Earthquake MTG Card


Earthquake can simultaneously clear multiple creatures, offering substantial board control and tactical advantage. Its red mana requirement may limit its versatility in non-red or multicolor decks, demanding strategic deck construction. Despite higher mana costs, Earthquake’s scalability and combo potential make it a highly effective card in the right circumstances.
Card setsReleased in 30 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityRare
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Does X damage to each player and each non-flying creature in play.


Cards like Earthquake

Earthquake is a classic staple in Magic: The Gathering when it comes to area-of-effect damage spells. It mirrors the functionality of cards like Rolling Earthquake and Magmaquake, which all share the devastating ability to deal damage to multiple targets. Earthquake sets itself apart by dealing damage to each creature without flying and each player. This indiscriminate sweep can often turn the tide of a game.

In comparison, cards like Pyroclasm and Anger of the Gods deal damage only to creatures, which can be ideal for players looking to preserve their own life total. Pyroclasm offers a lower damage threshold, which may not always clear the battlefield as effectively. On the other hand, Anger of the Gods has the added benefit of exiling creatures it destroys, thus ensuring they can’t return from the graveyard.

Each of these spells has its place in Magic: The Gathering, from Earthquake’s broad reach affecting players and creatures alike to the more selective destruction offered by the others. Players must choose the right card based on their strategy and how the game unfolds, making the versatile Earthquake a tool worthy of consideration for any deck capable of wielding red mana effectively.

Rolling Earthquake - MTG Card versions
Magmaquake - MTG Card versions
Pyroclasm - MTG Card versions
Anger of the Gods - MTG Card versions
Rolling Earthquake - MTG Card versions
Magmaquake - MTG Card versions
Pyroclasm - MTG Card versions
Anger of the Gods - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Earthquake by color, type and mana cost

Fireball - MTG Card versions
Disintegrate - MTG Card versions
Goblin Grenade - MTG Card versions
Mana Clash - MTG Card versions
Winds of Change - MTG Card versions
Detonate - MTG Card versions
Meteor Shower - MTG Card versions
Tremor - MTG Card versions
Seething Anger - MTG Card versions
Blaze - MTG Card versions
Gamble - MTG Card versions
Meltdown - MTG Card versions
Landslide - 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
Mishra's Command - MTG Card versions
Fireball - MTG Card versions
Disintegrate - MTG Card versions
Goblin Grenade - MTG Card versions
Mana Clash - MTG Card versions
Winds of Change - MTG Card versions
Detonate - MTG Card versions
Meteor Shower - MTG Card versions
Tremor - MTG Card versions
Seething Anger - MTG Card versions
Blaze - MTG Card versions
Gamble - MTG Card versions
Meltdown - MTG Card versions
Landslide - 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
Mishra's Command - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Earthquake. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Grixis DelverGrixis Delver LegacyGrixis TempoSouth Wales Legacy Showcase

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Earthquake offers significant benefits when it comes to managing the board. Unlike single-target removals, it can potentially clear multiple creatures at once, rebalancing the playing field and even paving the way for a victorious swing if your creatures are out of range.

Resource Acceleration: While Earthquake itself doesn’t directly ramp up your mana resources, the clean slate it provides can be a form of acceleration by denying opponents their own mana dorks or utility creatures. This may hinder their development while you proceed unobstructed.

Instant Speed: As a powerful sorcery, Earthquake demands strategic play. Though not at instant speed, its timely use during your main phase can be just as impactful, clearing the way for your attacks or preventing incoming assaults post-combat on your turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Earthquake can be a game-changer by dealing damage to each creature without flying and each player, it doesn’t come without its challenges. One aspect to consider is its impact on your hand. Since there is no discard requirement associated with Earthquake, it allows you to maintain card advantage. However, players must strategize on the best moment to utilize the card without jeopardizing their own board state.

Specific Mana Cost: Earthquake requires a specific investment of red mana to cast. This requirement often limits its inclusion to mono-red or red-heavy decks, which may not align with every player’s strategy or the mana base of multicolored decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The flexibility of Earthquake comes at a comparatively high mana cost. To deal a significant amount of damage, a substantial mana investment is necessary, which means it might not be the most cost-effective board wipe available. Players need to weigh the potential impact against the available mana resources to maximize its effectiveness.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Earthquake offers a dynamic tool for red-themed decks, capable of clearing a swath of smaller creatures or directly delivering game-ending damage to players. Its scalability with mana allows for tactical flexibility regardless of the game’s stage.

