Tectonic Hazard MTG Card

Strategic versatility as it attacks creatures, planeswalkers, or disrupts lands, advantageous in various situations. Potential drawbacks include a discard requirement and a specific, and sometimes restrictive, mana cost. Worth collecting for its damage potential, meta-relevant removal capabilities, and combo possibilities.

Tectonic Hazard - The Lost Caverns of Ixalan

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	1
Rarity	Common
Type	Sorcery
Released	2023-11-17
Set symbol
Set name	The Lost Caverns of Ixalan
Set code	LCI
Number	169
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Jarel Threat

Text of card

Tectonic Hazard deals 1 damage to each opponent and each creature they control.

"The ground is on fire, the ceiling's made of spears, and I think a mushroom tried to curse me. Don't tell me not to panic!" —Jino Grag, Brazen Coalition scout

Cards like Tectonic Hazard

Tectonic Hazard is an impactful spell in the realm of land destruction within Magic: The Gathering, akin to other formidable cards that dismantle opponents’ mana bases. For instance, we have Stone Rain, a classic that removes lands at the same cost of three mana, but without the extras Tectonic Hazard offers. While Stone Rain focuses purely on the destruction of lands, Tectonic Hazard brings more to the table by potentially dealing damage to opponents if they control no basic lands.

Similarly, Molten Rain presents a comparable effect, destroying lands and inflicting damage, yet it specifically targets nonbasic lands and is slightly more expensive mana-wise. It resonates with Tectonic Hazard’s damage component but doesn’t provide the same breadth of utility against players without basic lands. On the other hand, we have Pillage, which not only obliterates lands but also artifacts, offering versatility but at the higher cost of three mana.

Delving into the dynamics of these cards, Tectonic Hazard affords a unique position in land disruption strategies in Magic: The Gathering. It injects a sense of risk for opponents playing high-stakes land bases without the safety of basic lands.

Cards similar to Tectonic Hazard by color, type and mana cost

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Tectonic Hazard offers a strategic benefit by potentially damaging multiple targets, which can lead to a decrease in an opponent’s creatures or planeswalkers. This can create a significant shift in board presence and hand resources as the advantage leans towards your side.

Resource Acceleration: This card has the potential to disrupt your opponent’s mana base by destroying their lands. Hindering their resource development can accelerate your lead in the game, giving you an edge to outpace your adversary.

Instant Speed: The versatility of Tectonic Hazard comes from its instant speed. This characteristic allows you to react to threats in real-time and utilize your mana efficiently. You can decide the most opportune moment to play Tectonic Hazard, making it a tactical asset during critical points of the match.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Tectonic Hazard demands that you discard a card to unleash its full potential. This activation condition could put you at a significant disadvantage, especially when your hand is already depleted or if the card you’re forced to discard is crucial to your strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: One of the drawbacks of Tectonic Hazard is the necessity for specific mana colors to cast it. It requires a precise combination, potentially restricting its integration in decks that run multiple colors or those that do not align with its color identity.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Tectonic Hazard can be impactful, its mana cost is on the higher end when comparing it to other removal or direct damage spells in the format. For players seeking efficient mana usage, there might be alternatives that offer similar or greater value for a lower or more flexible cost.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Tectonic Hazard offers a flexible role in decks that appreciate direct damage spells. With the capability to target creatures or planeswalkers, this card can adapt to various in-game situations, clearing a path for your attackers or disrupting your opponent’s strategy.

Combo Potential: This card’s damage output can be significantly augmented in decks focused on spell synergy or prowess-like mechanics. It can become a linchpin in a combo that aims to win the game through non-combat damage, complementing fiery finishers or enabling instant-speed interactions.

Meta-Relevance: As aggressive strategies often have a place in competitive play, Tectonic Hazard maintains relevance by offering an efficient removal option. Its presence in your arsenal keeps opponents wary of overcommitting to the board, providing you with a tactical edge in the current environment.

How to beat Tectonic Hazard

Tectonic Hazard can prove to be a disruptive force in MTG, punishing players who rely too heavily on nonbasic lands. To effectively counter this red sorcery card, a strategy centered around basic lands is key. Utilize a mana base that prioritizes Plains, Swamps, Mountains, Islands, and Forests to mitigate the damage Tectonic Hazard can inflict.

Consider also incorporating instant-speed removal spells that can neutralize threats before Tectonic Hazard can take advantage. Cards such as Lightning Bolt or Path to Exile offer efficient solutions to swiftly handle problematic creatures. What’s more, playing creatures with hexproof or indestructible abilities will ensure your battlefield presence remains uninterrupted by spells like Tectonic Hazard. Adjusting your strategy to emphasize resilience and adaptability will leave you well-equipped to outlast the destructive potential of this red sorcery.

In managing your deck and tactics against Tectonic Hazard, the inclusion of versatile cards and a stable mana base are paramount. By planning around its weaknesses and staying prepared for direct damage spells, you can ensure that Tectonic Hazard doesn’t undermine your path to victory in MTG.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Tectonic Hazard MTG card by a specific set like The Lost Caverns of Ixalan, 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 Tectonic Hazard and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Tectonic Hazard has restrictions

Format	Legality
Standard	Legal
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Alchemy	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Brawl	Legal
Penny	Legal
Timeless	Legal