Clan Defiance MTG Card


Clan Defiance provides targeted removal, offering substantial card advantage by resolving multiple threats. Its specific mana requirements and high cost can limit deck inclusion, demanding strategic resource management. Versatility and combo potential in creature-heavy metagames make Clan Defiance a valuable collection addition.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Choose one or more — Clan Defiance deals X damage to target creature with flying; Clan Defiance deals X damage to target creature without flying; and/or Clan Defiance deals X damage to target player.


Cards like Clan Defiance

Clan Defiance stands out among the multicolored damage-dealing spells in Magic: The Gathering. It shares a thematic and functional kinship with cards like Aurelia’s Fury, which also allows targeting multiple foes or creatures. However, what makes Clan Defiance unique is its flexibility derived from the X cost, enabling a player to scale the damage as per available mana.

Another comparable option is Comet Storm, a card that also operates on the principle of variable damage output. It generally requires a higher initial investment with its additional red mana in the cost but compensates with a similar multikill potential. Bonfire of the Damned is part of this conversation as well, given its Miracles mechanic, which can deliver unexpected blows to a player’s adversaries at a potentially reduced cost.

When lined up against its peers, Clan Defiance can be a game-changing force for players who appreciate the capacity to tailor their attacks while keeping an eye on mana efficiency. Its versatility in targeting creatures and players alike makes it a compelling choice for anyone looking to wield the unpredictable power of fire in their MTG deck strategies.

Aurelia's Fury - MTG Card versions
Comet Storm - MTG Card versions
Bonfire of the Damned - MTG Card versions
Aurelia's Fury - MTG Card versions
Comet Storm - MTG Card versions
Bonfire of the Damned - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Clan Defiance by color, type and mana cost

Primitive Justice - MTG Card versions
Savage Twister - MTG Card versions
Savage Offensive - MTG Card versions
Hull Breach - MTG Card versions
Ground Assault - MTG Card versions
Domri's Ambush - MTG Card versions
Reap the Past - MTG Card versions
Unnatural Moonrise - MTG Card versions
Perilous Iteration - MTG Card versions
Picnic Ruiner // Stolen Goodies - MTG Card versions
Worldsoul's Rage - MTG Card versions
Break Out - MTG Card versions
Primitive Justice - MTG Card versions
Savage Twister - MTG Card versions
Savage Offensive - MTG Card versions
Hull Breach - MTG Card versions
Ground Assault - MTG Card versions
Domri's Ambush - MTG Card versions
Reap the Past - MTG Card versions
Unnatural Moonrise - MTG Card versions
Perilous Iteration - MTG Card versions
Picnic Ruiner // Stolen Goodies - MTG Card versions
Worldsoul's Rage - MTG Card versions
Break Out - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Clan Defiance has the potential to eliminate multiple creatures or even target the opponent directly, offering significant card advantage by handling several threats with a single card.

Resource Acceleration: By efficiently dealing with blockers or threats, this card clears the path for your own creatures to attack, potentially accelerating your resource advantage as you maintain board presence while disrupting your opponent’s.

Instant Speed: While Clan Defiance is a sorcery, its scalability compensates by allowing strategic planning during your turn to maximize damage dealt to creatures or players, providing a form of tempo acceleration.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Clan Defiance doesn’t require discarding specifically, but it does demand a strategic hand management due to its flexibility. Choosing to use it for maximum effect often means holding onto it and other cards to set up the ideal scenario, which can be taxing on your hand.

Specific Mana Cost: This card requires a precise combination of red, green, and potentially blue mana, which can be a challenge in a deck not firmly based in Gruul colors (red and green). This makes it less versatile in decks that cannot reliably produce the necessary mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Clan Defiance offers a versatile range of targets, its cost is restrictive, starting at three mana and increasing with each additional target. In today’s fast-paced game, where efficiency is key, there may be hesitation to include a card that requires such a significant mana investment before it affects the board.


Reasons to Include Clan Defiance in Your Collection

Versatility: Clan Defiance serves as a flexible removal tool that can target multiple creatures or even players. Its scalability makes it usable in various situations, fitting seamlessly into decks that need removal options.

Combo Potential: This card’s ability to deal damage to multiple targets simultaneously opens up numerous combo possibilities. It can synergize well with cards that trigger on damage or those that benefit from the death of creatures, providing strategic benefits for clever deck builders.

Meta-Relevance: In metagames abundant with creatures, Clan Defiance can gain significant value. It can disrupt your opponents’ boards while keeping pressure on their life totals, making it an impactful choice against a range of decks.


How to beat

Overcoming Clan Defiance in MTG requires strategic play and understanding the card’s strengths. It’s a multicolored spell catering to Gruul guild players, offering flexible damage distribution among any number of target creatures and players. This scalability makes it a formidable card, especially in the late game when the available mana pool to fuel its X cost can be substantial. To best this card, keep its casting cost in mind; at five mana—three generic and one each of red and green—it won’t hit the field until mid-game.

One effective strategy is to pressure the Defiance wielder early on. Pushing aggressive plays and reducing their life total before they can stabilize and amass the mana needed for a potent blast can tilt the game in your favor. Hand disruption strategies can also play a pivotal role, removing Clan Defiance from your opponent’s grip before they get the chance to cast it. Furthermore, utilizing instant-speed removal or counterspells when Clan Defiance is on the stack disrupts your opponent’s plan and preserves your board state or life total.

Tactical forethought and proactive measures can often neutralize the volatility of a Clan Defiance play—preparation and timing are key in turning the tables and claiming victory over your Gruul adversaries on the battlefield.


BurnMana Recommendations

Exploring MTG’s dynamic environment, players often seek cards with the power to tip the scales of battle. Clan Defiance exemplifies such a card, a versatile spell capable of dealing with multiple threats or directly impacting a player’s life points. The effectiveness and strategic complexity it brings to the table is undeniable. If you’re eager to shift the momentum of your duels, or simply wish to expand your arsenal with cards of considerable adaptability and cunning combo potential, delve deeper into the realm of deck building with us. Enhance your collection and sharpen your skills as you navigate the MTG landscape with confidence. Learn more about optimizing your gameplay and discovering the synergies that Clan Defiance can unlock in your deck compositions.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Clan Defiance MTG card by a specific set like Gatecrash and Commander 2016, 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 Clan Defiance and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Clan Defiance Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2013-02-01 and 2024-02-23. Illustrated by Daarken.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12013-02-01GatecrashGTC 1512003NormalBlackDaarken
22016-11-11Commander 2016C16 1872015NormalBlackDaarken
32024-02-23Ravnica: Clue EditionCLU 1822015NormalBlackDaarken

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Clan Defiance has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2013-01-24 The value of X is the same for each mode you choose.
2013-01-24 You can choose just one mode, any two of the modes, or all three. You make this choice as you cast Clan Defiance.