Bonfire of the Damned MTG Card


Bonfire of the Damned offers significant card advantage by potentially removing many creatures with one card. Its mana requirements and reliance on luck for optimal use can hinder its performance in some situations. Versatility and a strong combo potential make it a valuable addition to any MTG direct damage deck.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityMythic
TypeSorcery
Abilities Miracle

Text of card

Bonfire of the Damned deals X damage to target player and each creature he or she controls. Miracle (You may cast this card for its miracle cost when you draw it if it's the first card you drew this turn.)


Cards like Bonfire of the Damned

Bonfire of the Damned stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a particularly powerful and flexible damage spell. In many ways, it can be compared to Blasphemous Act, another red spell known for its potential to deal immense damage to multiple creatures for a relatively low cost in the right circumstances. Yet, Bonfire of the Damned differentiates itself with its Miracle cost, allowing a surprising turn of events when drawn at the right moment.

Likewise, Earthquake offers a parallel in its ability to deal damage across the board. However, Earthquake affects each creature without flying and each player, making Bonfire of the Damned a safer choice for decks heavily reliant on creatures. Additionally, Star of Extinction provides a similar mass destruction effect, though at a significantly higher mana cost and without the variable damage aspect that Bonfire brings to the table.

Narrowing down the best options for a red deck’s destruction needs, Bonfire of the Damned shines for its versatility and potential for a game-changing play. Comparatively, its unique mix of scalable damage and the element of surprise via its Miracle cost secures its place in many strategic builds.

Blasphemous Act - MTG Card versions
Earthquake - MTG Card versions
Star of Extinction - MTG Card versions
Blasphemous Act - MTG Card versions
Earthquake - MTG Card versions
Star of Extinction - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Bonfire of the Damned by color, type and mana cost

Disintegrate - MTG Card versions
Fireball - MTG Card versions
Earthquake - MTG Card versions
Mana Clash - MTG Card versions
Detonate - MTG Card versions
Winds of Change - MTG Card versions
Blaze - MTG Card versions
Gamble - MTG Card versions
Meltdown - MTG Card versions
Goblin Grenade - MTG Card versions
Landslide - MTG Card versions
Tremor - MTG Card versions
Ghitu Fire - MTG Card versions
Tahngarth's Glare - MTG Card versions
Lava Burst - MTG Card versions
Overmaster - MTG Card versions
Devil's Play - MTG Card versions
Firebolt - MTG Card versions
Crack the Earth - MTG Card versions
Meteor Shower - MTG Card versions
Disintegrate - MTG Card versions
Fireball - MTG Card versions
Earthquake - MTG Card versions
Mana Clash - MTG Card versions
Detonate - MTG Card versions
Winds of Change - MTG Card versions
Blaze - MTG Card versions
Gamble - MTG Card versions
Meltdown - MTG Card versions
Goblin Grenade - MTG Card versions
Landslide - MTG Card versions
Tremor - MTG Card versions
Ghitu Fire - MTG Card versions
Tahngarth's Glare - MTG Card versions
Lava Burst - MTG Card versions
Overmaster - MTG Card versions
Devil's Play - MTG Card versions
Firebolt - MTG Card versions
Crack the Earth - MTG Card versions
Meteor Shower - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Bonfire of the Damned excels in offering card advantage by potentially clearing multiple creatures from your opponent’s side of the board with a single card. This swing in card economy can often turn the tide of a game, giving you a clear path to victory.

Resource Acceleration: Although not directly providing mana, the elimination of opposing threats accelerates your resources by preserving your life total and your board presence. You’re effectively getting ahead by using one card to deal with many, saving other cards in your hand for future plays.

Instant Speed: While Bonfire of the Damned must be cast during your main phase to take full advantage of the miracle cost, its potential as a large-scale burn spell means you can strategize to unleash it at the most opportune moment, decimating your opponent’s creatures and swinging the game in your favor.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Unleashing the powerful effect of Bonfire of the Damned requires you to have a fortunate draw or the card must be present in your initial hand. This reliance on luck can lead to missed opportunities or suboptimal timing when you’re seeking to control the board.

