Voltage Surge MTG Card
2022-02-18 - Number 171
2022-02-18 - Number 15
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
As an additional cost to cast this spell, you may sacrifice an artifact. Voltage Surge deals 2 damage to target creature or planeswalker. If this spell's additional cost was paid, Voltage Surge deals 4 damage instead.
Cards like Voltage Surge
Voltage Surge stands out in the realm of red direct damage spells within Magic: The Gathering. Sharing similarities with Shock, Voltage Surge also deals direct damage, though Shock does so at a lower mana cost and without additional benefits. Voltage Surge notably offers the ability to destroy target artifact if it’s kicked, which provides versatility Shock is lacking.
On a parallel note, Abrade brings flexibility to the table as well. It offers two modes: dealing 3 damage to a creature or destroying an artifact at instant speed for two mana. While Abrade does not have the kicking mechanic, its instant utility keeps it in a strong position compared to Voltage Surge, especially in reactive situations.
Another comparable card is Galvanic Blast, which also interacts with artifacts by having the Metalcraft ability — dealing extra damage if you control three or more artifacts. Though it doesn’t put emphasis on artifact destruction, the potential to deal 4 damage makes it a powerful contender.
To sum up, Voltage Surge’s dual capacity to deal damage and act as a preemptive strike against artifacts puts it in a valuable slot for any player looking to enhance their red deck strategies in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Voltage Surge by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Voltage Surge. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Izzet Pirates | Standard | Izzet Pirates | Standard League 2024-03-21 |
 | Izzet Ensoul Artifact | Pioneer | Izzet Ensoul Artifact | Pioneer League 2024-05-18 |
| Izzet Artifact Aggro | Standard | Izzet Artifact Aggro | Standard Challenge 32 2024-05-04 |
 | Temur Indomitable Creativity | Pioneer | Temur Indomitable Creativity | Pioneer League 2024-03-16 |
 | UR | Standard | Standard Challenge 64 2024-04-21 | |
 | Temur Calamity | Standard | Temur Control | Pro Tour Thunder Junction |
 | Izzet Control | Standard | Izzet Control | Traditional Standard Ranked Decklists: April 15, 2024 |
| Temur Midrange | Standard | Temur Control | Standard $1k RCQ Invite Cyphacon MTG Weekend |
 | Grixis Sacrifice | Standard | Grixis Sacrifice | The Pizza Box Open: Standard |
 | Naya Aggro | Standard | Naya Exile | Classic Qualifier Prague 2024 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Voltage Surge offers direct control by allowing you to remove a key artifact or creature early in the game, keeping your hand flush with resources.
Resource Acceleration: This card seamlessly fits into decks that have artifact synergies, potentially turning a used-up artifact into a strategic advantage while dealing damage.
Instant Speed: Its instant speed provides flexibility, enabling you to disrupt opponents’ strategies during their turn and keep them guessing about your next move.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Voltage Surge necessitates the sacrifice of an artifact or discarding a card to utilize its full potential. This stipulation may pose a setback for players, especially when hand or board presence is already strained, reducing strategic flexibility.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting requirement strictly demands red mana, which can be restrictive. Players running multicolor decks might face challenges in accommodating such specific mana needs without impacting the deck’s overall mana base consistency.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The card’s casting cost is considered high for its direct damage output. In the MTG universe, where efficiency is paramount, there are alternative spells that offer similar or better damage-to-mana cost ratios, making them more appealing choices in a competitive setting.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Voltage Surge offers unparalleled flexibility, smoothly integrating into numerous deck archetypes. Its capability to target both creatures and planeswalkers makes it a solid choice for control and midrange decks alike.
Combo Potential: With its artifact sacrificing mechanic, Voltage Surge adds depth to decks that synergize with artifact dynamics, potentially unlocking powerful combinations and gaining value from otherwise expendable resources.
Meta-Relevance: As the metagame evolves, interaction with creatures and planeswalkers remains critical. Voltage Surge, by delivering instant-speed removal, maintains a pertinent and efficient response to a variety of threats, ensuring your deck’s resilience regardless of the prevailing competitive environment.
How to beat
Voltage Surge, known for its utility in Magic: The Gathering, can be a card to reckon with. A versatile instant, it enables players to deal two damage to any target or four if they sacrifice an artifact. When facing this card, the key is to minimize potential targets. Focus on creatures with toughness greater than four to withstand its damage, or use cards that protect your creatures like Dive Down or Heroic Intervention to negate the spell’s impact.
Another strategy is to limit your opponent’s artifacts, reducing Voltage Surge to a simple Shock-like card. Cards like Abrade or By Force can help you control an artifact-heavy board. You could also implement counterspells such as Negate to outright stop Voltage Surge from disrupting your game plan.
Managing resources and anticipating its use are vital—they might hold onto Voltage Surge for an opportune moment. Plan ahead, fortify your board state, and be proactive with your removal or protection spells. Overcoming Voltage Surge calls for a blend of preparedness and judicious play, making it an engaging dynamic within the depth of Magic: The Gathering strategy.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Voltage Surge // Voltage Surge MTG card by a specific set like Neon Dynasty Art Series and Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty, 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 Voltage Surge // Voltage Surge and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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 Voltage Surge // Voltage Surge Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2022-02-18 and 2022-02-18. Illustrated by Randy Vargas.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Neon Dynasty Art Series | ANEO | 15 | 2015 | Art series | Borderless | Randy Vargas | ||
| 2 | 2022-02-18 | Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty | NEO | 171 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Randy Vargas |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Voltage Surge has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |