Soul Nova MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
| Released | 2003-10-02 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Mirrodin |
| Set code | MRD |
| Number | 25 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Keith Garletts |
Text of card
Remove target attacking creature and all Equipment attached to it from the game.
Within seconds, the nim was consumed in blinding sunfire. Afterwards, only a puddle of molten iron remained.
Cards like Soul Nova
Soul Nova is a versatile piece in the puzzle of removal cards available to players in Magic: The Gathering. With the capacity to exile a creature or enchantment, it echoes the functionality of Utter End. Though Utter End is less restrictive in its targets, allowing removal of any nonland permanent, it comes at the higher price of four mana and doesn’t offer the life gain bonus. Soul Nova’s distinct advantage lies in its ability to not only disrupt opponents but also offer a cushion with its 5 life points gain, similar to the effect of Absorb.
Examining the array of removal cards, we come across Oblivion Ring—another competitor. While it has a similar cost of three mana, Oblivion Ring entraps the target in exile only for as long as the Ring is on the battlefield. In contrast, Soul Nova ensures a permanent removal without any conditions. Then there’s Path to Exile, an efficient one-mana spell that can exile any creature, yet it compensates the adversary with a land. This downside is non-existent in Soul Nova, giving it an edge in control strategies.
Overall, within the roster of white removal cards in Magic: The Gathering, Soul Nova epitomizes a balance between immediate impact and long-term advantage, establishing itself as a noteworthy option for life-gaining control decks.
Cards similar to Soul Nova by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Soul Nova offers a unique angle on card advantage by effectively dealing with an opponent’s creature or enchantment. In a game where board state can dictate the winner, neutralizing key threats can tip the scales in your favor, making Soul Nova a strategic addition to your deck.
Resource Acceleration: Although Soul Nova doesn’t directly accelerate your resources like a ramp spell, it does contribute to a more efficient use of your mana. By dealing with threats at instant speed, it allows you to use your mana on your opponent’s terms, preserving it for the most opportune moment — thus indirectly contributing to better resource management.
Instant Speed: Instant speed removal is a cornerstone of versatile and responsive gameplay. Soul Nova’s ability to be cast during your opponent’s turn not only keeps them guessing but can also disrupt their combat strategies and other end-of-turn plays, allowing you to surprise your opponent by changing the state of the board when they least expect it.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: In certain game scenarios, having to discard a card to cast Soul Nova can set you back, especially when you’re trying to maintain card advantage over your opponent. Preserving hand size is often key to executing your strategy effectively.
Specific Mana Cost: Soul Nova requires both white mana and generic mana, necessitating a commitment to white in your deck. This can restrict deck-building options and may not blend seamlessly into multicolor decks that aren’t heavily white-focused.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Sitting at a higher mana range for its effects, Soul Nova may not always be the most mana-efficient removal option available. Players might prefer alternatives that offer either lower costs or additional versatility. Carefully considering your curve is important, and Soul Nova’s cost needs to be justified within your overall deck strategy.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Soul Nova’s role as a removal spell allows it to seamlessly slot into a variety of deck archetypes, aiding control strategies with its ability to eliminate threats and protecting important creatures in midrange matchups.
Combo Potential: This card not only removes creatures or enchantments but also untaps a creature, which could synergize with strategies that rely on tapping and untapping creatures for value or as part of a combo.
Meta-Relevance: Given the flexibility of Soul Nova in responding to diverse threats, it aligns well with evolving meta-games where creature and enchantment-based strategies are prevalent, ensuring your deck stays competitive.
How to beat
Soul Nova is a versatile spell that Magic: The Gathering players frequently encounter due to its effectiveness in removing attacking or blocking creatures and its added ability to exile an enchantment. While it can be a game-changer, successfully outmaneuvering a Soul Nova play is about understanding timing and the nature of your opponent’s mana availability.
To navigate against this spell, conservatively assessing the battlefield situation is paramount. Players should consider keeping back-up creatures or enablers in hand rather than committing fully to the board. Prioritize creatures with instant-speed abilities or those that can’t be targeted by spells like Soul Nova. Holding onto those resources until your opponent is tapped out or unable to cast Soul Nova due to mana constraints is often a wise move. Utilizing spells that grant hexproof or indestructibility to your most valuable creatures can also safeguard them from unexpected removal, ensuring your board presence remains unaffected by such interruptions.
Adapting to include these strategies against potential Soul Nova plays is essential for maintaining a strong board position and can ultimately tip the scales in your favor during the match, ensuring you remain one step ahead of your opponents’ disruption attempts.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Soul Nova MTG card by a specific set like Mirrodin, 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 Soul Nova 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Soul Nova has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |