Saltblast MTG Card
2005-08-22 - Number L53
2005-08-22 - Number L28
2007-02-02 - Number 15
2021-03-19 - Number 39
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
Destroy target nonwhite permanent.
Cards like Saltblast
In the realm of Magic: The Gathering, Saltblast draws parallels with other removal spells that cater to the same need of vanquishing opposing threats. While Saltblast distinguishes itself with its ability to target any nonland permanent at a cost of five mana, there are others like Oblivion Ring or Banishing Light offering a similar catch-all type of removal and typically at a lower mana value. However, these enchantments can be vulnerable to enchantment removal, whereas Saltblast, as a one-time instant event, avoids that pitfall.
Another worthy comparison is Vindicate, a spell known for its versatile target selection. Like Saltblast, it can destroy virtually any permanent, but Vindicate has the advantage of being more mana-efficient. Conversely, Vindicate is a sorcery, allowing opponents to play around it by the time you can cast it, while Saltblast can be used at instant speed, making it more unpredictable and, at times, more strategically viable.
When analyzing removal options in Magic: The Gathering, Saltblast holds its ground. Its flexibility to deal with any nonland permanent instantly is an attractive quality, although at a higher mana investment which could be influential in its analysis within the spectrum of removal spells.
Cards similar to Saltblast by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Saltblast plays a pivotal role in edging out your opponents by displacing their threats while simultaneously bolstering your hand. This card serves the double purpose of disrupting an opponent’s strategy and enriching your resources, providing a significant swing in card economy.
Resource Acceleration: For players looking to surge ahead, Saltblast offers an efficient pathway to accelerate their mana. By removing pivotal pieces from play, you can effectively set back your opponent’s tempo, paving the way for your own strategic advancements.
Instant Speed: One of the highlights of Saltblast is its ability to be cast at instant speed, allowing for reactive play during crucial moments. This flexibility ensures you can adapt to the state of the board and opponent’s actions, turning the tides in your favor at a moment’s notice.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: To use Saltblast, players must satisfy a discard condition, which can be a steep price to pay when your hand is already depleted or when every card in-hand is vital for upcoming strategies.
Specific Mana Cost: Saltblast demands a precise blend of mana types to cast. This can prove challenging in multicolored decks that might struggle with mana base consistency, especially under pressure.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For its cost, players might expect a more impactful effect. Costing a significant amount of mana usually implies a game-changing play, yet Saltblast might not always align with that expectation, given its singular target removal capacity.
Reasons to Include Saltblast in Your Collection
Versatility: Saltblast offers a rare blend of targeted removal and the flexibility to dismantle a wide array of permanents. It fits naturally into control decks or any strategy that requires a clean answer to opponent’s threats.
Combo Potential: This card can serve as a key piece in combos by clearing the path of potential blockers or disrupting opponent’s combo pieces, setting the stage for your win conditions to shine.
Meta-Relevance: Given the diverse array of decks in competitive play, having Saltblast in your arsenal means you’re equipped to handle a wide range of threats from creatures, enchantments to artifacts, keeping your deck adaptive and relevant.
How to beat
Saltblast is a unique card in the landscape of Magic: The Gathering, offering players the ability to remove threats from the battlefield. The key to triumphing over this card includes understanding its requirement for a nonland permanent as a target. To gain the upper hand against Saltblast, consider strategies that rely less on nonland permanents, pivoting towards decks that have instant-speed responses or those filled with land-based mechanics.
From a tactical standpoint, using cards with hexproof can effectively shield your valuable assets from being targeted by Saltblast. Another practical move is to bait out the Saltblast with less significant nonland permanents, preserving your high-value assets for the later stages of the game. Additionally, employing counter spells acts as a direct countermeasure, negating Saltblast’s impact when timely played. Alternatively, decks that function well with a low permanent count, such as control decks, naturally circumvent the constraints imposed by Saltblast. By outmaneuvering the conditions upon which Saltblast thrives, you can reduce its potential to disrupt your game plan and maintain control of the match.
Ultimately, characterizing your deck with versatile playstyles and adaptable cards will diminish Saltblast’s presence and ensure your pathway to victory remains clear. It’s all about preemptive planning and strategic execution.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Saltblast MTG card by a specific set like Salvat 2005 and Salvat 2005, 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 Saltblast 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Saltblast Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2005-08-22 and 2021-03-19. Illustrated by Paolo Parente.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | L53 | 2003 | Normal | White | Paolo Parente | |
| 2 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | L28 | 2003 | Normal | White | Paolo Parente | |
| 3 | 2007-02-02 | Planar Chaos | PLC | 15 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Paolo Parente | |
| 4 | 2021-03-19 | Time Spiral Remastered | TSR | 39 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Paolo Parente |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Saltblast has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |