Rakdos Firewheeler MTG Card
2019-01-25 - Number 197
2019-01-25 - Number 197
2024-01-12 - Number 213
2002-06-24 - Number 71590
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Rogue |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
When Rakdos Firewheeler enters the battlefield, it deals 2 damage to target opponent and 2 damage to up to one target creature or planeswalker.
Cards like Rakdos Firewheeler
Rakdos Firewheeler is a dynamic option for those building multicolored decks in Magic: The Gathering. This card invites comparisons to other creatures within its casting cost such as Murderous Redcap. Both have the ability to deal damage upon entering the battlefield, however, Rakdos Firewheeler requires a more diverse mana base being a red and black card, unlike the mono-colored Redcap.
Another card that echoes the utility of Rakdos Firewheeler is Flametongue Kavu. The Kavu deals a notable four damage to a target creature, which outmatches the Firewheeler’s two damage spread between target creature and player. Rakdos Firewheeler’s spread of damage, however, can offer strategic flexibility in affecting both the board and the opponent’s life total, all while presenting a solid body to contest the battlefield.
Assessing the strengths of Rakdos Firewheeler in comparison to these cards, it finds its niche in providing a balanced combination of creature removal, life point pressure, and board presence, making it a versatile choice in decks that can accommodate its multicolor mana demands.
Cards similar to Rakdos Firewheeler by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Rakdos Firewheeler provides a dual benefit upon entering the battlefield – dealing damage and forcing discard, often giving you a two-for-one situation that can tilt the game’s momentum in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly contributing to resource acceleration, the versatility of the card in affecting both creatures and players can indirectly speed up your game plan by disrupting your opponent’s resources.
Instant Speed: Although this creature does not operate at instant speed, its impactful enter-the-battlefield effect can be capitalized on using other cards that can cheat creatures into play at instant speed, thereby catching an opponent off guard and mimicking the sudden impact of an instant.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Rakdos Firewheeler demands a precise balance in your hand. Players need to weigh the impact of potentially losing key cards from their hand when triggering its ability. This could set you back if you’re struggling to keep a full grip.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Rakdos Firewheeler is intensive, requiring both black and red mana. This color-specific demand can complicate its inclusion in decks that aren’t finely tuned to support such a mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At four mana, this cost can be steep for the effect provided. In a game where tempo is crucial, there are other creatures or spells that could provide a more efficient use of resources or more impactful board presence for the same or lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include Rakdos Firewheeler in Your Collection
Versatility: Rakdos Firewheeler is a card that offers dual utility. It can both deal damage to an opponent or planeswalker and also target a creature, making it a flexible option for decks that aim to exert pressure by removing opposing threats and chipping away at the opponent’s life total simultaneously.
Combo Potential: This card shines in environments where you can capitalize on entering-the-battlefield effects. With cards that can recur or flicker the Firewheeler, it becomes a repeating source of damage and a formidable piece in damage-centric combo builds.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state where creatures are key, Rakdos Firewheeler can serve as a tactical response. It’s particularly effective in a meta filled with low-toughness creatures, where its impact can swing games in your favor.
How to beat
Rakdos Firewheeler brings a unique challenge to the table in MTG. As a multicolored creature, it lands with the potential for both creature damage and direct player damage. The key to overcoming this card rests in timing and protection. Countering it is highly effective; it prevents its dual-damage abilities from triggering altogether. Prioritize counterspells or instant-speed removal to address it as it hits the stack. If it does resolve, look to employ damage prevention or protection from red or black to nullify its impact on the board.
Board presence is also critical in overpowering a Rakdos Firewheeler. Maintaining creatures with toughness higher than two can negate the damage dealt upon its arrival. Additionally, avoiding overcommitting small, vulnerable creatures to the board can limit the value your opponent gains from the Firewheeler’s enter-the-battlefield effect. Quick removal spells like Path to Exile or instant speed kill spells such as Murderous Rider’s Swift End snipe can efficiently remove the threat if it lands, helping to preserve your life total and your creature’s integrity.
Ultimately, the best approach against Rakdos Firewheeler is a blend of preventative measures and responsive tactics. So, whether it’s bolstering your defenses or preparing the perfect counter, ensuring that you have a strategy in place for this dastardly multicolored threat is essential.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Rakdos Firewheeler MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Ravnica Allegiance 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 Rakdos Firewheeler 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
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Printings
The Rakdos Firewheeler Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2019-01-25 and 2024-01-12. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 71590 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Tyler Walpole | ||
| 2 | 2019-01-25 | Ravnica Allegiance Promos | PRNA | 197 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Tyler Walpole | |
| 3 | 2019-01-25 | Ravnica Allegiance | RNA | 197 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Slawomir Maniak | |
| 4 | 2024-01-12 | Ravnica Remastered | RVR | 213 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Slawomir Maniak |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Rakdos Firewheeler has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Rakdos Firewheeler card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2019-01-25 | If you can’t target any opponent with Rakdos Firewheeler’s ability, the ability doesn’t go on the stack. You can’t have it deal 2 damage to any creature or planeswalker. On the other hand, if you do choose legal targets but either target is illegal when the ability tries to resolve, the other is still affected as appropriate. |