Grapeshot MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 11 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeSorcery
Abilities Storm

Key Takeaways

  1. Grapeshot’s storm capability escalates damage potential with each spell played before it, maximizing the card’s value in a turn.
  2. Efficiently ends games by converting a chain of mana-generating spells into significant direct damage in storm-focused decks.
  3. While a sorcery, Grapeshot benefits from the instant nature of a storm deck, turning each spell into a destructive force.

Text of card

Grapeshot deals 1 damage to target creature or player. Storm (When you play this spell, copy it for each spell played before it this turn. You may choose new targets for the copies.)

Mages often seek to emulate the powerful relics lost to time and apocalypse.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Grapeshot’s storm ability means that each spell you’ve cast before it in a turn amplifies its effect by creating a copy for each preceding spell. This can quickly accumulate card value by dealing damage multiple times with just one card.

Resource Acceleration: Used as part of a storm combo, Grapeshot can act as a game finisher after a sequence of mana-generating spells. The damage output grows with your resource investment, efficiently converting your spells into direct damage.

Instant Speed: Although Grapeshot is a sorcery, the way a storm deck functions often means you’re casting several spells in one turn. This sorcery can effectively capitalize on the instant speed of prior spells cast within the same turn, leveraging the storm count and maximizing damage at a critical point in your game plan.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The play of Grapeshot often hinges on having a full grip of cards to achieve the necessary storm count. Thus, it isn’t purely beneficial, as it can falter when you’re grasping at a dwindling hand and the discard requirement comes as an alt-cost or aftereffect of setting up the combo.

Specific Mana Cost: Grapeshot’s red mana requirement means it can’t be just slotted into any deck. For decks not geared towards red mana, implementing Grapeshot becomes less feasible, potentially prompting a redesign of your mana base which can dilute effectiveness and consistency.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although only a single red mana, Grapeshot’s effectiveness is entirely dependent on the preceding spells to accumulate a significant storm count. In comparison, other cards may offer direct damage or removal without the need for such a setup, thus presenting a lower threshold for impact on the game state.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Grapeshot is a staple in decks that aim to cast multiple spells in a single turn, making it a versatile addition to strategies like Storm or Spell Slinger where each spell amplifies its impact.

Combo Potential: This card shines in combinations where you can exponentially increase the number of spells cast before it, turning Grapeshot into a game-winning play with its potential for mass damage.

Meta-Relevance: Given its capability to disrupt opponent’s strategies by picking off key creatures or closing games, Grapeshot remains relevant in formats where high spell count decks are prevalent and can pivot games in your favor.


How to beat

Grapeshot is a powerful spell in Magic: The Gathering that can be a game finisher in the right deck, most notably in Storm decks that play a swath of spells in a single turn. Its strength lies in the ability to replicate itself for each spell previously cast that turn, which can quickly stack up and overwhelm opponents. However, there are strategies to effectively counter this card. It is crucial to disrupt the combo pieces that lead up to Grapeshot. Playing cards that counter noncreature spells or remove key pieces from the opponent’s hand will limit the number of spells they can cast in one turn, thus reducing Grapeshot’s impact.

Another effective tactic is to utilize cards that prevent damage or protect your life total. Effects that grant you hexproof can be particularly useful, as Grapeshot targets the player directly. Additionally, quick aggro strategies can suppress Grapeshot’s potential by closing the game before the opponent amasses the necessary spells. By staying proactive and vigilant with disruption and protection strategies, you can navigate around the barrage of Grapeshot and secure victory. Thus, knowing the environment and recognizing the signs of a Storm combo setup are key to anticipating and thwarting a devastating Grapeshot play.


Cards like Grapeshot

Grapeshot has established its niche within the Storm mechanic of Magic: The Gathering, offering a dynamic approach to dealing damage as you cast other spells. Cards that resonate with Grapeshot’s vibe include Empty the Warrens and Ignite Memories, both thriving on the sequence of spells played.

While Empty the Warrens doesn’t deal direct damage, it instead creates a horde of Goblin tokens with its Storm ability, potentially overwhelming opponents with sheer numbers. Ignite Memories, on the other hand, takes a more targeted approach, as it can hit an opponent multiple times depending on the spells cast prior but requires knowledge of the opponent’s hand for maximum effect.

