Burning Sun's Avatar MTG Card


Fulfills multiple roles by dealing damage and establishing board presence, a two-for-one advantage. Amplifies ramp decks as a high-impact finisher, turning mana investment into game swings. Challenges opponents with instant-like board impact, simulating instant-speed interaction.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Dinosaur Avatar
Power 6
Toughness 6

Text of card

When Burning Sun's Avatar enters the battlefield, it deals 3 damage to target opponent and 3 damage to up to one target creature.

"Tilonalli's searing rays carry the spark of life's eventual destruction as all light fades." —Chitlati, Lightning Rider


Cards like Burning Sun's Avatar

Burning Sun’s Avatar is a massive creature that makes an impact in Magic: The Gathering games, reminiscent of cards like Inferno Titan. Both creatures have abilities that deal damage upon entering the battlefield, but Burning Sun’s Avatar offers a targeted approach, allowing players to deal damage directly to an opponent and a creature they control. Inferno Titan, with its fire breathing ability, provides a more flexible damage distribution which can be split among multiple targets.

Another akin card is Siege-Gang Commander, which, similar to Burning Sun’s Avatar, creates an immediate board presence by generating additional creature tokens. While the Commander doesn’t offer direct damage to opponents, its ability to sacrifice Goblin tokens to deal damage provides a form of board control and potential direct damage to players. Additionally, both cards are excellent for bolstering your creature army while applying pressure to your opponents.

In terms of raw power and the ability to shift the game’s momentum, Burning Sun’s Avatar holds its ground among Magic: The Gathering’s impactful creature cards. Its distinct combination of damage and presence on the board positions it as a formidable threat in the right deck.

Burning Sun's Avatar - MTG Card versions
Inferno Titan - MTG Card versions
Siege-Gang Commander - MTG Card versions
Burning Sun's Avatar - MTG Card versions
Inferno Titan - MTG Card versions
Siege-Gang Commander - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Burning Sun's Avatar by color, type and mana cost

Shivan Dragon - MTG Card versions
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Sunrise Sovereign - MTG Card versions
Shivan Dragon - MTG Card versions
Firestorm Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Crater Hellion - MTG Card versions
Goblin Marshal - MTG Card versions
Callous Giant - MTG Card versions
Halam Djinn - MTG Card versions
Bloodshot Cyclops - MTG Card versions
Worldgorger Dragon - MTG Card versions
Two-Headed Dragon - MTG Card versions
Iron-Barb Hellion - MTG Card versions
Ryusei, the Falling Star - MTG Card versions
Patron of the Akki - MTG Card versions
Ronin Cavekeeper - MTG Card versions
Oni of Wild Places - MTG Card versions
Thundermare - MTG Card versions
Pardic Dragon - MTG Card versions
Tectonic Fiend - MTG Card versions
Etali, Primal Storm - MTG Card versions
Kamahl, Pit Fighter - MTG Card versions
Sunrise Sovereign - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Burning Sun’s Avatar itself doesn’t draw cards, it offers a different form of card advantage. Upon entry, it deals three damage to a target opponent and up to one target creature, which can potentially eliminate key components of an opponent’s board. Knocking out an enemy creature while adding a formidable presence to your own side often nets you a two-for-one deal.

Resource Acceleration: Although this creature doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its impact within a ramp deck is significant. In decks built around producing large amounts of mana quickly, the Avatar serves as a powerful finisher. It makes any prior investment into resource acceleration pay off with a high impact, game-swinging play.

Instant Speed: While the Avatar itself is a creature and not an instant, its effect can have the immediacy of an instant-speed spell by dramatically affecting the state of the board as soon as it enters. It can be used just after an opponent’s creatures have attacked, effectively neutralizing threats that were left open to deal damage, simulating the sudden impact of an instant-speed interaction.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: With no option to circumvent, the compulsory discard can be a detrimental setback when your hand is already depleted.

Specific Mana Cost: Demanding a rigid combination of three red mana, Burning Sun’s Avatar necessitates a deck heavily skewed towards red mana sources, potentially restricting its versatility in multi-color decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Priced at a steep six mana, including the stringent three red, this card vies for your key mana turns with other high-impact spells, which might not lend the same level of immediate board influence or game-ending potency.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Burning Sun’s Avatar seamlessly slides into numerous red-centric or multicolor decks that capitalize on dealing damage. Its ability to create an impact both when it enters the battlefield and during combat makes it a dynamic inclusion for varied strategies.

Combo Potential: The direct damage this card delivers not only to a player but also to creatures opens up a host of combo possibilities. Pair it with damage doublers or prolong its effect with flicker mechanics to get even more value.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state that rewards creature-based strategies or where board presence is crucial, Burning Sun’s Avatar stands out with its capacity to alter the board’s balance in your favor upon arrival.


How to beat

Burning Sun’s Avatar is a formidable creature that can have a significant impact on the game in Magic: The Gathering. Upon entering the battlefield, it delivers a punch by dealing 3 damage to an opponent and 3 damage to up to one target creature. To effectively counter this card, considering its high mana cost is crucial. Effective strategy involves maintaining control of the game through counter spells or using instant-speed removal to deal with it either before it hits the battlefield or before it triggers its ability.

Players should also be wary of the card’s potential in dinosaur-focused decks that can cheat it into play, reducing the mana cost. Utilize removal strategies that can bypass its effects, such as exile-based removal or board wipes that do not target to prevent triggering potential enrage mechanics from other dinosaurs. Being prepared with a suite of answers in your deck can keep Burning Sun’s Avatar from overwhelming the board and gaining the upper hand.

Consistent board control and strategic removal usage are key to suppressing the threat of Burning Sun’s Avatar and maintaining a strong position in your matches. It’s about understanding your opponent’s strategy and countering at the most opportune moments to mitigate this card’s potentially game-changing effects.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering your MTG deck means understanding every card’s role and potential. Crafting the perfect game plan involves delicately balancing your card selection to align with your victory conditions. Burning Sun’s Avatar is a prime example of a creature that can turn the tides of battle in your favor with its impactful entry to the battlefield. Whether you’re tweaking your deck to harness the power of dinosaurs or simply aiming to dominate with red’s fiery might, learning more about cards like Burning Sun’s Avatar is crucial. Dive in with us and discover strategies that reshape the battlefield and elevate your MTG experience.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Burning Sun's Avatar MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Ixalan, 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 Burning Sun's Avatar and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Burning Sun's Avatar Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2017-09-29 and 2017-09-29. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 656642015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
22017-09-29IxalanXLN 1352015NormalBlackRandy Vargas
32017-09-29Ixalan PromosPXLN 1352015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
42017-09-29Ixalan PromosPXLN 135s2015NormalBlackRandy Vargas

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Burning Sun's Avatar has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2017-09-29 If the ability of Burning Sun’s Avatar has two targets and one becomes illegal, the other will still be dealt damage.
2017-09-29 The ability of Burning Sun’s Avatar can target any creature, not just one controlled by the target opponent.