Thundering Rebuke MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Sorcery |
| Released | 2020-09-25 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Zendikar Rising |
| Set code | ZNR |
| Number | 170 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Campbell White |
Text of card
Thundering Rebuke deals 4 damage to target creature or planeswalker.
"Fire is too imprecise for my tastes. I'd rather rely on a single, well-placed bolt of lightning." —Lyrus, Sea Gate wizard
Cards like Thundering Rebuke
Thundering Rebuke is a robust removal spell within Magic: The Gathering, offering players a solid option to target and damage creatures or planeswalkers. It bears resemblance to other red damage spells like Lightning Strike or Roil Eruption. These deliver direct damage as well but come with their distinctions. Where Lightning Strike sacrifices target range for speed, being an instant, Thundering Rebuke holds the advantage of being able to reach higher toughness targets or planeswalkers, although at sorcery speed.
Roil Eruption brings flexibility to the table with its kicker cost, allowing it to scale up the damage when more mana is available. Though at its base, it falls short of the four damage threshold that Thundering Rebuke achieves, which is critical for eliminating a wider range of threats in the game.
While considering removal options, Thundering Rebuke’s straightforward nature and potential to deal with more sturdy creatures or influential planeswalkers make it a compelling choice in red deck strategies. Balancing speed, damage potential, and cost, it represents a dependable removal tool, especially in environments where planeswalkers have a significant presence.
Cards similar to Thundering Rebuke by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Thundering Rebuke. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Mono-Red Midrange | Gladiator | Gladiator Team Unified League | |
 | Izzet Control | Gladiator | Sword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 15 2024 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Thundering Rebuke lets you remove a threat from the board without losing a card yourself, effectively putting you ahead in the exchange. It’s an efficient way to deal with specific creatures, maintaining a crucial balance on the battlefield.
Resource Acceleration: While Thundering Rebuke doesn’t directly accelerate your resources, it does efficiently handle opponents’ creatures for a mere two mana. This cost-effective removal aids in maintaining tempo and leading to more formidable plays later on.
Instant Speed: Though Thundering Rebuke is a sorcery, its ability to be cast in your main phase assures that you can prioritize your mana usage effectively, preserving resources for the most opportune moments, leading to strategically advantageous plays.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Unlike some removal spells that don’t require extra sacrifices, Thundering Rebuke could be seen as less flexible due to its straightforward damage-based effect without any additional benefits or conditions.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost for Thundering Rebuke is particular, requiring one generic and one red mana, which might not be as easily accommodated outside mono-red or dual-colored decks that include red as part of their mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Dealing 4 damage to a creature or planeswalker for two mana may seem efficient, but in faster paced games, the investment can be steep relative to spells that deal with threats immediately or at a lower cost.
Reasons to Include Thundering Rebuke in Your Collection
Versatility: Thundering Rebuke is a red sorcery spell that can be slotted into various decks that require efficient removal. It’s great for targeting key creatures that your opponent controls, helping to maintain board control.
Combo Potential: While Thundering Rebuke may not directly contribute to combo strategies, its ability to clear the board of potential threats allows your more intricate combo pieces to operate without interference, thereby indirectly supporting your win condition.
Meta-Relevance: Given that creatures and planeswalkers often play pivotal roles in many MTG matches, Thundering Rebuke is particularly relevant. It can disrupt opponent strategies and remove key pieces, making it a valuable asset in a constantly evolving metagame.
How to beat
Thundering Rebuke represents a robust removal option for red mages in Magic: The Gathering. This spell swiftly dispatches creatures or planeswalkers with its 4 damage output for mere two mana. When encountering Thundering Rebuke, it’s essential for players to be strategic about creature deployment. The trick lies in presenting threats that exceed the 4-damage threshold, placing them out of Rebuke’s reach.
Moreover, playing creatures with hexproof or indestructible attributes can severely mitigate the impact of this card, rendering it virtually ineffective. Cards like Blossoming Defense pave the way for protective plays, shielding key creatures from being targeted by such removal spells. Additionally, playing instant-speed creatures after the opponent has tapped out for Thundering Rebuke ensures that your threats land safely on the battlefield, ready to press the advantage.
Conserving counter spells for pivotal moments can also be key. Countering a Thundering Rebuke may not always be high priority, but in some instances, it could mean protecting a win condition or preserving a creature vital to your strategy. The agility to adapt and the astuteness to predict when Thundering Rebuke might strike can turn the tides in your favor during gameplay.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Thundering Rebuke MTG card by a specific set like Zendikar Rising, 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 Thundering Rebuke 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Thundering Rebuke has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |