Molten Blast MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
| Released | 2020-09-25 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Zendikar Rising |
| Set code | ZNR |
| Number | 149 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Izzy |
Key Takeaways
- Molten Blast excels at offering both creature removal and direct player or planeswalker damage.
- Its instant-speed play allows for strategic responses, adapting to on-field situations effectively.
- However, its specific mana cost and high mana value may limit its use in diverse deck types.
Text of card
Choose one — • Molten Blast deals 2 damage to target creature or planeswalker. • Destroy target artifact.
Life among the sudden tremors and violent eruptions of Akoum demands a healthy fear of both.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Molten Blast provides a two-for-one opportunity by potentially removing a creature and dealing damage to an opponent or planeswalker. This dual utility can tip the scales in your favor by diminishing an opponent’s resources while maintaining your own.
Resource Acceleration: Although Molten Blast doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its ability to remove blockers can pave the way for creature attacks that may lead to additional benefits or damage, indirectly accelerating your resource advantage on the battlefield.
Instant Speed: The instant nature of Molten Blast offers flexibility in gameplay, allowing you to respond to threats or opportunities at the most advantageous moment. Whether it’s during combat or at the end of your opponent’s turn, instant-speed interaction is a valuable tool in controlling the pace of the game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Even though Molten Blast doesn’t require a discard as part of its casting cost, having it sit in your hand can sometimes feel like a missed opportunity, especially if you’re waiting for the right moment to play it while holding onto valuable cards.
Specific Mana Cost: Molten Blast’s mana cost includes two red mana, which can be restrictive for multi-color decks. This specificity might limit its versatility and could deter players from including it in decks that aren’t heavily red.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Molten Blast’s three mana cost could be considered high for its damage output. In a game where efficiency is key, there are alternatives that may offer greater flexibility or more impactful effects for the same or lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Molten Blast offers flexibility to players by providing both creature removal and direct damage options. It can be a useful addition to red decks that prioritize adaptability in handling different board states.
Combo Potential: This card can synergize with decks that capitalize on instant and sorcery spell casting, interacting with cards that benefit from spells or damage effects.
Meta-Relevance: In scenarios where artifact-heavy strategies are prevalent, Molten Blast’s capacity to target artifacts makes it a relevant sideboard option or even a main deck consideration, depending on your local game environment.
How to beat
Molten Blast offers a clear challenge as a versatile removal option in Magic: The Gathering. Unlike a single-focus burn spell, Molten Blast provides players the ability to target both creatures and artifacts. Finding the right strategy to counter this card becomes crucial, especially when it can dismantle key pieces of your board presence or interrupt combos by destroying a critical artifact.
To effectively navigate against Molten Blast, keeping in mind its damage limit is key. It can deal 2 damage to a creature or player and destroy an artifact, but it cannot target enchantments or planeswalkers. Therefore, strengthening your battlefield with enchantments that provide buffs or lean into planeswalker led strategies could minimize Molten Blast’s impact. Moreover, holding back on deploying valuable artifacts until you have enough mana to protect them or utilizing cards that offer indestructibility can ensure your vital components survive.
It is also essential to assess the game’s tempo, potentially baiting out Molten Blast with less critical creatures or artifacts before committing more substantial threats to the board. By carefully managing your resources and understanding the scope of Molten Blast’s effect, you can formulate a plan not only to withstand its damage but to thrive despite its presence in the opponent’s deck.
Cards like Molten Blast
Molten Blast is an interesting piece in the puzzle of damage-dealing spells in Magic: The Gathering. It’s akin to cards like Shock, which also deals damage directly to any target. Molten Blast separates itself by offering flexibility, allowing its caster to choose between damaging a creature or planeswalker, or destroying an artifact. Shock is more limited, without the artifact interaction but what it lacks in versatility, it makes up for in cost efficiency.
Comparatively, Abrade is another spell worthy of mention. It shares the artifact destruction ability with Molten Blast, but at three damage to a creature or planeswalker, it offers more punch at the same mana cost. However, Abrade doesn’t offer the choice to split that damage, making Molten Blast’s versatility underscore its unique spot in a player’s arsenal.
Assessing the utility of Molten Blast against its counterparts reveals its place in a strategist’s lineup. Its dual function can be a game-changer in the right circumstances, making it a valuable tool for players who need adaptable responses during gameplay.
Cards similar to Molten Blast by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Molten Blast MTG card by a specific set like Zendikar Rising, 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 Molten Blast 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 MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Molten Blast 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 |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