Tendrils of Agony is another card that echoes the Storm playstyle, although it differs slightly by focusing on life drain rather than damage. Each copy provides a swing in life totals that could prove to be a game-changer. When comparing these cards, Grapeshot’s ability to potentially clear multiple creatures or even direct a lethal salvo at an opponent makes it a versatile choice in any deck exploiting the Storm mechanic for explosive plays.

Empty the Warrens - MTG Card versions
Ignite Memories - MTG Card versions
Tendrils of Agony - MTG Card versions
Empty the Warrens - Time Spiral (TSP)
Ignite Memories - Time Spiral (TSP)
Tendrils of Agony - Scourge (SCG)

Cards similar to Grapeshot by color, type and mana cost

Scent of Cinder - MTG Card versions
Spitting Earth - MTG Card versions
Fanning the Flames - MTG Card versions
Strategy, Schmategy - MTG Card versions
Disorder - MTG Card versions
Warrior's Oath - MTG Card versions
Tribal Flames - MTG Card versions
Breath of Darigaaz - MTG Card versions
Volcanic Hammer - MTG Card versions
Incendiary Flow - MTG Card versions
Embereth Shieldbreaker // Battle Display - MTG Card versions
Nahiri's Lithoforming - MTG Card versions
Mizzium Mortars - MTG Card versions
Burning Wish - MTG Card versions
Mana Seism - MTG Card versions
Yamabushi's Storm - MTG Card versions
Face to Face - MTG Card versions
Pyroclasm - MTG Card versions
Goblin Sleigh Ride - MTG Card versions
Molten Disaster - MTG Card versions
Scent of Cinder - Media Inserts (PMEI)
Spitting Earth - Duel Decks: Knights vs. Dragons (DDG)
Fanning the Flames - Stronghold (STH)
Strategy, Schmategy - Unglued (UGL)
Disorder - Seventh Edition (7ED)
Warrior's Oath - Portal Three Kingdoms (PTK)
Tribal Flames - Modern Masters (MMA)
Breath of Darigaaz - Commander 2015 (C15)
Volcanic Hammer - Salvat 2005 (PSAL)
Incendiary Flow - Friday Night Magic 2017 (F17)
Embereth Shieldbreaker // Battle Display - Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate (CLB)
Nahiri's Lithoforming - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Mizzium Mortars - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Burning Wish - Vintage Masters (VMA)
Mana Seism - Champions of Kamigawa (CHK)
Yamabushi's Storm - Champions of Kamigawa (CHK)
Face to Face - Unhinged (UNH)
Pyroclasm - Duel Decks: Sorin vs. Tibalt (DDK)
Goblin Sleigh Ride - Happy Holidays (HHO)
Molten Disaster - Future Sight (FUT)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Grapeshot MTG card by a specific set like Time Spiral and Modern Masters, 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 Grapeshot and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Grapeshot Magic the Gathering card was released in 9 different sets between 2006-10-06 and 2023-01-13. Illustrated by 4 different artists.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12006-10-06Time SpiralTSP 1602003normalblackPete Venters
22013-06-07Modern MastersMMA 1162003normalblackClint Cearley
32017-03-31Duel Decks: Mind vs. MightDDS 162015normalblackClint Cearley
42019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 9662015normalblackClint Cearley
52020-09-26The ListPLST DDS-162015normalblackClint Cearley
62021-03-19Time Spiral RemasteredTSR 1662015normalblackClint Cearley
72021-04-23Strixhaven Mystical ArchiveSTA 392015normalborderlessMinttu Hynninen
82021-04-23Strixhaven Art SeriesASTX 742015art_seriesborderlessMinttu Hynninen
92021-04-23Strixhaven Mystical ArchiveSTA 1022015normalborderlessHatori Kyoka
102021-04-23Strixhaven Art SeriesASTX 74s2015art_seriesborderlessMinttu Hynninen
112023-01-13Dominaria RemasteredDMR 1252015normalblackClint Cearley

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Grapeshot has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperBanned
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
TimelessLegal

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