Aetherflame Wall MTG Card


Aetherflame Wall - Time Spiral
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Wall
Abilities Defender
Released2006-10-06
Set symbol
Set nameTime Spiral
Set codeTSP
Power 0
Toughness 4
Number142
Frame2003
Layoutnormal
Borderblack
Illustred byJustin Sweet

Key Takeaways

  1. Aetherflame Wall aids in retaining hand advantage by effectively blocking attacks without sacrificing cards.
  2. The low casting cost allows for other spells to be played early, advancing your board state quickly.
  3. Flexibility is key, as it can disrupt enemy tactics by dealing damage at instant speed when needed.

Text of card

Defender Ætherflame Wall can block creatures with shadow as though they didn't have shadow. : Ætherflame Wall gets +1/+0 until end of turn.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Aetherflame Wall helps maintain card advantage due to its “defender” attribute which allows it to effectively block numerous threats without trading, thus retaining your cards while depleting your opponent’s.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly contributing to mana acceleration, its affordable casting cost enables a quick setup on the board leaving more resources for casting other utility spells earlier in the game.

Instant Speed: Although Aetherflame Wall is not cast at instant speed, its ability to deal damage to target attacking or blocking creature at instant speed adds a layer of flexibility and surprise, disrupting opponents’ combat strategies unexpectedly.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: When playing Aetherflame Wall, being forced to discard a card can be a setback, especially if your hand size is already depleted. This requirement may cause you to lose key cards that are crucial for your strategy, diminishing your chances of outmaneuvering your opponent.

Specific Mana Cost: The Aetherflame Wall requires a specific blend of mana to cast, including both red and generic mana. This can restrict the card to decks that are able to produce red mana consistently, potentially limiting its inclusion in multicolor decks that can’t meet the mana requirements as easily.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana cost, Aetherflame Wall is an investment that could be seen as inefficient compared to other defensive options. There are creatures and spells at lower mana costs that offer defensive stability while leaving mana available for other plays, which can be crucial during the early stages of a game.


Reasons to Include Aetherflame Wall in Your Collection

Versatility: Aetherflame Wall is a flexible card that can be integrated into various decks, particularly those requiring a sturdy blocker with an ability to handle flying threats. Its ability to deal damage to attacking or blocking creatures gives it an active role even when it is in a defensive position.

Combo Potential: This card’s signature ability lends itself well to strategies that aim to whittle down opponents’ creatures or exploit direct damage synergies. By pairing it with cards that can untap creatures or duplicate activated abilities, you can maximize Aetherflame Wall’s impact on the board.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where aggro decks with flying creatures are prevalent, Aetherflame Wall serves as a cost-effective countermeasure. Its defensive utility combined with its potential for board control makes it a useful sideboard card, or even a main deck consideration, depending on the current meta.


How to beat

Aetherflame Wall is a niche defensive card players might encounter in MTG. Known for its ability to block creatures with flying while also boasting the power to increase its defense temporarily, this wall can be a real thorn in an opponent’s side. Tackling this card requires a strategy that overrides its defensive stance. Destroying enchantments or using spells that force it to lose abilities temporarily can dismantle its protective layer, setting the path for a clear attack. Cards with unblockable or landwalk abilities slip past this barrier with ease, circumventing the need for a head-on confrontation.

Another efficient method to overcome the Aetherflame Wall is to utilize spells that deal damage irrespective of toughness. This way, even an empowered wall will crumble. Additionally, leveraging removal spells that specifically target artifacts or creatures with defender can bypass the wall’s impediment. In the broader scheme of a match, consider a deck with numerous threats that can outpace the singular defensive nature of the Aetherflame Wall, pressuring your opponent on multiple fronts that a single wall can’t protect against.


Cards like Aetherflame Wall

Aetherflame Wall adds a unique defensive dimension to Magic: The Gathering’s suite of wall creatures. In comparison, Wall of Fire offers a similar mana cost and upgradeable power through mana investment. Both creatures enable a strategic block against incoming attacks. Yet, Aetherflame Wall has the edge with its reach ability, allowing it to thwart flying creatures, a notable advantage over Wall of Fire, which lacks this trait.

Gargoyle Sentinel is another creature to consider. It comes with the ability to convert into a flying creature. While this versatility is commendable, it requires an additional mana to activate this function, unlike Aetherflame Wall’s passive reach. Additionally, Gargoyle Sentinel loses defender when it transforms, potentially leaving your defense open.

Assessing the tactical benefits, Aetherflame Wall carves out its space, especially in decks concentrating on defensive strategies. Its ability to neutralize threats from the sky offers a versatile tool for any player concentrating on prolonging the game and building a formidable battlefield presence.

Wall of Fire - MTG Card versions
Gargoyle Sentinel - MTG Card versions
Wall of Fire - Limited Edition Alpha (LEA)
Gargoyle Sentinel - Magic 2011 (M11)

Cards similar to Aetherflame Wall by color, type and mana cost

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Goblin Elite Infantry - Classic Sixth Edition (6ED)
Fireslinger - Duel Decks Anthology: Jace vs. Chandra (JVC)
Skittish Kavu - Invasion (INV)
Rage Weaver - Invasion (INV)
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Sparksmith - Onslaught (ONS)
Goblin Lookout - Legions (LGN)
Skirk Marauder - Legions (LGN)
Hellspark Elemental - DCI Promos (PDCI)
Storm Entity - Future Sight (FUT)
Dwarven Soldier - Masters Edition (ME1)
Mogg War Marshal - Duel Decks: Elves vs. Goblins (DD1)
Stigma Lasher - Eventide (EVE)

Where to buy

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

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Aetherflame Wall has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Aetherflame Wall card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

DateText
2006-09-25 Aetherflame Wall can block creatures with shadow and creatures without shadow.
2006-09-25 If Aetherflame Wall gains shadow, it won’t be able to block any creatures (not even those with shadow).

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