Shivan Fire MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
| Abilities | Kicker |
| Released | 2018-04-27 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Dominaria |
| Set code | DOM |
| Number | 142 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | normal |
| Border | black |
| Illustred by | Grzegorz Rutkowski |
Key Takeaways
- Shivan Fire grants removal options at instant speed, disrupting opponents’ plans effectively.
- Its kicker mechanism boosts late-game potential, making it a versatile spell choice.
- Though mana-specific, its low cost aligns with deck efficiency and strategy.
Text of card
Kicker (You may pay an additional as you cast this spell.) Shivan Fire deals 2 damage to target creature. If this spell was kicked, it deals 4 damage to that creature instead.
Sometimes Shivan dragons toy with their food. Other times they just cook it.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Shivan Fire provides both a removal option and the potential for kicker synergy. In a late game scenario, the kicker cost turns Shivan Fire from a simple burn spell into a significant threat removal, offering flexibility and potential card advantage in your gameplay.
Resource Acceleration: Although Shivan Fire does not produce additional resources directly, its low base casting cost aids in resource acceleration by allowing you to efficiently manage your mana. This ensures you have enough mana available for other spells or to activate the kicker cost for maximum impact.
Instant Speed: Shivan Fire’s instant speed capability gives you the tactical advantage of response play. You can eliminate an opponent’s creature on the fly, potentially disrupting their strategy and preserving your battlefield position without having to wait for your own turn.
Card Cons
Specific Mana Cost: Shivan Fire requires a red mana to cast, making it less versatile as it fits only into red or multi-colored decks that can accommodate its mana requirement.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: To unlock its kicked potential and deal 4 damage instead of 1, you need to invest a total of five mana, which could be steep for its effect compared to other burn spells available in the game.
Discard Requirement: While Shivan Fire does not have a discard requirement, it is important for players to consider their hand management when allocating resources for potentially better plays down the line.
Reasons to Include Shivan Fire in Your Collection
Versatility: Shivan Fire serves as a flexible removal option that can be seamlessly integrated into various red-based decks. Its initial low cost allows for efficient early-game plays, and the kicker mechanic provides a late-game scalability to deal with larger threats.
Combo Potential: This instant not only aids in controlling the board but can also synergize with decks that capitalize on spell casting, such as triggering prowess or instigating other spell-related abilities that could turn the tide in your favor.
Meta-Relevance: Given that creatures are a fundamental part of the MTG meta, having an efficient and cost-effective removal spell like Shivan Fire can be crucial in maintaining tempo and disrupting your opponent’s strategy across various competitive formats.
How to beat
Shivan Fire presents a fiery challenge on the battlefield, with its capacity for devastation manifesting early on in the game. This spell offers a solid line of defense against incoming threats due to its scalable damage output. As a flexible removal tool, Shivan Fire can be kicked to unleash its full potential, dealing 4 damage to a target creature.
Outmaneuvering Shivan Fire requires a tactical approach. Protecting your vital creatures with hexproof or indestructible abilities can negate the impact of this spell. Consider including cards like Blossoming Defense or cards with built-in indestructibility to your arsenal, as these provide a robust shield against direct damage spells. Additionally, cards that grant instant speed protection or enhance toughness beyond the damage threshold are crucial in sidelining Shivan Fire’s effect.
Careful resource management is another key element. Allow an opponent to exhaust resources casting Shivan Fire on less critical targets, thereby safeguarding your game-changers for a decisive play. Ultimately, respecting Shivan Fire’s presence ensures you’ll remain one step ahead, ready to mitigate its impact and keep your strategy ablaze.
Cards like Shivan Fire
Shivan Fire shines in the realm of red direct damage spells within Magic: The Gathering. It stands shoulder to shoulder with other classics like Shock, which similarly deals 2 damage to any target at a low cost. Yet, Shivan Fire pulls ahead with a kickstart option, allowing players to scale up the damage for a larger mana investment and eliminate more significant threats later in the game.
Another comparable card is Flame Slash. Although Flame Slash can deal a hefty 4 damage for just one red mana, it’s limited to targeting creatures and lacks the flexibility of instant speed, which Shivan Fire offers. On the other end, there’s Lightning Bolt, the gold standard for red damage spells, always dealing 3 damage at instant speed for one mana. However, Shivan Fire’s flexibility to adapt to the game’s progression gives it a unique angle of strategy that others don’t.
Overall, Shivan Fire holds its own within the spectrum of burn spells in MTG, providing versatility with its kickstart feature and maintaining relevance throughout different stages of play.
Cards similar to Shivan Fire by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Shivan Fire MTG card by a specific set like Dominaria, 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 Shivan Fire and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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 Magic products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Shivan Fire 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 |
| Timeless | Legal |
