Thunderbolt MTG Card

Instant speed and flexibility make Thunderbolt a versatile option for handling aerial threats or dealing direct damage. Despite versatility, the card’s requirement for specific mana and potential for hand disruption present limitations. Thunderbolt remains a meta-relevant choice, countering common flying threats and enhancing damage-based strategies.

Weatherlight (WTH)
1997-06-09 - Number 115

Beatdown Box Set (BTD)
2000-10-01 - Number 48

Avacyn Restored (AVR)
2012-05-04 - Number 159

Card sets	Released in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Instant

Text of card

Thunderbolt deals 3 damage to target player or 4 damage to target creature with flying.

"Most wizards consider a thunderbolt to be a proper retort." —Ertai, wizard adept

Cards like Thunderbolt

In the realm of Magic: The Gathering, Thunderbolt carves out a niche for itself amongst direct damage spells. It parallels cards like Lightning Bolt, a quintessential one-drop that deals three damage to any target. Thunderbolt takes a different approach, dealing damage exclusively to flying creatures, or, under specific conditions, can target a player. Its ability to potentially deal four damage for just two mana situates it as a situational but powerful tool in a player’s arsenal.

Looking at another comparison, we have Stormblood Berserker, which, whilst not a direct damage spell, presents the same cost of two mana. This creature benefits from bloodthirst, gaining power if an opponent was dealt damage this turn. It suggests a different kind of value to a deck, highlighting Thunderbolt’s role as immediate removal over board presence.

Considering these counterparts, Thunderbolt offers a special blend of efficiency and adaptive removal. It may not boast the universal application of Lightning Bolt, but in the right scenario, Thunderbolt provides a surprising amount of reach against aerial threats or can finish off an opponent unexpectedly. This makes it a card worthy of note in strategies tailored to controlling the skies.

Stormblood Berserker - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Thunderbolt by color, type and mana cost

Smash to Smithereens - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Thunderbolt strikes with intensity by potentially removing an opponent’s key flying creature, effectively reducing their on-board resources while preserving yours. Moreover, it deals notable damage to your adversaries, giving you the upper edge in life count.

Resource Acceleration: Fast and effective, this card can swiftly change the pace of the match. It serves as a quick tool to suppress the development of your opponent’s threats, potentially saving your mana for pivotal turns where board control or tempo is at stake.

Instant Speed: Versatility is the hallmark of Thunderbolt. Its instant-speed capacity ensures that you have the utmost flexibility to disrupt your opponent’s strategy at the most opportune moment. Whether it’s casting in response to an incoming aerial threat or as a surprise finisher, this card operates on your terms and time.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Carrying a discard requirement, Thunderbolt may force you to lose a valuable card in hand, potentially disrupting your game plan and leaving you at a strategic disadvantage.

Specific Mana Cost: This MTG card demands a specific mana cost that includes red mana, which can be restrictive and may not seamlessly fit into multicolor decks that don’t focus on red mana resources.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When weighing the overall impact, Thunderbolt’s mana cost is relatively high considering its direct damage output. In MTG’s vast card pool, you can find alternatives that offer more bang for your buck or lower cost options that achieve a similar effect.

Reasons to Include Thunderbolt in Your Collection

Versatility: Thunderbolt is a flexible card, seamlessly fitting into a broad range of decks that might need efficient removal against flying creatures or a quick way to deal direct damage. Its ability to serve dual purposes makes it valuable for sideboards as well.

Combo Potential: With its low mana cost and instant speed, Thunderbolt can be a surprise factor in combinations that thrive on damaging opponents or creatures quickly. It’s also handy for decks looking to capitalize on spell-slinging synergies for a last-minute win.

Meta-Relevance: Given the frequent presence of powerful flying creatures in many competitive formats, Thunderbolt remains relevant as a counter-measure. Its capacity to eliminate key threats or finish off an opponent underscores its practicality in various meta environments.

How to beat

Thunderbolt is a classic card well-known to players of Magic: The Gathering. Thunderbolt excels in delivering direct damage, able to target either a flying creature or hit a player directly. It finds its place in decks focused on rapid damage output, specifically in the red archetype known for its aggressive strategy and quick gameplay. However, reliance on direct damage spells means that an opponent must be strategic in countering this powerful card.

To effectively nullify Thunderbolt, consider employing strategies that minimize the card’s impact. Utilize counterspells to prevent Thunderbolt from resolving. Alternatively, using cards that grant your creatures hexproof can protect them from being targeted. Also, Thunderbolt is limited by its specific target condition of hitting flying creatures, so opting for creatures without flying can sidestep its damage. Additionally, incorporating life gain mechanics into your deck can help buffer the health loss caused by Thunderbolt. Finally, since Thunderbolt is a sorcery, it can’t be casted on an opponent’s turn, which allows you to plan around its timing and play creatures post-damage.

Resilience in the face of direct damage spells like Thunderbolt can turn the tide in MTG, and understanding the range and limits of these cards is essential in crafting a strategy to beat them on the battlefield.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Thunderbolt MTG card by a specific set like Weatherlight and Beatdown 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 Thunderbolt and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Thunderbolt Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1997-06-09 and 2012-05-04. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	1997-06-09	Weatherlight	WTH	115	1997	Normal	Black	Dylan Martens
2	2000-10-01	Beatdown Box Set	BTD	48	1997	Normal	White	Dylan Martens
3	2012-05-04	Avacyn Restored	AVR	159	2003	Normal	Black	Anthony Francisco

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Thunderbolt has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal