Thunderheads MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 3 |
Rarity | Uncommon |
Type | Instant |
Abilities | Replicate |
Text of card
Replicate (When you cast this spell, copy it for each time you paid its replicate cost.) Create a 3/3 blue Weird creature token with defender and flying. Exile it at the beginning of the next end step.
The clouds grew thick, and then the grew teeth.
Cards like Thunderheads
Thunderheads finds its niche in Magic the Gathering as both a defensive and tempo play, granting players the ability to create evasive creatures. When examining its peers in the instant-speed creature creation space, we can look to cards like Eyes in the Skies. While Eyes in the Skies also produces a flyer, it does not have the replicating capability of Thunderheads, which can potentially build a more substantial presence over time if you’re continually casting instants or sorceries.
Another akin card is Midnight Haunting, providing an immediate pair of flying tokens. Though it doesn’t capitalize on spell-slinging, its unwavering output of threats can apply consistent pressure. However, Thunderheads excels in decks built around instant and sorcery synergy, getting more value as the game progresses. Docent of Perfection is another card that rewards casting noncreature spells with flying tokens but requires a transformation to do so, whereas Thunderheads offers immediate board influence.
Thunderheads, with its unique ability to swell your ranks under the right conditions, holds a distinctive place. It shines in situations where you’re able to consistently trigger its replication effect, making it a standout choice for players who enjoy instant-based strategies in Magic the Gathering.
Cards similar to Thunderheads by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
When examining the benefits of the iconic Thunderheads card in the world of MTG, players often look for key attributes that can turn the tide of a match. Three such attributes that come with Thunderheads are card advantage, resource acceleration, and instant speed, all of which serve to enhance a player’s position on the battlefield.
Card Advantage: Thunderheads has the power to create multiple tokens, generating a formidable defense and ensuring card efficiency. This ability to proliferate your side of the board without depleting your hand contributes to valuable card advantage.
Resource Acceleration: The tokens generated by Thunderheads can be utilized in a myriad of ways, acting as blockers or as a means to facilitate powerful synergies within your deck. This translates into an accelerated board presence, setting you up for more aggressive plays in future turns.
Instant Speed: The instant nature of Thunderheads allows for strategic flexibility. You can respond decisively to your opponent’s actions, deploying blockers or creating a surprise counterforce at a moment’s notice. Such instant speed maneuvers keep your opponents guessing and give you the upper hand during crucial phases of the game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Thunderheads demands player engagement by requiring a card discard for its replicate mechanic. This can be especially taxing when your hand is already dwindling, potentially forcing you to sacrifice valuable cards to fuel its effect.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s dependency on blue mana makes it inherently restrictive, often confining it to mono-blue or two-color decks that can reliably meet its casting requirements without compromising mana diversity.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a starting cost of four mana, Thunderheads may fall behind in the race for efficiency. Considering the pace of the current meta, players might find that other spells offer more immediate board presence or control options at a lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include Thunderheads in Your Collection
Versatility: Thunderheads offers a unique blend of defensive play and token generation. It’s a fitting addition to decks that thrive on instant-speed interaction, allowing you to create blockers while keeping mana open for other surprises.
Combo Potential: The card pairs exceptionally well with effects that capitalize on the summoning of creatures or spells cast during your opponent’s turn. This potential to synergize makes it a noteworthy piece in intricate combo builds.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state dominated by aggressive creature decks, Thunderheads can serve as a crucial surprise element. It generates blockers that can deter attacks and protect your life total, aligning well with the control aspects of various metas.
How to beat
Thunderheads is an intriguing instant card in Magic: The Gathering known for creating evasive 3/3 blue Elemental creature tokens with flying. Dealing with Thunderheads involves a strategy that disrupts the tempo and utility it provides. Key to overcoming it is the preemptive use of cards that either counter spells or remove creature tokens. Targeted removal spells or board wipes can effectively clear the created tokens from the battlefield. Alternatively, employing instant speed removal or damage spells in response to the token’s creation can neutralize the threat before it solidifies. Cards like Echoing Truth can bounce all tokens of the same kind back to the owner’s hand, nullifying the effort and mana spent.
Understanding the stack and timing is vital. Since Thunderheads requires a spell to be targeted to trigger, utilizing cards that protect your spells or using spells that cannot be countered are also effective ways to mitigate its impact. Cards such as Cavern of Souls ensure your creatures can’t be countered, sidestepping the trap altogether. Ultimately, by blending these strategies, you can navigate around Thunderheads’ potential and maintain control of the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Thunderheads MTG card by a specific set like Guildpact and Guildpact, 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 Thunderheads 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
Printings
The Thunderheads Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2006-02-03 and 2018-11-02. Illustrated by Hideaki Takamura.
# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2006-02-03 | Guildpact | GPT | 37★ | 2015 | Normal | Black | Hideaki Takamura | |
2 | 2006-02-03 | Guildpact | GPT | 37 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Hideaki Takamura | |
3 | 2012-09-07 | Duel Decks: Izzet vs. Golgari | DDJ | 23 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Hideaki Takamura | |
4 | 2018-11-02 | GRN Guild Kit | GK1 | 27 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Hideaki Takamura |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Thunderheads has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Commander | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Modern | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Predh | Legal |
Penny | Legal |