Thunderheads MTG Card


Generates multiple flying tokens at instant speed for strong defensive and surprise tactics. Excels in instant and sorcery-focused decks, enhancing spell-slinging strategies. Unique replication ability distinguishes it from similar creature-generating spells.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeInstant
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.

Eyes in the Skies - MTG Card versions
Midnight Haunting - MTG Card versions
Eyes in the Skies - MTG Card versions
Midnight Haunting - MTG Card versions

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Psionic Blast - MTG Card versions
Capsize - MTG Card versions
Forbid - MTG Card versions
Frantic Search - MTG Card versions
Exclude - MTG Card versions
Hibernation - MTG Card versions
Circular Logic - MTG Card versions
Keep Watch - MTG Card versions
Archmage's Charm - MTG Card versions
Commander's Insight - MTG Card versions
Catalog - MTG Card versions
Thirst for Knowledge - MTG Card versions
Murmurs from Beyond - MTG Card versions
Dream Fracture - MTG Card versions
Oona's Grace - MTG Card versions
Cancel - MTG Card versions
Deluge - MTG Card versions
Stoic Rebuttal - MTG Card versions
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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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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.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12006-02-03GuildpactGPT 37★2015NormalBlackHideaki Takamura
22006-02-03GuildpactGPT 372003NormalBlackHideaki Takamura
32012-09-07Duel Decks: Izzet vs. GolgariDDJ 232003NormalBlackHideaki Takamura
42018-11-02GRN Guild KitGK1 272015NormalBlackHideaki Takamura

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Thunderheads has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal