Sandstorm MTG Card
1993-12-17 - Number 53
1995-04-01 - Number 269
1995-04-01 - Number 269
1995-08-01 - Number 137
1995-08-01 - Number 156
1996-10-08 - Number 239
1999-11-12 - Number 64
2011-01-10 - Number 164
2023-01-13 - Number 174
| Card sets | Released in 9 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
All attacking creatures suffer 1 damage.
Even the landscape turned against Sarsour, first rising up and pelting him, then rearranging itself so he could no longer find his way.
Cards like Sandstorm
In the realm of MTG, Sandstorm stands out for its unique defensive capabilities, offering players a way to deal with swarms of small creatures. A card reminiscent of Sandstorm’s effect is Pyroclasm, which clears out creatures with a sweep of two damage to each creature. While Pyroclasm affects all creatures on the board indiscriminately, Sandstorm is more selective, targeting only attacking creatures and thus providing a tactical advantage during the opponent’s turn.
Another comparable card is Electrickery which, like Sandstorm, can be pivotal in matches against token strategies or decks that deploy a multitude of low-toughness creatures. Electrickery can be overcharged to hit multiple targets, making it versatile against both singular significant threats and numerous smaller ones. However, the instant speed of Sandstorm means that you can surprise an opponent during combat, potentially turning the tide of a battle.
Considering these comparisons, Sandstorm occupies a niche spot for players looking for cost-effective ways to prevent damage from multiple creatures. Its specialization in defensive tactics during combat phases makes it an intriguing choice for deck builders focused on controlling the pace of the game.
Cards similar to Sandstorm by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Sandstorm doesn’t directly let you draw cards, it does offer the strategic advantage of clearing out multiple smaller creatures your opponent controls, potentially disrupting their plans and evening the playing field.
Resource Acceleration: Sandstorm might not produce mana or tokens, but it can be a resource accelerator in a different sense. By dealing damage to each creature, it can save resources you’d otherwise spend on multiple spells to handle swarming strategies.
Instant Speed: Sandstorm’s instant speed is one of its most compelling features. This allows you to reactively cleanse the board of X/1 creatures during your opponent’s turn, preserving the surprise element and making your turns more efficient.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: When playing the Sandstorm card, you’re faced with a discard requirement. This can put you at a strategic disadvantage, particularly in tight situations where every card in hand counts towards your gameplay strategy and potential comebacks.
Specific Mana Cost: Sandstorm’s effectiveness can be limited by its specific mana cost. The card requires a precise combination of mana, which might not always be readily available, depending on the deck you are running. This can lead to missed opportunities to play the card at critical moments.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Given its mana cost, Sandstorm may sometimes be outshone by alternative cards with similar or better effects for a lower investment. Players must weigh the cost against the potential impact and consider if there might be more versatile or cost-effective choices for their particular deck build.
Reasons to Include Sandstorm in Your Collection
Versatility: Sandstorm is a flexible card that can be a key sideboard option in various decks, aiding those that require efficient ways to deal with swarms of small creatures.
Combo Potential: This card works well in decks that capitalize on dealing damage to all creatures, potentially clearing the board when combined with damage amplifiers or other synergistic cards.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where aggro decks are prevalent, Sandstorm can provide a cost-effective solution to halt early game pressure, preserving your life total while setting up for the mid to late game.
How to beat
Sandstorm is well-acknowledged for its ability to deter early aggressive creature strategies in Magic: The Gathering. This spell is adept at sweeping away a horde of low-toughness creatures, posing a substantial threat to decks that rely on a fast creature buildup. While on its face it seems daunting to overcome, there are strategies one can employ to outmaneuver its effects.
To effectively counteract Sandstorm, consider focusing on creatures with a toughness greater than 1. By featuring creatures that can endure Sandstorm’s damage, you preserve your board presence and minimize the impact of the spell. Additionally, instant-speed spells that boost the toughness of your creatures, such as Giant Growth or cards like Shelter that can provide protection from colors, prove invaluable in preserving your assets on the battlefield. Alternatively, employing non-creature strategies, such as planeswalker or spell-based decks, can sidestep Sandstorm’s influence altogether, rendering it a non-factor in your game plan.
Understanding and adapting to the presence of Sandstorm in your meta can significantly improve your win condition. By selecting the right mix of cards and appreciating the need for resilience against such spells, you can effectively diminish Sandstorm’s potential threat to your deck’s strategy.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Sandstorm MTG card by a specific set like Arabian Nights and Fourth Edition, 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 Sandstorm 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 Sandstorm Magic the Gathering card was released in 9 different sets between 1993-12-17 and 2023-01-13. Illustrated by 3 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1993-12-17 | Arabian Nights | ARN | 53 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Brian Snõddy | |
| 2 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition | 4ED | 269 | 1993 | Normal | White | Brian Snõddy | |
| 3 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border | 4BB | 269 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Brian Snõddy | |
| 4 | 1995-08-01 | Rinascimento | RIN | 137 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Brian Snõddy | |
| 5 | 1995-08-01 | Renaissance | REN | 156 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Brian Snõddy | |
| 6 | 1996-10-08 | Mirage | MIR | 239 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Mike Kimble | |
| 7 | 1999-11-12 | Battle Royale Box Set | BRB | 64 | 1997 | Normal | White | Brian Snõddy | |
| 8 | 2011-01-10 | Masters Edition IV | ME4 | 164 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Brian Snõddy | |
| 9 | 2023-01-13 | Dominaria Remastered | DMR | 174 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Grzegorz Rutkowski |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Sandstorm has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |