Rockslide Sorcerer MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Wizard |
| Released | 2020-09-25 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Zendikar Rising |
| Set code | ZNR |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 154 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Daarken |
Text of card
Whenever you cast an instant, sorcery, or Wizard spell, Rockslide Sorcerer deals 1 damage to any target.
"You can cower from the crushing shards or embrace the danger of Akoum. I've made my choice."
Cards like Rockslide Sorcerer
The Rockslide Sorcerer card brings a unique twist to the red archetype in MTG, standing out among its peers with a distinct damage-dealing ability. Its closest relatives in the game are spellcasters like Firebrand Archer and Thermo-Alchemist. Both are known for their prowess in pinging opponents whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell, yet they differ in key aspects from Rockslide Sorcerer.
Take Firebrand Archer, for example. This creature triggers whenever you cast a noncreature spell, offering broader trigger opportunities than Rockslide Sorcerer, which is limited to casting just instant or sorcery spells. Thermo-Alchemist, on the other hand, matches Rockslide Sorcerer in that it rewards casting instant and sorcery spells; however, it also comes with the added advantage of being able to untap itself and deal damage multiple times in a single turn.
In the grand scheme of MTG, Rockslide Sorcerer shines by offering targeted creature damage – a great tactical advantage when dealing with potential blockers or pivotal utility creatures on the board. Though it may not trigger as often as Firebrand Archer or reset like Thermo-Alchemist, its specific damage allocation can be a strategic component in many red decks.
Cards similar to Rockslide Sorcerer by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Rockslide Sorcerer adds a strategic advantage to your deck by allowing you to turn any instant or sorcery spell into a potential way to deal damage, effectively amplifying the impact of each card played and trimming down your opponent’s resources one by one.
Resource Acceleration: By synergizing with spells that create treasures or other creatures, Rockslide Sorcerer can expedite your mana generation. While not directly providing mana, its damage potential can quickly clear the way for a more efficient board state, advancing your game position substantially.
Instant Speed: This card’s ability is utilized at instant speed, giving you the freedom to respond to your opponent’s actions during their turn. Whether you’re casting spells on your turn or biding your time until just the right moment, Rockslide Sorcerer ensures that you’re always ready to gain an edge.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: When it comes to Rockslide Sorcerer, its utility is closely tied to your ability to play other spells that cause you to discard or exile a card. If your hand is empty or you’re striving to preserve your in-hand resources, triggering its damage-dealing ability can be less than optimal.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Rockslide Sorcerer requires both red and generic mana, so it’s not as flexible as mono-colored options. This can make it challenging to fit into more color-diverse decks or those that might face mana fixing issues, particularly in limited formats or when your mana base is compromised during play.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At four mana, including two generic and two red, you might find the casting cost quite steep for the impact Rockslide Sorcerer makes on the game. Considering the competitive environment of MTG, there are other creatures and spells within the mana range that could offer you more immediate board presence or utility, which means Rockslide Sorcerer might not always earn a spot in your deck, especially in faster or more synergy-focused builds where each card’s value is paramount.
Reasons to Include Rockslide Sorcerer in Your Collection
Versatility: Rockslide Sorcerer can seamlessly integrate into red or multicolored spell-slinger decks. Its ability to deal damage whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell makes it a threat to creatures and planeswalkers alike.
Combo Potential: This wizard’s talent shines in combos. Pairing it with spells that create multiple cast triggers, such as those that copy spells, can rapidly escalate the damage dealt to opponents or their minions.
Meta-Relevance: In a game that emphasizes efficient removal, Rockslide Sorcerer holds its ground. Its utility in disrupting creature-heavy strategies and picking off key targets makes it a contender in various meta scenarios.
How to beat Rockslide Sorcerer
Rockslide Sorcerer presents an intriguing challenge on the battlefield, with its ability to turn spells into direct damage against creatures or players. To outmaneuver this card, players must employ careful timing and strategic removal. Engage the Sorcerer before your opponent can harness its full potential by using instant-speed removal spells or abilities, minimizing the chance for them to chain spells and ping your creatures to death. Cards like Fatal Push or Abrupt Decay are efficient at promptly dispatching the Rockslide Sorcerer before it becomes a threat.
Alternatively, protection spells can help shield your key creatures from the Sorcerer’s damage. Keep in mind the importance of maintaining board control and not overextending with creatures susceptible to the Sorcerer’s triggered ability. Countering key instants and sorceries your opponent casts will also limit the number of triggers the Rockslide Sorcerer can exploit, making it a less formidable adversary. Commit to memory, the key to triumph lies in dismantling synergies, leaving your opponent with a mere 2/3 that lacks impact on its own.
In essence, while the Rockslide Sorcerer offers a unique deck-building challenge and a clever interaction in a spell-slinging brew, its influence can be mitigated with thoughtful play and well-timed responses.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Rockslide Sorcerer MTG card by a specific set like Zendikar Rising, 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 Rockslide Sorcerer 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Rockslide Sorcerer has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Rockslide Sorcerer card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2020-09-25 | A Wizard spell is one with the creature type Wizard. Spells that are Wizard-themed (such as Relic Amulet) aren’t Wizard spells. |
| 2020-09-25 | An ability that triggers when a player casts a spell resolves before the spell that caused it to trigger, but after targets have been chosen for that spell (if it has any targets). The ability resolves even if that spell is countered. |