Tears of Valakut MTG Card

Efficient removal of flying creatures helps maintain board control and game momentum. Played at instant speed, offering versatile response options during critical phases. Uncounterable nature makes it a unique option against hexproof flyers in MTG.

Tears of Valakut - Oath of the Gatewatch

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Instant
Released	2016-01-22
Set symbol
Set name	Oath of the Gatewatch
Set code	OGW
Number	118
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Noah Bradley

Text of card

Tears of Valakut can't be countered by spells or abilities. Tears of Valakut deals 5 damage to target creature with flying.

When Kozilek destroyed Sea Gate, distant Valakut could not contain its grief.

Cards like Tears of Valakut

Tears of Valakut is an intriguing card in the realm of red instant spells designed to take down flyers. Functionally akin to cards such as Rending Volley, Tears of Valakut offers the unique upside of being uncounterable which allows it to stand out. While Rending Volley costs less mana, it doesn’t guarantee that your spell will resolve against blue-based control decks that are heavy on counterspells.

Another card worth mentioning in this context is Plummet. This two-mana green instant offers a simple and straight solution to eliminate flying creatures. Unlike Tears of Valakut, Plummet does not circumvent counter spells but it fits in decks that might not support the double red mana requirement of Tears of Valakut. Then there’s Roast, yet another red spell which excels in taking down grounded threats but falls short against flying creatures, a void that Tears of Valakut fills effectively.

Ultimately, for decks tasked with the challenging feat of overcoming flying creatures while also countering blue control strategies, Tears of Valakut serves as a specialized tool. Its no-nonsense, uncounterable nature makes it a valuable asset in Magic: The Gathering strategies that aim to maintain superiority in aerial combat.

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Tears of Valakut. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#	Name	Format	Archetype	Event
	URG	Pioneer		Pioneer Challenge 32 2024-05-06
	Izzet Phoenix	Pioneer	Izzet Phoenix	ReCQ - Pioneer - SCG CON Philadelphia - Friday - 1:30 pm (Bronze)

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Tears of Valakut doesn’t directly draw cards, it offers a strategic advantage by removing a flyer that could be a threat or blocker, effectively keeping your cards on the board and maintaining pressure on your opponent.

Resource Acceleration: This card does not provide direct resource acceleration in terms of mana or tokens. However, by efficiently dealing with a threat for only five mana and potentially saving your creatures from being blocked or destroyed, it conserves your in-game resources for other plays.

Instant Speed: The ability to play Tears of Valakut at instant speed ensures you have the flexibility to respond to threats at the most opportune time, making it a versatile tool in your arsenal. Whether you’re disrupting an opponent’s combat phase or preempting end-of-turn plays, the timing of this card can be crucial.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Unlike other burn spells, Tears of Valakut doesn’t ask you to pitch a card, giving it an edge in maintaining hand advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring two red mana limits Tears of Valakut to primarily red or red-inclusive decks, excluding it from broader use.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing three mana and two red specifically, there are instances when lower-cost alternatives could be more optimal for swift threat mitigation.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Tears of Valakut offers a unique form of interaction that bypasses hexproof, making it a niche but effective choice against creatures normally out of reach for targeted spells.

Combo Potential: This instant has synergetic effects within decks that aim to control the skies by clearing out opposing dragons, angels, or sphinxes, paving the way for your aerial threats.

Meta-Relevance: With a meta that sees a good deal of flying creatures dominating the battlefield, Tears of Valakut becomes a highly relevant sideboard card to turn the tides of aerial combat in your favor.

How to Beat Tears of Valakut

Tears of Valakut presents a unique challenge in MTG due to its ability to bypass hexproof, targeting and dealing 5 damage to flying creatures regardless of any protective abilities they may possess. This makes cards like Dragonlord Ojutai or Sphinx of the Final Word, which usually dodge removal, vulnerable to this red instant spell.

To counteract Tears of Valakut, players should consider strategies that protect against targeted spells. Cards such as Blossoming Defense or Heroic Intervention grant your creatures hexproof, making them unsusceptible to this removal despite Tears of Valakut’s exceptional clause. Another strategy involves deploying creatures that don’t rely solely on flying, thus reducing your vulnerability to this specific threat. Alternatively, countering it directly with spells like Negate or Dovin’s Veto can ensure your flyers continue to dominate the skies.

Understanding Tears of Valakut’s rare capacity to target creatures commonly out of reach highlights the importance of diverse defense mechanisms within decks. Comprehensive strategies that mitigate the impact of such direct and unusual removal options can make all the difference during gameplay, ensuring your aerial forces maintain control of the battlefield.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Tears of Valakut MTG card by a specific set like Oath of the Gatewatch, 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 Tears of Valakut and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Tears of Valakut has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Pioneer	Legal