Ral's Outburst MTG Card


Removes creatures and refuels hand, providing a significant boost in both offense and resources. Instant speed play allows tactical reactions to opponents’ moves, enhancing strategic flexibility. Demands specific mana colors and higher cost, which could limit deck construction strategies.
Ral's Outburst - War of the Spark
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeInstant
Released2019-05-03
Set symbol
Set nameWar of the Spark
Set codeWAR
Number212
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byJoseph Meehan

Text of card

Ral's Outburst deals 3 damage to any target. Look at the top two cards of your library. Put one of them into your hand and the other into your graveyard.

"Time to find the melting point of lazotep." —Ral Zarek


Cards like Ral's Outburst

Ral’s Outburst is an intriguing instant spell card for any MTG player’s arsenal, providing both damage and card advantage. It fits comfortably into the category of red and blue instant spells like Izzet Charm. Both cards can deal damage and offer card filtering options, although Izzet Charm allows for more flexibility with multiple modes. Unlike Ral’s Outburst, it doesn’t allow you to look at the top two cards of your deck to potentially snag an extra card.

Comparably, there’s also Electrolyze, which splits its damage among two targets and has the added benefit of card drawing. However, Electrolyze lacks the damage output of Ral’s Outburst and doesn’t have the deck manipulation feature. Another related card is Expansion // Explosion, which can deal damage based on the number of cards you draw, but it requires a more substantial mana investment.

When it comes down to a direct assessment in terms of burst damage potential and immediate card advantage, Ral’s Outburst offers a solid combination of both, making it a competitive choice for players looking to swiftly impact the board state and replenish their hand simultaneously.

Izzet Charm - MTG Card versions
Electrolyze - MTG Card versions
Expansion // Explosion - MTG Card versions
Izzet Charm - MTG Card versions
Electrolyze - MTG Card versions
Expansion // Explosion - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Ral's Outburst by color, type and mana cost

Fire // Ice - MTG Card versions
Suffocating Blast - MTG Card versions
Reinterpret - MTG Card versions
Essence Backlash - MTG Card versions
Steam Augury - MTG Card versions
Brutal Expulsion - MTG Card versions
Channeled Force - MTG Card versions
Fire // Ice - MTG Card versions
Suffocating Blast - MTG Card versions
Reinterpret - MTG Card versions
Essence Backlash - MTG Card versions
Steam Augury - MTG Card versions
Brutal Expulsion - MTG Card versions
Channeled Force - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Ral’s Outburst shines in matches by allowing you to pick off an opposing creature while also drawing a card. This dual action can tilt the game in your favor by simultaneously dealing with threats and refueling your hand.

Resource Acceleration:Though it doesn’t produce mana or tokens directly, this powerful spell can lead to indirect resource acceleration. By removing blockers or threats, it paves the way for your own creatures to attack unimpeded, potentially ramping up your board presence and damage output more swiftly.

Instant Speed: The ability to cast Ral’s Outburst at instant speed gives you the versatility to react to your opponent’s plays. Having the option to disrupt the enemy during their turn or after they’ve committed to a strategy can provide a significant strategic edge. Plus, the surprise element of instant-speed interaction is always a valuable asset in any MTG deck’s arsenal.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Although Ral’s Outburst does not have a discard requirement in its casting mechanics, mana-intensive spells such as this one often mean you’re holding them until the right moment. This wait could lead to a disadvantageous position where you may have to discard other useful cards for strategic plays or due to an opponent’s hand disruption tactics.

Specific Mana Cost: Running Ral’s Outburst requires a commitment to both blue and red mana sources in your deck. This can be restrictive as it necessitates a dual-colored mana base, which can affect deck consistency and may make it less versatile compared to single-colored alternatives.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value of four, including two that are color-specific, Ral’s Outburst competes with other potential spells in the same cost range which may offer lower-cost alternatives for damage or card advantage. In a game where tempo can be crucial, its cost could be cumbersome when quicker synergies are needed.


Reasons to Include Ral’s Outburst in Your Collection

Versatility: Ral’s Outburst is a multifaceted tool in the arsenal of blue and red decks. It serves as both removal and a source of card advantage, making it a valuable asset in a variety of game scenarios.

Combo Potential: This spell not only deals damage but also helps dig for combo pieces by revealing the top two cards of your library, allowing you to maintain momentum in synergy-driven decks.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where countering threats and maintaining card flow is crucial, Ral’s Outburst shines by removing creatures and refilling your hand, keeping you competitive against a wide range of decks.


How to Beat Ral’s Outburst

Ral’s Outburst is a versatile card that presents as both a direct damage spell and a tool for card advantage in MTG formats where it’s legal. This card can swiftly remove a creature and simultaneously sift through the top few cards of a player’s library, snagging another valuable spell for later use. But, like all cards, Ral’s Outburst has its Achilles’ heel.

To effectively counter this card, consider the timing. Since Ral’s Outburst is an instant, it’s crucial to be cautious about playing valuable creatures when the opponent has the mana available to cast it. Keeping up mana for counterspells like Negate or Dovin’s Veto can provide a shield for your most precious spells. Additionally, taking an aggressive stance and applying pressure can force the Outburst to be used defensively, limiting its capability for card advantage. Remember, Ral’s Outburst requires both red and blue mana; strategic land destruction or mana disruption can make casting it more challenging for your opponent. Knowledge of your opponent’s deck and anticipating when they might have this card ready can turn the tide of battle in your favor, maintaining the momentum on your side of the field.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ral's Outburst MTG card by a specific set like War of the Spark, 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 Ral's Outburst and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Ral's Outburst has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Ral's Outburst card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2019-05-03 If the target permanent or player is an illegal target by the time Ral’s Outburst tries to resolve, the spell doesn’t resolve. You won’t look at the top two cards of your library.
2019-05-03 If you have only one card in your library, you put it into your hand. You won’t lose the game if your library’s empty until you try to draw from the empty library.