Starfall MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
| Released | 2014-05-02 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Journey into Nyx |
| Set code | JOU |
| Number | 114 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Chris Rahn |
Text of card
Starfall deals 3 damage to target creature. If that creature is an enchantment, Starfall deals 3 damage to that creature's controller.
"The most brilliant stars are not born of Nyx." —Rhexenor, Akroan flamespeaker
Cards like Starfall
Starfall is an interesting spell that joins the enchanting arena of damage-dealing cards in Magic: The Gathering. It conjures memories of classic burn spells such as Lightning Bolt, due to its potential for delivering a swift strike to creatures. However, Starfall shines differently as it not only deals damage but also has the added benefit of scrying, allowing you to better shape your upcoming draws. Unlike Lightning Bolt, Starfall’s versatility is seen in the way it affects the board state and future plays.
Taking a look at similar cards, we’re reminded of Flames of the Raze-Boar which offers damage as well but targets creatures your opponents control based on another creature’s power. It lacks the scry ability but compensates with potentially higher damage output. Another comparable card, Jaya’s Greeting, inflicts damage while allowing a scry, akin to Starfall, but it is limited to creature targets and doesn’t provide the broader reach Starfall does with its potential to hit the player directly as well.
In evaluating these spells side by side, Starfall presents a balanced mix of immediate impact and long-term game planning, making it a noteworthy choice among MTG’s array of damage and scry spells.
Cards similar to Starfall by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Enhances your hand by letting you play an additional land during your turn, ensuring you consistently outpace your opponent in resources.
Resource Acceleration: Grants an extra land drop that significantly speeds up your ability to play high-cost cards well ahead of the curve.
Instant Speed: Can be cast during your opponent’s end step, allowing you to keep up defenses and strategically play it when it’s most advantageous.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: When deploying Starfall in your deck, one of the drawbacks is the need to discard another card. This trade-off can set you back, especially when your hand is already running low on options. This requirement can strain your resources significantly at pivotal moments in the game.
Specific Mana Cost: Sporting a particular mana cost that is not always easily accommodated, Starfall necessitates a specific color combination. This limitation can restrict its integration into a variety of decks, especially those not aligned with its color identity.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Starfall can potentially be a game-changer, its mana cost is on the higher side when compared to other cards with similar effects. Players may find this cost-prohibitive, opting for more mana-efficient options that provide similar benefits with less investment.
Reasons to Include Starfall in Your Collection
Versatility: Starfall brings considerable value to decks looking for targeted creature removal while also enabling landfall strategies. It can seamlessly integrate into both aggressive and control decks that prioritize mana curve efficiency.
Combo Potential: The damage dealt to creatures by Starfall can trigger a variety of effects across the board, from enrage mechanics in dinosaur-themed decks to prowess in spell-slinger builds. It’s a spark that can ignite a cascade of combo reactions.
Meta-Relevance: In a game where creatures often dictate the pace, having a spell like Starfall to control the battlefield can be crucial. Its utility in removing key threats makes it a relevant choice in many match-ups, ensuring your deck stays competitive in the evolving game environment.
How to beat
Starfall is a spellbinding card that players can encounter in a match of Magic: The Gathering. It is unique in its ability to deal damage to creatures and potentially modify the course of the game by its prowess in the night skies. The key to overpowering this celestial power lies in strategic game pacing and clever deck construction.
Foremost, creatures with a higher toughness provide resilience against Starfall’s damage, minimizing its impact on the battlefield. Furthermore, leveraging instant-speed spells that can bolster a creature’s toughness in response to a Starfall cast ensures your forces stand firm against this astral assault. Cards tailored for indestructibility or protection from red can also serve as staunch defenses, rendering Starfall’s effects largely inconsequential. Timing is crucial as well; assess when your opponent may have Starfall at their disposal and plan your moves to ensure the safety of your key creatures or to bait out the card ineffectively.
In essence, defeating Starfall requires foresight and finesse, balancing proactive strategies with reactive tactics. By incorporating these measures into your arsenal, you can navigate around the potential devastation brought by this formidable MTG card.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Starfall MTG card by a specific set like Journey into Nyx, 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 Starfall 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 Starfall has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |