Explosive Impact MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	6
Rarity	Common
Type	Instant
Released	2012-10-05
Set symbol
Set name	Return to Ravnica
Set code	RTR
Number	94
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Steve Argyle

Key Takeaways

Instant speed and versatility make Explosive Impact a reliable game-changer in crucial moments.
High mana cost and discard requirement demand strategic planning when including in your deck.
Meta relevance and combo potential can influence Explosive Impact’s place in various deck styles.

Text of card

Explosive Impact deals 5 damage to target creature or player.

"Such boorish noise is what passes for subtlety among the Boros." —Vraska

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Explosive Impact not only deals impactful damage but also can shift the card dynamics on the board by removing key creatures or finishing off an opponent, effectively improving your relative card position.

Resource Acceleration: While not a direct accelerator, the power of an Explosive Impact can often mean preserving your creatures on the board, indirectly maintaining your resources for future turns.

Instant Speed: The flexibility to cast Explosive Impact at instant speed gives you the upper hand, allowing you to adapt to the unfolding game and disrupt your opponent’s strategy at a moment’s notice.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: As a player, having to discard a card to unleash Explosive Impact’s potential can be a tough call. This drawback demands strategic decision-making, especially in tense moments when your hand size might already be dwindling.

Specific Mana Cost: Explosive Impact’s effectiveness is confined by its red mana demand, potentially restricting its synergy with decks that don’t prioritize this color or run a multi-color strategy where red is not prominent.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The necessity to allocate a significant portion of your mana reserves to casting Explosive Impact can delay your momentum. Considering other cards available, you might find alternatives that achieve similar destructive results without such a steep investment, allowing for a more versatile playstyle.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Explosive Impact offers a dynamic option for decks that require a direct damage spell with significant reach. It can be a game-changer whether you’re aiming at creatures or players, making it a versatile tool in a variety of deck builds, from control to burn.

Combo Potential: This card can synergize with spell damage amplifiers or cards that trigger upon casting high-cost spells. Its substantial damage output makes it an ideal finisher within combos that aim to deal massive damage in a single turn.

Meta-Relevance: Given its ability to remove key threats or close out games, Explosive Impact can be particularly potent in metas where large creatures or life totals dominate. Its presence can sway the outcome of a match, especially in formats where late-game power plays determine the winner.

How to beat

Confronting the challenge that is Explosive Impact in your MTG matches requires precision and strategy. This high-cost, high-damage spell can drastically sway the game in your opponent’s favor. The key to combating this potent card lies in timing and disruption. It’s imperative to manage your mana efficiently and keep counter-magic at the ready to intercept these game-altering spells. Cards like Negate or Essence Scatter can be pivotal when facing such a destructive force.

In addition to counterspells, maintaining a board presence with creatures that can absorb damage or utilizing enchantments that reduce incoming harm can also mitigate the effect of Explosive Impact. Do not overlook the value of life gain mechanics; they can provide a much-needed buffer against this lethal damage. Moreover, playing spells that force your opponent to discard cards can prevent it from ever hitting the battlefield. Remember, staying ahead in card advantage and controlling the tempo can often deter an opponent from ever reaching the stage where Explosive Impact becomes a viable threat.

Successfully defending against Explosive Impact requires foresight and understanding of the MTG dynamics. By keeping constant pressure and staying prepared for disruption, you can often navigate around the explosive power that this card brings to the table.

Cards like Explosive Impact

The allure of Explosive Impact in MTG is undeniable when we consider its direct damage potential. It’s often paralleled with cards such as Lava Axe, which also delivers a solid five damage to a player. Explosive Impact outshines with its ability to target creatures as well, providing greater flexibility. However, its six mana cost is significantly higher than Lava Axe’s five.

Searing Blaze is another counterpart, known for its targeted damage. Although Searing Blaze deals less damage, it compensates by hitting both a creature and a player simultaneously, at a lower cost. Then we have Flame Lash, a lesser-known yet effective card, dealing four damage to any target at instant speed, offering strategic advantages over Explosive Impact’s sorcery speed.

Ultimately, while MTG offers a variety of direct damage spells, Explosive Impact holds its ground with a broad scope of destruction. The ability to take out larger creatures or deal decisive player damage makes it a card worth considering in decks aimed at controlling the battlefield or finishing off opponents.

Cards similar to Explosive Impact by color, type and mana cost

Diabolical Salvation - MTG Card versions

Flames of the Raze-Boar - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Explosive Impact MTG card by a specific set like Return to Ravnica, 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 Explosive Impact and other MTG cards: