Welding Sparks MTG Card
2016-09-30 - Number 140
2020-11-12 - Number 150
2020-11-20 - Number 210
2022-12-02 - Number 623
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Welding Sparks deals X damage to target creature, where X is 3 plus the number of artifacts you control.
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Cards like Welding Sparks
Welding Sparks stands out in the realm of red direct-damage spells in MTG. It’s often placed on a similar pedestal to other damage spells like Lightning Strike due to its potential for a higher damage output. The unique aspect of Welding Sparks is that it deals damage to a creature based on the number of artifacts you control, which can lead to substantial burst damage in the right deck.
In comparison, Shrapnel Blast also synergizes with artifacts, requiring you to sacrifice one to deal 5 damage to any target. It’s more flexible than Welding Sparks, but at the cost of losing an artifact. Then, there is Fireball, an older and scalable damage spell that can hit multiple targets. This flexibility could be more valuable in games where you’re dealing with numerous threats simultaneously. However, it lacks the potential artifact synergy that gives Welding Sparks an edge in artifact-heavy decks.
While each of these spells has its place in different decks, Welding Sparks particularly shines in scenarios with a strong artifact presence, making it a formidable option in MTG when positioned in the right deck that leverages its damage potential.
Cards similar to Welding Sparks by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Welding Sparks serves beyond a mere one-for-one trade. It often enables you to eliminate a key creature on your opponent’s board, potentially leading to advantageous board states. The prowess doesn’t stop there; when paired with artifacts, the damage output scales, giving you the upper hand in removing larger threats efficiently.
Resource Acceleration: While Welding Sparks itself doesn’t produce additional resources, it complements decks that capitalize on artifacts, indirectly accelerating your overall strategy. Its modest mana cost aids in keeping your resource pool open for further plays, meshing well with decks that thrive on synergy and tempo.
Instant Speed: The speed of play is crucial in MTG, and Welding Sparks’ instant nature allows for reactive gameplay. You can maneuver through an opponent’s turn with open mana, only casting it when an opportune target presents itself. This unpredictability can shift the tides of the match, making it a tactical piece at any stage of the game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Unlike other spells that can be freely cast, Welding Sparks does not require discarding as an additional cost which showcases a balancing aspect for a damage effect of this magnitude. Always be aware of your hand size when playing with cards that could potentially have such an effect.
Specific Mana Cost: A key consideration for Welding Sparks is the specific mana cost that includes red. This requirement makes it a strategic fit exclusively for red or multi-colored decks, potentially limiting its versatility across the range of available MTG strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that might be seen as steep for its effect, Welding Sparks may be overshadowed by spells that offer similar damage output at a lower cost. This could influence deck building decisions, particularly in formats where efficiency and speed are critical.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Welding Sparks brings the heat to a variety of Red-based decks with its flexible damage output. Its adaptability to represent a significant removal spell in both aggressive and control decks makes it an asset for any collection.
Combo Potential: For those who love synergizing with artifacts, Welding Sparks shines brighter. Its damage scales with the number of artifacts you possess, enabling devastating turns in artifact-heavy strategies.
Meta-Relevance: In a game where creature-based strategies often dominate, having an efficient and scalable removal option like Welding Sparks can give players an edge. It’s particularly effective in formats where artifact decks are prevalent, making it a timely addition to any competitive arsenal.
How to beat
Welding Sparks stands out as an impactful removal spell in the world of Magic: The Gathering. Its strength lies in the potential to deal significant damage to a creature based on the number of artifacts you control. For those facing this red instant, it is essential to mitigate its impact to maintain a strong board presence. Reducing its efficacy comes down to managing the artifact count on the battlefield.
One primary strategy is to utilize artifact removals, such as Nature’s Claim or Release to the Wind, to lower the artifact count, weakening the damage dealt by Welding Sparks. Alternatively, players can employ the use of instant speed hexproof abilities or spells to protect key creatures from targeted removals. Keep in mind that a counterspell like Negate can also effectively neutralize Welding Sparks before it resolves, safeguarding your creature from the potentially large damage it could inflict.
Ultimately, understanding the mechanics and preparing to counteract them is critical in overcoming Welding Sparks. By keeping a few key strategies in mind, one can maintain an upper hand against this fiery spell that threatens to undo creature-based strategies with its artifact-powered bursts of damage.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Welding Sparks MTG card by a specific set like Kaladesh and Kaladesh Remastered, 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 Welding Sparks 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 Welding Sparks Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2016-09-30 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Raymond Swanland.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2016-09-30 | Kaladesh | KLD | 140 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Raymond Swanland | |
| 2 | 2020-11-12 | Kaladesh Remastered | KLR | 150 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Raymond Swanland | |
| 3 | 2020-11-20 | Commander Legends | CMR | 210 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Raymond Swanland | |
| 4 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 623 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Raymond Swanland |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Welding Sparks has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Welding Sparks card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2020-11-10 | If you control zero artifacts, Welding Sparks deals 3 damage to the target creature. |
| 2020-11-10 | The number of artifacts you control is counted only as Welding Sparks resolves. |