Soul of Magma MTG Card

Soul of Magma - Champions of Kamigawa (CHK)

Champions of Kamigawa (CHK)
2004-10-01 - Number 189

Salvat 2005 (PSAL)
2005-08-22 - Number C19

Salvat 2005 (PSAL)
2005-08-22 - Number C18

Card sets	Released in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	5
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Spirit
Power	2
Toughness	2

Key Takeaways

Offers card advantage by dealing damage to multiple targets at instant speed, affecting board state.
Can enable resource acceleration strategies by clearing paths for mana-dorks or treasure spells.
Versatile in red-themed decks, with combo potential that can impact various MTG meta environments.

Text of card

Whenever you play a Spirit or Arcane spell, Soul of Magma deals 1 damage to target creature.

"In every other mind, the battle was lost. General Takeno alone was not touched by despair. Drawing his blade, he was attack and rallying cry in one." —*Battle of Akagi River: A Survivor's Tale*

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Soul of Magma can offer card advantage by potentially allowing repeated damage to multiple targets, making it easier to control the board and stay ahead in card economy.

Resource Acceleration: Although Soul of Magma itself may not directly produce mana or treasure, it can enable strategies that lead to resource acceleration by effectively clearing the way for your mana dorks or treasure-generating spells to operate without opposition.

Instant Speed: The ability to deal damage at instant speed makes Soul of Magma a flexible tool. It can disrupt opponents’ plays or remove key creatures during their turn, giving you a significant tactical edge.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One major drawback of Soul of Magma is the necessity to discard a card to activate its abilities. This can be particularly taxing on your hand, especially during late-game scenarios where each card’s value is intrinsic to your strategy for victory.

Specific Mana Cost: This card asks for a precise mana combination, which consists predominantly of red mana. This requirement makes it less flexible for multi-colored decks and can be a stumbling block for players not heavily invested in red mana resources.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With other options available, the four mana needed to summon Soul of Magma is a considerable investment. Competing cards in the same mana range may offer greater impact or versatility once on the battlefield, making Soul of Magma a less attractive choice in many situations.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Soul of Magma offers flexibility to players looking to heat up their game. As a card that can easily fit into red-themed decks, its ability to deal damage makes it a utility player that can address various board states.

Combo Potential: Known for synergizing with spells that care about damage or the casting of instants and sorceries, Soul of Magma’s potential to launch devastating combos cannot be undervalued. Pairing it with cards that amplify damage or spells that benefit from casting can be a game-changer.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where small creatures and tokens are prevalent, Soul of Magma can serve as an effective counter. Its ability to disrupt opponent strategies by clearing the board of low-toughness creatures may give you an edge in the current meta.

How to beat Soul of Magma

Soul of Magma presents a unique challenge on the battlefield. This card adds a fiery twist to any match with its ability to deal damage to creatures that your opponents cast. Players can feel the heat when this elemental force comes into play, as Soul of Magma punishes them for playing creature-heavy strategies.

To effectively counter this card, consider using strategies that don’t rely on creature spells. Spells that provide direct damage, enchantments, and control elements are less impacted by Soul of Magma’s abilities. Additionally, cards with instant speed can give you leeway to respond to its trigger, and spells that counter creature abilities can neutralize its damage-dealing effect altogether. Efficient removal spells that target the Soul of Magma directly before your opponent can make the best use of its ability provide another strategy, ensuring that this card spends minimal time wreaking havoc on your side of the field.

When facing Soul of Magma, adapting your playstyle and considering timing and card choice can turn the tides. By planning around its abilities and employing a versatile deck, you maintain the upper hand and keep your creatures safe from its scorching grasp.

Cards like Soul of Magma

Soul of Magma presents an intriguing option for players looking to include damage-dealing creatures in their MTG decks. In comparison, the card Geomancer’s Gambit offers direct land destruction, typically missing from Soul of Magma’s capabilities. However, Soul of Magma compensates with its ability to deal damage to each creature your opponents control, providing a sweep effect that can control the board.

Another analogous card often considered is Pyroclasm, which provides a comparable board sweep by dealing 2 damage to all creatures. Though it lacks the creature body that Soul of Magma presents, enabling it to chip in for some player damage or block incoming attacks. Conversely, Pyroclasm benefits from being cheaper and at instant speed, allowing for more reactive play.

Assessing the various strengths these cards offer places Soul of Magma in an interesting position. While it may not have the lower cost or instant speed of some alternatives, its flexibility and additional effect of dealing small amounts of damage to players or planeswalkers make it a card worth considering for certain MTG strategies.

Cards similar to Soul of Magma by color, type and mana cost

Balduvian War-Makers - MTG Card versions

Flowstone Salamander - MTG Card versions

Ma Chao, Western Warrior - MTG Card versions

Dwarven Strike Force - MTG Card versions

Volatile Arsonist // Dire-Strain Anarchist - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Soul of Magma MTG card by a specific set like Champions of Kamigawa and Salvat 2005, 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 Soul of Magma and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Soul of Magma Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2004-10-01 and 2005-08-22. Illustrated by Darrell Riche.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2004-10-01	Champions of Kamigawa	CHK	189	2003	Normal	Black	Darrell Riche
2	2005-08-22	Salvat 2005	PSAL	C19	2003	Normal	White	Darrell Riche
3	2005-08-22	Salvat 2005	PSAL	C18	2003	Normal	White	Darrell Riche