Steam Blast MTG Card
1998-10-12 - Number 219
1999-11-12 - Number 81
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
Steam Blast deals 2 damage to each creature and player.
The viashino knew of the cracked pipes but deliberately left them unmended to bolster the rig's defenses.
Cards like Steam Blast
Steam Blast offers a place in Magic: The Gathering for players looking to deliver quick, widespread damage. Its effect resonates with cards like Pyroclasm, both designed to deal damage to multiple creatures at once. However, while Pyroclasm deals a fixed two damage to each creature, Steam Blast’s damage potential increases with the more mana you invest into it, providing a scalable threat according to your available resources.
Another card on the radar is Volcanic Fallout, which is akin to Steam Blast in its ability to affect all creatures. Yet, Fallout is distinct with its uncounterable nature and consistent two points of damage that also hits players, offering a more predictable outcome. On the spectrum of cost and effect, Arc Trail stands out for its ability to damage two targets of choice rather than a blanket effect, giving players a precision tool against specific threats.
Evaluating the range of damage spells in Magic: The Gathering, Steam Blast finds a strategic niche. It caters to players ready to harness a potentially devastating blow to their opponent’s board with the right amount of mana, demonstrating its situational yet powerful role in direct damage spells.
Cards similar to Steam Blast by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Steam Blast enables players to deal with multiple threats at once, potentially clearing the board of smaller creatures and tipping the balance in terms of card advantage.
Resource Acceleration: While it doesn’t directly generate additional resources, the efficiency of Steam Blast can save mana in tight situations, indirectly contributing to resource acceleration by preserving mana for subsequent turns.
Instant Speed: The real strength of Steam Blast lies in its instant speed, allowing you to react swiftly to your opponent’s moves. You can effectively disrupt their strategy during their turn or at the end of their turn, keeping the element of surprise on your side.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Steam Blast forces players to pitch a card from their hand. When your hand size is already dwindling, this card becomes a risky play that might hinder gameplay rather than providing the desired advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a combination of three red mana, which can lead to a narrow application. Decks that don’t run heavily on red may find it challenging to cast Steam Blast consistently, making it less versatile in a multi-color deck.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost of three red mana, Steam Blast’s impact on the game might not align with its mana investment. At this casting cost, one would expect a substantial effect, but in a game where efficiency is vital, other cards can potentially offer more bang for your mana buck.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Steam Blast is a flexible card that can be slotted into a variety of decks. With its potential to deal damage across multiple targets, it becomes a useful tool for players looking to control the board or finish off weakened opponents.
Combo Potential: This card works well with strategies that amplify damage or benefit from casting instant and sorcery spells. It can be the key part of a combination that turns the tide in your favor quickly, potentially snagging a win from an otherwise bleak situation.
Meta-Relevance: Given the dynamic nature of the MTG meta, Steam Blast’s ability to disrupt creature-heavy boards or punish closely contested life totals can be invaluable. Its relevance grows in environments where creatures play a major role in winning the game.
How to beat
Steam Blast is a potent card that can significantly impact the board state in Magic: The Gathering. With the ability to deal 2 damage to each creature and each player, Steam Blast can swiftly equalize the playing field, especially in games with multiple creatures on board. To effectively play against this card, consider employing strategies that involve indestructible creatures, as they would be unaffected by its damage. Spellskite is another valuable card in this scenario, offering the ability to redirect the spell’s effect, thus conserving your creature’s vitality.
Additionally, countering spells play a crucial role against Steam Blast. Having a counter ready when your opponent is poised to unleash this spell can save your creatures and maintain your life total. Look at options like Mana Leak or Negate which can serve as the perfect foil to Steam Blast’s devastating potential. Lastly, prioritizing the use of creatures with toughness greater than 2 can also offer a buffer against the damage, ensuring your board presence persists after the blast.
Understanding the timings and key interactions within the game allows you to anticipate and thwart the effects of Steam Blast, turning potential defeat into a strategic advantage on the MTG battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Steam Blast 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 Steam Blast and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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 Steam Blast Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1998-10-12 and 1999-11-12. Illustrated by Mike Raabe.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1998-10-12 | Urza's Saga | USG | 219 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Mike Raabe | |
| 2 | 1999-11-12 | Battle Royale Box Set | BRB | 81 | 1997 | Normal | White | Mike Raabe |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Steam Blast has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |