Spark Spray MTG Card
2003-05-26 - Number 105
2014-06-16 - Number 188
2023-01-13 - Number 141
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
| Abilities | Cycling |
Text of card
Spark Spray deals 1 damage to target creature or player. Cycling (, Discard this card from your hand: Draw a card.)
It's the only kind of shower goblins will tolerate.
Cards like Spark Spray
In Magic: The Gathering, Spark Spray serves as an interesting piece in the repertoire of direct damage spells. Much like Shock, Spark Spray delivers a swift hit to creatures or players, though it only deals one damage. Shock, on the contrary, deals two damage but both cards share the low mana cost, making them early game assets for players looking to maintain pressure. Another parallel can be drawn with card Flame Slash, which costs the same but can only target creatures, however, it delivers a more substantial blow of four damage, excellent for taking down larger threats.
When eyeing the scope of one-mana red spells, Gut Shot is commonly cited. Gut Shot has the added versatility of being a Phyrexian mana spell, meaning it can be cast for life points instead of mana, offering flexibility in tight mana situations. Although it’s often used for its ability to disrupt an opponent’s early creatures, just like Spark Spray, the damage output is the same. Unlike Spark Spray, it isn’t solely red mana dependent, opening up possibilities in multicolored decks.
Delving into these comparisons highlights Spark Spray’s role as a useful tool in a MTG player’s arsenal, providing an inexpensive and quick option for dealing with immediate threats or finishing off weakened opponents.
Cards similar to Spark Spray by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Spark Spray. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Rift Slide | Premodern | Eternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent | |
| Boros Control | Premodern | Eternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Spark Spray offers a strategic edge as you can cycle it from your hand, replacing itself with another card, contributing to maintaining card consistency in your deck.
Resource Acceleration: While it doesn’t directly generate additional resources, Spark Spray’s low mana cost aids in managing your mana pool efficiently, allowing for a quicker response to battlefield threats.
Instant Speed: The flexibility of an instant-speed spell means Spark Spray can be cast at the most opportune moment, making it a versatile tool for disrupting your opponent’s plays without sacrificing your own turn’s plan.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Unlike other instant-speed removal options, Spark Spray doesn’t ask you to discard, which can be seen as a missed opportunity for synergizing with strategies that benefit from discarding.
Specific Mana Cost: Spark Spray requires red mana, which may not seamlessly fit into multicolored or non-red themed decks, potentially limiting its versatility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When considering its damage output, Spark Spray’s mana cost may be seen as inequitable compared to other direct damage spells, reducing its effectiveness in a mana-efficient strategy.
Reasons to Include Spark Spray in Your Collection
Versatility: Spark Spray proves to be a flexible card, seamlessly integrating into various red deck builds. Its ability to deal one damage makes it a useful tool against early game threats or planeswalker loyalty counters.
Combo Potential: Beyond just dealing damage, Spark Spray can synergize with decks that capitalize on spells being cast or instant-speed interactions, enriching your tactical arsenal during games.
Meta-Relevance: Considering its low cost and instant-speed playability, Spark Spray can be particularly effective in a meta dominated by aggressive strategies or where utility creatures with one toughness are prevalent.
How to beat
Spark Spray presents a unique challenge in Magic: The Gathering due to its versatility as a low-cost damage spell and cantrip. Like other direct damage spells, such as Shock, it gives players the ability to quickly remove small threats from the board. However, Spark Spray adds the strategic advantage of cycling, allowing a player to replace it if a direct damage spell isn’t needed at that moment.
Overcoming Spark Spray requires careful gameplay. One key is to prioritize the deployment of creatures with toughness greater than one to evade its damage. Additionally, holding instant-speed creature buffs can negate the impact of Spark Spray in critical moments, saving your creatures and preserving your board presence. Furthermore, presenting multiple threats simultaneously can dilute its effectiveness, as your opponent will only be able to target one with the Spark Spray. It’s also worth to consider playing around the opponent’s mana availability, as they need to keep one red open to potentially play Spark Spray.
In essence, while Spark Spray offers flexibility and efficiency, it can be outmaneuvered by thoughtfully increasing the resilience of your creatures, broadening threats, and timely use of buffs to ensure your key pieces remain intact on the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Spark Spray MTG card by a specific set like Scourge and Vintage Masters, 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 Spark Spray 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 Spark Spray Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2003-05-26 and 2023-01-13. Illustrated by Pete Venters.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2003-05-26 | Scourge | SCG | 105 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Pete Venters | |
| 2 | 2014-06-16 | Vintage Masters | VMA | 188 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Pete Venters | |
| 3 | 2023-01-13 | Dominaria Remastered | DMR | 141 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Pete Venters |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Spark Spray has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |