Windstorm MTG Card

Windstorm offers crucial board control by targeting multiple flying creatures simultaneously. Its instant speed allows for surprise tactics and optimal timing during opponent’s turns. Despite advantages, Windstorm’s green mana cost could limit its deck compatibility.

Magic 2010 (M10)
2009-07-17 - Number 205

Magic 2014 (M14)
2013-07-19 - Number 201

Khans of Tarkir (KTK)
2014-09-26 - Number 157

Windstorm - Duel Decks Anthology: Garruk vs. Liliana (GVL)

Duel Decks Anthology: Garruk vs. Liliana (GVL)
2014-12-05 - Number 25

Card sets	Released in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	1
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Instant

Text of card

Windstorm deals X damage to each creature with flying.

"We don't like interlopers and thieves cluttering our skies." —Dionus, elvish archdruid

Cards like Windstorm

Windstorm provides a unique role in Magic: The Gathering as a green instant that deals damage to each creature with flying based on the mana invested in it. It’s often compared to cards like Squall Line and Hurricane, which furnish a similar flying-focused area of effect damage. However, Windstorm offers the advantage of not dealing damage to players, allowing you to tailor the destruction without compromising your own life total.

Another analog is Spidersilk Armor, a card that grants your creatures reach, effectively neutralizing the advantage flying creatures could have. While Spidersilk Armor modifies the playing field over time, Windstorm acts as a tactical nuke against winged threats, bypassing the need to modify your own creatures. Silklash Spider, yet another related card, can repeatedly perform a Windstorm-like effect, but it’s conditionally tethered to a creature’s activation and a higher mana investment.

Assessing the alternatives, Windstorm stands out in green’s arsenal as a tool for an instantaneous and scalable solution against flying creatures. Its flexibility in mana expenditure and non-damaging impact on players places it favorably within MTG’s array of anti-air tactics.

Cards similar to Windstorm by color, type and mana cost

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Windstorm can be a pivotal card that serves as a way to remove multiple flying threats at once from the battlefield. This strategic removal can shift card balance in your favor, effectively keeping your hand and field more robust than your opponent’s.

Resource Acceleration: Although Windstorm doesn’t directly generate mana or acceleration, it efficiently employs the mana you do invest. By potentially clearing out numerous flying creatures for a single card and a manageable amount of mana, it allows you to capitalize on the mana spent to significantly affect the board state.

Instant Speed: The instant speed capability of Windstorm provides a tactical edge by saving it for the most opportune moment. You can pass the turn with mana untapped, keeping opponents guessing and then, when they commit with their flying creatures, Windstorm can disrupt their plans in one swift move deep into a turn cycle.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: For Windstorm, one significant drawback is that it does not require discarding a card. This omission could be seen as an opportunity missed for deck synergy, especially for strategies that benefit from discarding as a means to trigger other effects or advantages.

Specific Mana Cost: Windstorm’s mana cost is purely green, which might restrict its inclusion in multicolor decks that might not have a heavy focus on green mana or forests. This limits the versatility of the card across different deck types that might benefit from its effects.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The cost of Windstorm can be high compared to other cards with similar effects. For instance, its mana cost is dependent on the number of flying creatures you wish to target, which can accumulate to a substantial amount and may not be as cost-effective in scenarios with fewer flying threats.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Windstorm offers a swift and uncomplicated answer to flying creatures, which are common in various MTG deck archetypes. This instant spell can be incorporated into any collection as an efficient tool for dealing with popular flying threats at any stage of the game.

Combo Potential: When paired with cards that control or modify the number of flying creatures on the battlefield, Windstorm becomes a calculated component of devastating combos, potentially clearing the skies for a decisive turn.

Meta-Relevance: With flying creatures consistently appearing across different formats, having Windstorm can prepare players to confront this ever-present element of the current meta. Its ability to scale with mana investment makes it a relevant choice against various threats, ensuring your deck can adapt to an evolving competitive landscape.

How to Beat

Windstorm is recognized for its role in Magic: The Gathering as a strategic tool against decks that rely heavily on flying creatures. This instant-speed green spell allows players to deal with numerous threats in the skies efficiently. The key to overcoming Windstorm effectively hinges on anticipating its use and adapting your strategy accordingly.

It’s imperative for players to diversify their threats. By not relying solely on creatures with flying, you minimize the impact of Windstorm. Additionally, timing is crucial. Deploying creatures post-Windstorm can keep your momentum going, avoiding the loss of your entire aerial force. Spells that counteract green’s natural advantage against flyers, such as hexproof granting spells or creature indestructibility, also serve as a robust defense. Staying mindful of the mana your opponent has available can also guide you in playing around this card.

In summary, to mitigate the effects of Windstorm, players can adjust their tactics and maintain a varied board presence, ensuring they’re not overly susceptible to this aerial sweep. Consequently, understanding and preempting Windstorm’s tactical use can maintain your edge and leave your opponent’s card blowing in the wind.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Windstorm MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2010 and Magic 2014, 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 Windstorm and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Windstorm Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2009-07-17 and 2014-12-05. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2009-07-17	Magic 2010	M10	205	2003	Normal	Black	Rob Alexander
2	2013-07-19	Magic 2014	M14	201	2003	Normal	Black	Rob Alexander
3	2014-09-26	Khans of Tarkir	KTK	157	2015	Normal	Black	Jonas De Ro
4	2014-12-05	Duel Decks Anthology: Garruk vs. Liliana	GVL	25	2015	Normal	Black	Rob Alexander

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Windstorm has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal
Timeless	Legal