Command the Storm MTG Card


Command the Storm provides crucial spot removal with its 5-damage capability, pivotal for maintaining board control. Its instant speed offers flexibility, allowing players to respond to threats even during the opponent’s turn. The casting cost demands careful deck construction, particularly for multi-colored strategies seeking versatility.
Command the Storm - Guilds of Ravnica
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityCommon
TypeInstant
Released2018-10-05
Set symbol
Set nameGuilds of Ravnica
Set codeGRN
Number94
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byJason Rainville

Text of card

Command the Storm deals 5 damage to target creature.

In the wake of Niv-Mizzet's disappearance, Ral found himself leading the guild. He had dreamed of this day, but couldn't help feeling like a pawn in someone else's game.


Cards like Command the Storm

Command the Storm is an impactful instant in Magic: The Gathering, dealing 5 damage to any target creature. Its closest relatives, for instance, are spells like Lightning Strike and Searing Spear, both dealing 3 damage to a target at the cost of less mana. However, Command the Storm outshines these in terms of sheer damage potential, ideal for taking down larger creatures that the others cannot.

Considering another parallel, there’s Lava Coil which also deals 4 damage to a creature for less mana, but unlike Command the Storm, it can’t hit planeswalkers which restricts its versatility. Plus, as a sorcery, Lava Coil lacks the surprise factor of an instant. Finally, the comparison with Beacon Bolt is inevitable, as it scales its damage with the number of instant and sorcery cards in your graveyard. While each card serves a unique role depending on your strategy, Command the Storm garners consideration for its ability to tackle most threats head on, instantly and without prior setup.

To sum up, within the realm of red damage spells, Command the Storm contends well with its balanced cost-to-damage ratio and the invaluable trait of being an instant, providing flexibility and power in creature control.

Lightning Strike - MTG Card versions
Searing Spear - MTG Card versions
Lava Coil - MTG Card versions
Beacon Bolt - MTG Card versions
Lightning Strike - MTG Card versions
Searing Spear - MTG Card versions
Lava Coil - MTG Card versions
Beacon Bolt - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Command the Storm by color, type and mana cost

Fissure - MTG Card versions
Melee - MTG Card versions
Omen of Fire - MTG Card versions
Cinder Cloud - MTG Card versions
Lava Storm - MTG Card versions
Brawl - MTG Card versions
Thermal Blast - MTG Card versions
Radiate - MTG Card versions
Invoke Calamity - MTG Card versions
Pinpoint Avalanche - MTG Card versions
Forge Armor - MTG Card versions
Savage Beating - MTG Card versions
Rain of Rust - MTG Card versions
Feedback Bolt - MTG Card versions
Beacon of Destruction - MTG Card versions
Devouring Rage - MTG Card versions
Cleansing Beam - MTG Card versions
Word of Seizing - MTG Card versions
Riddle of Lightning - MTG Card versions
Chaotic Backlash - MTG Card versions
Fissure - MTG Card versions
Melee - MTG Card versions
Omen of Fire - MTG Card versions
Cinder Cloud - MTG Card versions
Lava Storm - MTG Card versions
Brawl - MTG Card versions
Thermal Blast - MTG Card versions
Radiate - MTG Card versions
Invoke Calamity - MTG Card versions
Pinpoint Avalanche - MTG Card versions
Forge Armor - MTG Card versions
Savage Beating - MTG Card versions
Rain of Rust - MTG Card versions
Feedback Bolt - MTG Card versions
Beacon of Destruction - MTG Card versions
Devouring Rage - MTG Card versions
Cleansing Beam - MTG Card versions
Word of Seizing - MTG Card versions
Riddle of Lightning - MTG Card versions
Chaotic Backlash - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Command the Storm lets you deal damage to any target, potentially removing an opponent’s creature from the battlefield and helping you maintain control of the game.

Resource Acceleration: While Command the Storm doesn’t directly provide resource acceleration, efficiently dealing with threats can conserve the resources you’d otherwise need to stabilize the board later on.

Instant Speed: Command the Storm’s instant speed capability gives you the flexibility to respond to threats on your opponent’s turn, which can be pivotal in controlling the pace of the match.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Command the Storm requires a finely-tuned hand management, as it doesn’t offer an additional draw or discard option. This could pose a challenge when strategizing the optimal playtime, as it lacks the flexibility of cards that facilitate card circulation within your deck.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Command the Storm includes both generic and red mana, potentially limiting its integration in multi-colored decks. Decks lacking sufficient red mana sources might struggle to meet its specific requirements at crucial game phases.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a 5-mana casting cost, this card demands a significant investment of your mana pool. In comparison to other removal spells within the same range, Command the Storm might be overlooked for options that deliver a broader impact or have a lower mana curve, providing a similar effect with greater efficiency.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Command the Storm is a flexible pick for red decks craving spot removal. Its ability to deal 5 damage to a target creature ensures it can tackle a broad spectrum of threats in the game.

Combo Potential: This instant can synergize with spells-matter decks that thrive on casting numerous instants and sorceries. It can also assist in fueling the graveyard for strategies revolving around spell recursion.

Meta-Relevance: In a format where creature-heavy decks are prominent, Command the Storm provides a viable solution to remove key creatures, possibly swinging the game in your favor. The card’s scalability makes it apt for sideboards or main decks alike, depending on your local meta.


How to beat

Command the Storm is an impactful instant spell in MTG that can change the dynamics of the game, especially in Limited formats like Draft or Sealed. It offers a substantial five damage to a target creature, making it a powerful tool in the late game. When facing this spell, it’s important to recognize its mana cost of five – one red and four generic mana. Timing is everything, as this is when your opponent is likely to cast it.

To outmaneuver Command the Storm, consider playing creatures with hexproof or indestructible abilities to nullify its effect. Counterspells are your best friend against it; by keeping mana open, you can protect your key creatures from being removed. Alternatively, baiting out the spell with less important creatures can preserve your valuable ones for later turns. Pay attention to your opponent’s available mana and try to play around the turn they reach the crucial five mana. Ultimately, by prioritizing strategic play and card choices, Command the Storm can be rendered less threatening.

Understanding the timing and having a contingency plan is key to conquer this red spell. Thus, well-defined strategy and smart play choices can help you maintain the upper hand against Command the Storm in MTG matchups.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Command the Storm MTG card by a specific set like Guilds of Ravnica, 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 Command the Storm and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Command the Storm has restrictions

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