Specific Mana Cost: This card comes with a stringent mana requirement, needing both red and generic mana. While red mana is known for its aggressiveness and quick plays, having enough available at the right time is crucial, and decks that don’t primarily operate on red mana may find it challenging to cast this spell efficiently.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The starting mana cost and the additional costs to increase its impact mean that this card can become quite an expensive investment. In scenarios where your mana resources are stretched thin or in the early turns of the game, it might be challenging to make the most out of Bonfire of the Damned’s potential, particularly when facing fast-paced decks that capitalize on early-game momentum.


Reasons to Include Bonfire of the Damned in Your Collection

Versatility: Bonfire of the Damned serves as a flexible inclusion in decks that thrive on direct damage. As a powerful sweeper or finisher, it can adapt to various situations whether you’re ahead or staging a comeback.

Combo Potential: This card works exceptionally in concert with cards that manipulate the top of the library, ensuring you can unleash its miraculous potential when most needed, simultaneously clearing the board and dealing critical damage to your opponent.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-based strategies dominate, Bonfire of the Damned proves its worth by resetting the board and tipping the scales in your favor, making it a game-changing addition during such metas.


How to Beat Bonfire of the Damned

Bonfire of the Damned is a powerful card in MTG that can turn the tides of a game with its ability to deal damage to a player and their creatures. It is especially potent due its Miracle cost, potentially allowing for a game-changing play at a fraction of its mana cost. To successfully overcome this threat, players need to adopt a strategy that can mitigate the impact of this powerful card.

One approach is to maintain a diverse board presence. Since Bonfire of the Damned deals damage to all creatures an opponent controls, players can benefit from having a range of creatures with varying toughness, preventing a total board wipe. Additionally, incorporating spells or abilities that grant your creatures indestructibility or damage prevention for a turn can also be invaluable in staying resilient against such a sweeping effect.

Focusing on instant-speed reactions can also be beneficial. Using cards that counter sorceries can interrupt the casting of Bonfire of the Damned entirely. Alternatively, cards that can bounce or exile creatures in response to the spell can save them from destruction, allowing a player to replenish the board after the dust settles. By planning for versatility and maintaining a readiness to respond, MTG players can navigate the challenge posed by Bonfire of the Damned and maintain their position in the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

Bonfire of the Damned stands as a formidable card that can shape the battlefield in your favor. With its capacity for board sweeping and direct player damage, it’s a must-have for red deck enthusiasts looking to make a substantial impact. If you’re intrigued by the strategic depth this card offers and how it can be the pinnacle of your MTG plays, join us on a deeper dive. We’ll guide you through maximizing its potential, integrating it smoothly into your deck, and navigating its weaknesses. Sharpen your MTG acumen with us and let Bonfire of the Damned illuminate your path to victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Bonfire of the Damned MTG card by a specific set like Avacyn Restored and Modern Masters 2017, 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 Bonfire of the Damned and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Bonfire of the Damned Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2012-05-04 and 2017-03-17. Illustrated by James Paick.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12012-05-04Avacyn RestoredAVR 1292003NormalBlackJames Paick
22017-03-17Modern Masters 2017MM3 912015NormalBlackJames Paick

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Bonfire of the Damned has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2017-03-14 A mana cost of means that you pay twice X. If you want X to be 3, you pay to cast Bonfire of the Damned.
2017-03-14 Bonfire of the Damned targets only the player. Creatures with shroud or hexproof that player controls will be dealt damage by Bonfire of the Damned if it resolves.
2017-03-14 Bonfire of the Damned’s mana value is based on its mana cost of , even if you’re casting it for its miracle cost. For example, if you cast Bonfire of the Damned for its miracle cost and choose 4 for X, its mana value is 9.
2017-03-14 If the player is an illegal target when Bonfire of the Damned tries to resolve, the spell won’t resolve and none of its effects will happen. No damage will be dealt to any permanent or player.
2017-03-14 Preventing some or all of the damage dealt to the player won’t affect the amount of damage dealt to each creature that player controls. The same is true for any effect that increases or decreases the amount of damage dealt to the player.