Volcanic Upheaval MTG Card

Strategically destroys lands to disrupt opponent strategies, potentially turning the tide of the game. Instant speed allows for flexible play, interrupting opponents during critical phases. Mana cost and color specificity may limit its inclusion in diverse decks.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Common
Type	Instant
Released	2015-10-02
Set symbol
Set name	Battle for Zendikar
Set code	BFZ
Number	161
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Yeong-Hao Han

Text of card

Destroy target land.

Like a living organism, Zendikar rids itself of infection, and it does so abruptly and ruthlessly.

Cards like Volcanic Upheaval

Volcanic Upheaval offers players a disruptive tool in MTG, bearing a resemblance to the sublime land destruction spell, Stone Rain. Both spells share the primary function of targeting lands to impede opponents’ mana bases. Volcanic Upheaval, however, demands a higher mana cost but provides the flexibility of an instant-speed response, allowing players to foil their opponents’ strategies during any phase of the turn.

Adjacent to this, we find Demolish, which not only destroys lands but targets artifacts as well. Unlike Volcanic Upheaval, Demolish operates at sorcery speed which limits its tactical use to the caster’s turn. It sits at a similar mana cost but lacks the surprise element invoked by instant-speed cards. Conversely, Molten Rain pushes the envelope by dealing additional damage to the opponent upon destroying a land, although it comes with a specific color requirement of red mana.

Assessing the strengths of these cards highlights Volcanic Upheaval’s value as a strategic play in MTG. Its instant nature allows players to maintain a reactive posture, potentially altering the course of the game by disrupting crucial mana resources at the most opportune times.

Cards similar to Volcanic Upheaval by color, type and mana cost

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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Volcanic Upheaval doesn’t directly provide card advantage in the traditional sense; however, by strategically destroying an opponent’s land, it can indirectly tip the scales in your favor by setting back their strategy and resource base.

Resource Acceleration: Although not a traditional resource acceleration card, Volcanic Upheaval can be considered a form of resource denial, which in certain circumstances can act as pseudo-resource acceleration for you if it puts you ahead of your opponent in crucial stages of the game.

Instant Speed: The ability to cast Volcanic Upheaval at instant speed offers flexibility in gameplay. It allows you to disrupt your opponent’s plans on their turn, perhaps in response to them tapping out for a crucial spell or land-based ability, maximizing the impact of your land destruction.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the drawbacks of Volcanic Upheaval is that it doesn’t necessarily provide immediate value without a discard mechanic. Unlike some other spells that allow you to cycle or discard as part of their cost for added flexibility, this card lacks that utility, making it potentially less appealing in situations where hand management is critical.

Specific Mana Cost: Volcanic Upheaval has a specific mana cost that requires two red mana. This requirement can restrict deck building as it necessitates a heavier commitment to red mana sources, potentially making the card unfeasible in multi-color decks that don’t focus heavily on red.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its four mana total cost, Volcanic Upheaval can seem expensive when there are more cost-efficient alternatives for land destruction or direct removal in the game. Players often seek out cards that offer more impact or versatility for the same or lower mana investment.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Volcanic Upheaval offers a powerful response option for any deck that aims to keep the board clear of troublesome lands. It’s especially useful in formats where land-based strategies are dominant.

Combo Potential: This card can work well in decks that capitalize on land destruction for devastating combos, disrupting opponents’ mana bases while setting the stage for your winning plays.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where utility lands or land-centric decks are making a splash, Volcanic Upheaval can serve as a crucial technique to level the playing field or even tilt it in your favor.

How to beat

Volcanic Upheaval presents a strategic disruption tool within the realms of Magic: The Gathering, particularly known for its land destruction ability. When faced against this force, it’s crucial to play around the potential loss of your valuable lands. One way to hedge against this disruptive spell is by diversifying your land base to ensure that losing one won’t put you completely off balance. Including lands with indestructible characteristics, such as Darksteel Citadel, can render Volcanic Upheaval’s effect inconsequential.

Also, utilizing spells that can quickly replace lands, like those that search your library for land cards, can help to promptly restore your board state. Additionally, players can benefit from cards that operate from the graveyard, granting resilience against land destruction by providing an alternate source of value. It’s also beneficial to maintain a watchful stance when playing valuable lands if you suspect your opponent holds a Volcanic Upheaval in their hand, readying countermeasures to minimize its impact.

Careful planning and maintaining a versatile approach can significantly reduce the burden Volcanic Upheaval might impose, ensuring you stay agile and resourceful throughout your gameplay.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Volcanic Upheaval MTG card by a specific set like Battle for Zendikar, 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 Volcanic Upheaval and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Volcanic Upheaval has restrictions

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