Searing Flesh MTG Card

Searing Flesh deals a game-changing 7 damage at instant speed, offering a powerful late-game swing. The card fits best in direct damage strategies but requires a considerable mana investment and card discard. Though not as versatile as similar spells, its massive damage output makes it a potent finisher.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	7
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Sorcery
Released	2002-10-07
Set symbol
Set name	Onslaught
Set code	ONS
Number	225
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Pete Venters

Text of card

Searing Flesh deals 7 damage to target opponent.

Zemoo found out the hard way that "inflammable" and "flammable" mean the same thing.

Cards like Searing Flesh

The Searing Flesh card packs quite a punch in Magic: The Gathering, offering a massive hit of direct damage that can turn the tide of a game. When compared to other damage-dealing spells like Lightning Bolt, Searing Flesh brings a colossal amount of damage but at a steeper cost, requiring seven mana. Whereas Lightning Bolt is a quick and efficient way to deal three damage for a single red mana, so it can be played much earlier in the game.

Another card worth mentioning is Fireball, which offers similar flexibility in terms of damage distribution. Unlike Searing Flesh, which targets a player, Fireball allows you to split the damage among multiple creatures or players, giving you more control over the battlefield. The cost variable of Fireball also gives players the option to adjust their mana investment based on the current game state.

Conclusively, while Searing Flesh may not be as versatile or economical as Lightning Bolt or Fireball, its potential to inflict significant damage makes it a card that can dominate the late game. Players looking for that late-game reach to finish opponents will find Searing Flesh to be a compelling choice in their deck.

Cards similar to Searing Flesh by color, type and mana cost

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Searing Flesh can deal a solid 7 damage to an opponent, which offers a potentially game-ending swing. This powerhouse of damage efficiency can tilt the scale in your favor, trimming the need for additional cards to close out the game.

Resource Acceleration: While Searing Flesh itself doesn’t accelerate resources, its sheer power can accelerate the game towards a win. This can be crucial in strategies looking to finish off opponents quickly before they’ve set up their board, effectively bypassing the need for resource acceleration.

Instant Speed: The real kicker for Searing Flesh is its speed. Acting at instant speed offers flexibility, allowing you to wait until the last possible moment before your turn to unleash those crucial 7 points of damage. This enables strategic plays that adapt readily to the evolving board state, ensuring you maximize its impact.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Searing Flesh demands that players discard a card upon casting. This can put players at a disadvantage, especially when their hand size is already running low. Balancing the cost of the initial burn damage with the potential impact of losing key cards from your hand adds a strategic layer that might not work in your favor.

Specific Mana Cost: The card’s requirement for a specific mana combination, including red, may restrict its playability. It fits primarily into mono-red or red-focused decks, which could limit your strategic options if you’re operating a multicolor deck that cannot reliably produce the necessary mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a relatively steep mana cost for its effect, Searing Flesh competes with other spells and creatures within the same mana range that could potentially provide more value or versatility. This could make it a less favored choice during deck construction, as more mana-efficient options might offer the same or greater impact for the same or even a lower mana investment.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Searing Flesh can be an adaptable addition to many deck strategies, particularly those looking to deal direct damage to opponents. It shines in formats where high life totals are common, making it a potentially game-ending card.

Combo Potential: This card’s hefty damage output pairs well with effects that double spell damage or with cards that might redirect damage to multiple targets. It can be an integral piece of a burn deck’s arsenal, especially one that hinges on late-game finishers.

Meta-Relevance: In metas where life gain decks are prevalent, Searing Flesh provides a robust counter-measure. As players aim to buffer their life totals, this card can swiftly reverse their efforts and shift the momentum in your favor.

How to beat

Searing Flesh is a potent direct damage spell in Magic: The Gathering that can impact the game significantly. With its ability to deal a hefty amount of damage to a player, it can turn the tide of a duel rapidly. In order to effectively counter this formidable card, understanding timing and having the right response is crucial.

One strategy is to maintain a healthy life total, as this reduces Searing Flesh’s ability to be a lethal threat. Additionally, countering it with spells like Negate or Dispel can prevent its damage entirely. Another approach is to utilize cards that can redirect damage or mitigate damage through life gain effects. Effects like prevention with cards like Healing Salve or Dawn Charm, or redirection with Swerve, are valuable. It’s also essential to handle your opponent’s mana base, restricting their ability to cast such a high-costing card.

Ultimately, adapting your gameplay and having the proper counters in your deck can neutralize the impact of Searing Flesh. Whether it’s through direct counters, life gain, or damage prevention, staying one step ahead of your opponent’s strategy is key to overcoming this fiery spell.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Searing Flesh MTG card by a specific set like Onslaught, 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 Searing Flesh and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Searing Flesh has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal