Riftburst Hellion MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 7 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Hellion |
| Abilities | Disguise,Reach |
| Released | 2024-02-09 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Murders at Karlov Manor |
| Set code | MKM |
| Power | 6 |
| Toughness | 7 |
| Number | 228 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Brent Hollowell |
Key Takeaways
- Trading advantages is common when Riftburst Hellion prompts unfavorable blocks from your opponent.
- Playing it can accelerate your board presence, offering swift, significant plays early in the game.
- Its demand for careful deck construction is evident given the specific red mana requirement and discard cost.
Text of card
Reach Disguise {RG}{RG} (You may cast this card face down for as a 2/2 creature with ward . Turn it face up any time for its disguise cost.)
Like any Ravnican denizen, it decided to visit Plaza West for lunch.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: With its ability to pressure opponents, Riftburst Hellion may cause them to block unfavorably, leading to a potential two-for-one scenario where you trade the Hellion for multiple of an opponent’s creatures.
Resource Acceleration: As a card that can hit the board relatively early, Riftburst Hellion paves the way for faster, more impactful plays, effectively giving your game plan a shot of adrenaline.
Instant Speed: Though not an instant itself, Riftburst Hellion benefits from cards that operate at instant speed, as clearing the way before combat or responding to the opponent’s moves can ensure its large body connects effectively.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: With Riftburst Hellion, you’re required to discard a card when you cast it. This condition can deplete your hand quickly, especially if you haven’t established a substantial card advantage, potentially putting you at a disadvantage as the game progresses.
Specific Mana Cost: This card comes with a casting cost that demands both red and generic mana, making it exclusively suitable for red or multi-color decks that can produce red mana consistently. If your mana base isn’t perfectly attuned, casting Riftburst Hellion could be problematic.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The Hellion’s five-mana cost is considerable and might not align well with aggressive strategies aiming for a quick game. In some scenarios, you may find other creatures or spells that can deliver a similar or greater impact on the game for a lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include Riftburst Hellion in Your Collection
Versatility: Riftburst Hellion is designed to be a flexible asset in numerous red-based decks. Its ability to serve as both a formidable attacker and a surprise element provides value across different gameplay strategies.
Combo Potential: This card thrives in environments where additional damage can be capitalized on. In concert with spells that trigger on creature attacks or entering the battlefield, the Hellion can amplify the impact of such interactions exponentially.
Meta-Relevance: As the battlefield often fluctuates with diverse threats, Riftburst Hellion fits neatly into the meta where rapid and aggressive plays are essential to overpowering slower, more calculated decks. Its presence can shift game dynamics in your favor, making it a worthwhile addition to any competitive player’s arsenal.
How to beat
Riftburst Hellion brings a surge of power to the battlefield, potentially overwhelming opponents with its formidable presence. This volcanic behemoth packs a punch, but with strategic gameplay, you can shield your defenses against its fiery assault. To mitigate the impact of Riftburst Hellion, consider incorporating removal spells in your arsenal. Cards like Doom Blade, Murder, or Path to Exile can efficiently handle the threat before it deals significant damage. Countermagic also serves as an excellent defensive strategy. Spells like Counterspell or Negate allow you to thwart its casting, maintaining control of the game.
Tapping into the power of sacrifice effects can also turn the tides in your favor. Forcing the opponent to sacrifice Riftburst Hellion with a card like Liliana’s Triumph stops it from wreaking havoc and keeps the board state manageable. It’s also crucial to maintain a healthy life total, as the Hellion can quickly decimate your life points. Life gain spells or creatures with lifelink can sustain you through the onslaught. Lastly, be mindful of its trample ability, and ensure you have enough blockers to absorb the excess damage.
While Riftburst Hellion poses a formidable challenge, armed with the right strategies and quick reflexes, you can extinguish its flame and keep your head above the molten tide. Adapting your game plan and keeping removal options at the ready will ensure you remain standing even when faced with this titan’s rage.
Cards like Riftburst Hellion
Riftburst Hellion joins a fascinating lineage of big, impactful creatures in Magic: The Gathering. Likening it to the likes of Ball Lightning yields immediate parallels; both creatures boast significant power, trample, and haste, representing immediate threats the moment they hit the battlefield. The main distinction, however, lies in Riftburst Hellion’s “burst” ability, allowing it to potentially deal additional damage when cast from the graveyard. Ball Lightning, by contrast, does not have this added capability, making it a straightforward but less versatile option.
Comparably, Thundermare hearkens similar vibes with haste and a sizeable body, yet it disrupts other creatures when it rides into play. Where Riftburst Hellion primarily focuses on dealing damage swiftly, Thundermare brings a level of control, momentarily stalling your opponents’ ability to block. This demonstrates how each creature, while aligned in purpose, brings unique strategic considerations to the game.
Analyzing the versatility and impact of these creatures, Riftburst Hellion stands out for its potential to reenter the fray, offering a tactical advantage that could tip the scales in a player’s favor. Within the aggressive strategies of MTG, such an attribute can prove crucial, making Riftburst Hellion a noteworthy creature in its own right.
Cards similar to Riftburst Hellion by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Riftburst Hellion MTG card by a specific set like Murders at Karlov Manor, 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 Riftburst Hellion and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Riftburst Hellion has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Standardbrawl | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |