Shower of Sparks MTG Card
1998-10-12 - Number 217
1999-11-12 - Number 71
2013-09-06 - Number 61
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Shower of Sparks deals 1 damage to target creature and 1 damage to target player.
The viashino had learned how to operate the rig through trial and error—mostly error.
Cards like Shower of Sparks
Shower of Sparks stands as a unique combat trick and burn spell in Magic: The Gathering. It bears some resemblance to spells like Shock, a classic that also deals 2 damage but with increased flexibility, allowing it to target both creatures and players directly. What makes Shower of Sparks distinct is its ability to deal 1 damage to a creature and an additional 1 to that creature’s controller, offering strategic value in ping strategies.
Closely related, we can look at Flame Slash, which offers sheer power by dealing 4 damage to a creature at sorcery speed for just one mana. While Shower of Sparks doesn’t pack the same punch, its split damage capability can be more beneficial in specific board states. Then we have Sparkmage’s Gambit, which whilst on a slightly higher mana curve, can damage multiple creatures and limit their ability to block, expanding on the utility offered by Shower of Sparks.
Ultimately, when selecting the right tool for the task ahead, factoring in the synergistic potential and the multitasking nature of Shower of Sparks can be substantial for players planning to edge out their opponents in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Shower of Sparks by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Shower of Sparks offers the benefit of targeting multiple elements in play. This means it’s not just a single-use card but can affect the board by dealing with several threats or game pieces, maximizing the value you get from one card.
Resource Acceleration: While Shower of Sparks itself doesn’t directly accelerate your resources, it does deal damage which can help you maintain a lead or catch up by disrupting your opponent’s plans, potentially leading to greater resource availability in subsequent turns.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Shower of Sparks at instant speed gives you strategic flexibility. You are able to respond to your opponent’s actions during their turn, potentially upsetting their strategy or saving your spells for the perfect moment to swing the game in your favor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing Shower of Sparks requires you to let go of another potential play in your hand, which can sting when your options are already few.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s mana cost demands a commitment to red mana sources, potentially complicating your deck’s color flexibility and consistency.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana investment needed to cast Shower of Sparks could be seen as steep for the impact it provides, particularly when compared to other spells at similar cost tiers that might offer a higher damage output or additional benefits.
Reasons to Include Shower of Sparks in Your Collection
Versatility: Shower of Sparks offers flexibility in gameplay, being able to both deal damage and potentially eliminate an early creature threat. This card can slide into various red deck builds aiming for early interaction with opponents.
Combo Potential: This card’s ability to ping creatures or players opens up synergy with decks that capitalize on direct damage or spell-slinging strategies. It works well with cards that benefit from instants and sorceries being cast or with those that trigger upon dealing damage.
Meta-Relevance: Given that fast-paced aggro decks are often a significant portion of the gaming landscape, having an efficient low-cost spell can be critical in maintaining board control and tempo, making Shower of Sparks relevant in several metagames.
How to beat
Shower of Sparks is an interesting card that delivers direct damage to both a creature and the opponent in MTG. When facing it, one might consider it a mere inconvenience due to its low damage output. However, it’s crucial to know that Shower of Sparks can be more than a mere nuisance if not addressed promptly. To effectively combat this card, it is wise to deploy strategies that minimize the damage potential.
One such strategy is utilizing creatures with toughness greater than the damage radius of Shower of Sparks. This ensures that your creatures remain on the battlefield even after a Shower of Sparks has been resolved. Additionally, using cards that can counter or redirect damage can diminish the card’s effectiveness, securing your creatures and your life points in the process.
It’s also beneficial to have spells that can be cast at instant speed to remove an opponent’s threat or save your creatures from being targeted. In essence, by understanding the mechanics of Shower of Sparks and preparing with the right counters and strategies, you can maintain control over the game and mitigate the impact of this direct damage spell.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Shower of Sparks MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Saga and Battle Royale Box Set, 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 Shower of Sparks 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 Shower of Sparks Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1998-10-12 and 2013-09-06. Illustrated by Christopher Moeller.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1998-10-12 | Urza's Saga | USG | 217 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Christopher Moeller | |
| 2 | 1999-11-12 | Battle Royale Box Set | BRB | 71 | 1997 | Normal | White | Christopher Moeller | |
| 3 | 2013-09-06 | Duel Decks: Heroes vs. Monsters | DDL | 61 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Christopher Moeller |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Shower of Sparks has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Shower of Sparks card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | If the creature leaves the battlefield before this resolves, it still damages the player. |