Seismic Strike MTG Card
2009-07-17 - Number 154
2011-04-01 - Number 71
2012-03-30 - Number 70
2014-07-18 - Number 280
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Seismic Strike deals damage to target creature equal to the number of Mountains you control.
"Life up here is simple. Adapt to the ways of the mountains and they will reward you. Fight them and they will end you." —Kezim, prodigal pyromancer
Cards like Seismic Strike
Seismic Strike is a damage-dealing spell that has found its niche in red direct damage strategies within Magic: The Gathering. This card delivers damage equal to the number of mountains you control, which can escalate quickly in a land-heavy deck. It echoes the strike-pattern of cards like Roil’s Retribution, which also pegs its damage to a specific board state – in this case, the number of attacking creatures.
Comparatively, we have Volcanic Hammer, a straightforward alternative offering a fixed amount of damage regardless of the land count. Although it doesn’t scale with game progress like Seismic Strike, it’s reliable for early game interaction. Then there’s Spire Barrage, which closely mirrors Seismic Strike but typically costs more mana. However, it deals damage to any target, granting it a wider reach in targeting opponents’ planewalkers or creatures.
Assessing these alternatives, Seismic Strike serves well in mountain-dense decks seeking to leverage their land count into potent late-game finishing moves. Its effectiveness is land-centric, fitting perfectly for players who build their deck strategy around vast land terrains.
Cards similar to Seismic Strike by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Seismic Strike deals damage proportional to the number of mountains you control, turning your land resources into potential card advantage by removing opponents’ creatures without spending additional cards.
Resource Acceleration: Unlike spells that solely deal direct damage, Seismic Strike’s effectiveness scales with your land base, potentially accelerating your board state advantage by allowing your mountains to double as offensive tools.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Seismic Strike at instant speed provides flexibility, enabling you to respond to threats during your opponent’s turn or after they’ve committed to an unfavorable attack or block, thus preserving your resources and strategic options.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Unlike spells with no extra costs, Seismic Strike requires the right land count to be effective. Mismanagement of lands could lead to a less impactful play.
Specific Mana Cost: Seismic Strike’s red mana requirement restricts it to red-centric or multicolor decks, potentially excluding it from mono-colored decks of other types.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost of three mana for its damage output, Seismic Strike may be less appealing compared to other removal options that either cost less or offer additional flexibility or benefits.
Reasons to Include Seismic Strike in Your Collection
Versatility: Seismic Strike offers a direct damage option that can be included in decks focusing on land ramp, taking advantage of the card’s scaling damage based on the number of mountains you control.
Combo Potential: This card works well in conjunction with land-search mechanics, ensuring you always have mountains to fuel its damage output. It can become a real threat in decks crafted around land synergy.
Meta-Relevance: In formats where creature-based decks are prevalent, Seismic Strike can serve as a key removal spell. Managing potential blockers or threats based on your mountain count can give you the upper hand in many matchups.
How to beat
Seismic Strike is a red spell that deals damage to creatures based on the number of mountains you control. It’s a direct way to remove large threats on the battlefield, particularly in a land-heavy deck that maximizes mountain count. Outmaneuvering this card often entails being mindful of your opponent’s mountain plays and the potential instant-speed removal Seismic Strike offers.
To counteract the impact of Seismic Strike, consider deploying cards that manipulate the land count such as land destruction or spells that change land types. Another strategy is to include cards that offer hexproof or shroud to your creatures, shielding them from targeted removal spells. The use of counterspells to stop Seismic Strike before it hits is a viable tactic as well, especially in blue heavy decks that can anticipate and prevent opponent’s actions effectively.
Tactics aside, the key is staying adaptable and maintaining a board state less reliant on high-toughness creatures susceptible to mountain-influenced damage. In essence, beating Seismic Strike requires smart land management, protective measures for your creatures, and a readiness to disrupt your opponent’s land-based strategies.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Seismic Strike MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2010 and Duel Decks: Knights vs. Dragons, 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 Seismic Strike 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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Printings
The Seismic Strike Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2009-07-17 and 2014-07-18. Illustrated by Christopher Moeller.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2009-07-17 | Magic 2010 | M10 | 154 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Christopher Moeller | |
| 2 | 2011-04-01 | Duel Decks: Knights vs. Dragons | DDG | 71 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Christopher Moeller | |
| 3 | 2012-03-30 | Duel Decks: Venser vs. Koth | DDI | 70 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Christopher Moeller | |
| 4 | 2014-07-18 | Magic 2015 | M15 | 280 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Christopher Moeller |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Seismic Strike has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |