wilds.
Cards like Rain of Thorns
Rain of Thorns is a notable card in MTG for its ability to offer a versatile solution to multiple problems on the board. It stands out in comparison to cards like Bramblecrush, a spell that lets players target any noncreature permanent. While Bramblecrush offers a lower mana cost, Rain of Thorns provides the potential to destroy up to three different types of permanents with a single cast, albeit at a higher cost, which can be a pivotal swing in a game’s momentum.
Another card worth considering is Creeping Mold, which shares the multi-target destruction ability with Rain of Thorns, but gives players the choice to destroy just one target per cast. What makes Rain of Thorns particularly compelling is its potential for card advantage, able to dismantle multiple strategies from an opponent in one fell swoop. This can drastically affect the balance of a game, particularly in multiplayer formats where one card can impact several opponents.
Ultimately, each of these destruction spells has its place in MTG, but Rain of Thorns claims a unique position for those seeking maximum impact with a single card, perfectly suitable for late-game scenarios where comprehensive disruption can lead to a victorious outcome.
Cards similar to Rain of Thorns by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Rain of Thorns offers a powerful swing in card advantage by allowing you to target and destroy up to three permanents. By breaking this down, you can strategically dismantle your opponent’s field, setting them back multiple turns and thinning out their resources while maintaining your own board presence.
Resource Acceleration: Although Rain of Thorns costs a significant six mana, its multifaceted destruction can accelerate your own resources indirectly. After wiping out an opponent’s lands, artifacts and enchantments, you solidify your lead on the mana curve and the game’s tempo, putting you ahead and making it easier to deploy subsequent threats uncontested.
Instant Speed: While Rain of Thorns doesn’t benefit from instant speed itself, the impact it has on the board can be just as decisive. Removing key pieces on your turn, especially those at sorcery speed, can cripple an opponent’s plan that relies on the end-of-turn dynamics typical of instant speed interactions, giving you the upper hand in any format where Rain of Thorns is legal.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Although Rain of Thorns doesn’t specifically require a discard, playing this card might force you to make tough decisions regarding which cards to keep in hand. Casting it could mean sacrificing the opportunity to use other key cards when you need them.
Specific Mana Cost: This card requires one green mana plus additional generic mana to cast. For players not running a green-heavy or multicolor deck with sufficient mana-fixing, its specific mana cost could pose a casting challenge, potentially leading to the card being a dead draw in some situations.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Sitting at six mana, Rain of Thorns is on the higher end of the mana curve. In faster-paced games or decks optimized for lower mana curves, its cost might outweigh its benefits, as you could potentially cast multiple lower-cost spells or creatures for the same amount of mana.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Rain of Thorns is a dynamic inclusion for commander decks that thrive on handling multiple threats at once. The ability to target an artifact, an enchantment, and a land all with a single card allows for effective resource management during pivotal moments in the game.
Combo Potential: This card opens up numerous possibilities for combos in green-focused decks. By strategically destroying key pieces of opponents’ setups, players can set the stage for their own win conditions while keeping the board state in check.
Meta-Relevance: With an ever-shifting landscape of popular deck archetypes, Rain of Thorns maintains its relevance. In a meta where artifacts and enchantments are commonplace, having an answer that can dismantle trifecta core components of your opponents’ strategies with one cast can be a game-changer.
How to beat Rain of Thorns
Rain of Thorns is a versatile removal spell in MTG, known for its ability to target multiple permanents with a single cast. This spell can be quite disruptive, taking out artifacts, enchantments, and lands in one fell swoop. To effectively counter it, timing and the right card choices are key. One strategy is to use counter spells like Negate or Dispel, which can prevent Rain of Thorns from ever taking effect. Additionally, having a strong instant-speed removal like Path to Exile can help by dealing with creatures before Rain of Thorns can capitalize on an open board.
Another tactic involves the use of hexproof or indestructible enablers, such as Heroic Intervention or Boros Charm, which can safeguard your permanents from being targets. Furthermore, efficient mana management ensures that you aren’t overly impacted by the land destruction aspect. Lastly, by recognizing the six-mana cost of Rain of Thorns, you can hold back important permanents until after your opponent has potentially used their spell, thereby minimizing its impact on your game plan.
Understanding and anticipating this card’s effect will maintain your advantage, securing your board state against such multipurpose removal tactics in MTG.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Rain of Thorns MTG card by a specific set like Avacyn Restored and Commander 2013, 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 Rain of Thorns 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 Rain of Thorns Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2012-05-04 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Sam Burley.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2012-05-04 | Avacyn Restored | AVR | 190 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Sam Burley | |
| 2 | 2013-11-01 | Commander 2013 | C13 | 163 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Sam Burley | |
| 3 | 2017-08-25 | Commander 2017 | C17 | 156 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Sam Burley | |
| 4 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1302 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Sam Burley | |
| 5 | The List | PLST | C17-156 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Sam Burley |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Rain of Thorns has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Rain of Thorns card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2012-05-01 | You can choose just one mode, any two of the modes, or all three. You make this choice as you cast Rain of Thorns. |