Combo Potential: The capacity of Earthquake to deal damage to each creature without flying and each player opens up opportunities for interesting combos, especially in a deck that capitalizes on damage triggers or has ways to mitigate damage to itself.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where swarm strategies are prominent, Earthquake is particularly effective. Its ability to alter the board state significantly can turn the tide of matches that would otherwise be overwhelming due to a large number of creatures on the field.


How to beat

Confronting the destructive force of Earthquake in Magic: The Gathering requires strategic foresight and deck adaptability. This classic card delivers direct damage to each creature without flying and each player, which can dramatically sway the board’s balance. To overcome this potent red sorcery, incorporating flying creatures into your deck is a wise maneuver. These airborne allies will remain unscathed as Earthquake rumbles below.

Another tactic is leveraging life gain strategies to buffer the damage dealt to your health total. Spells and abilities that increase your life can create a safety net, blunting the impact of Earthquake’s wide-reaching effect. Instant-speed life gain can be particularly useful, allowing you to respond directly to the Earthquake’s resolution.

Lastly, countermagic serves as a direct countermeasure. Controlling the stack with blue spells like Counterspell or Negate allows you to nullify Earthquake before it even touches the battlefield. By keeping up mana for these reactive tools, you can assure that your creatures and life total remain beyond Earthquake’s reach, securing your position in the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG gameplay requires understanding the nuances of each card, and Earthquake is no exception. Assessing its strategic advantages and knowing when to unleash its power can solidify your dominance on the board. It’s essential to blend Earthquake’s raw strength with a smart deck composition to harness its full potential. Are you intrigued by its destructive capabilities or seeking to enrich your collection with this classic spell? Perhaps you’re crafting a deck where Earthquake would shine. Dive deeper with us into the strategies and combos that can turn this card into your winning play. Learn, adapt, and conquer—your next victorious MTG match awaits!


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Earthquake MTG card by a specific set like Limited Edition Alpha and Limited Edition Beta, 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 Earthquake and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Earthquake Magic the Gathering card was released in 26 different sets between 1993-08-05 and 2023-06-23. Illustrated by 6 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11993-08-05Limited Edition AlphaLEA 1461993NormalBlackDan Frazier
21993-10-04Limited Edition BetaLEB 1471993NormalBlackDan Frazier
31993-12-01Unlimited Edition2ED 1471993NormalWhiteDan Frazier
41993-12-10Collectors' EditionCED 1471993NormalBlackDan Frazier
51993-12-10Intl. Collectors' EditionCEI 1471993NormalBlackDan Frazier
61994-04-01Revised Edition3ED 1481993NormalWhiteDan Frazier
71994-04-01Foreign Black BorderFBB 1481993NormalBlackDan Frazier
81994-06-21Summer Magic / EdgarSUM 1481993NormalWhiteDan Frazier
91995-04-01Fourth Edition4ED 1891993NormalWhiteDan Frazier
101995-04-01Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border4BB 1891993NormalBlackDan Frazier
111996-05-02Pro Tour Collector SetPTC mj1891993NormalGoldDan Frazier
121996-05-02Pro Tour Collector SetPTC et1891993NormalGoldDan Frazier
131997-03-24Fifth Edition5ED 2231997NormalWhiteRichard Kane Ferguson
141997-05-01PortalPOR 1241997NormalBlackAdrian Smith
151997-08-13World Championship Decks 1997WC97 js2231997NormalGoldRichard Kane Ferguson
161997-08-13World Championship Decks 1997WC97 jk223sb1997NormalGoldRichard Kane Ferguson
171998-06-24Portal Second AgeP02 941997NormalBlackJeffrey R. Busch
181999-04-21Classic Sixth Edition6ED 1731997NormalWhiteRichard Kane Ferguson
191999-08-04World Championship Decks 1999WC99 kb173sb1997NormalGoldRichard Kane Ferguson
202001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 1801997NormalWhiteFranz Vohwinkel
212001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 180★1997NormalBlackFranz Vohwinkel
222009-07-17Magic 2010M10 1342003NormalBlackAdrian Smith
232011-06-17Commander 2011CMD 1212003NormalBlackAdrian Smith
242015-11-13Commander 2015C15 1522015NormalBlackAdrian Smith
252017-06-09Commander AnthologyCMA 822015NormalBlackAdrian Smith
262017-08-25Commander 2017C17 1372015NormalBlackAdrian Smith
272018-06-08Commander Anthology Volume IICM2 952015NormalBlackAdrian Smith
282022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 4391997NormalBlackDan Frazier
292022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 1422015NormalBlackDan Frazier
302023-06-23Tales of Middle-earth CommanderLTC 2142015NormalBlackTomáš Honz

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Earthquake has restrictions

FormatLegality
OldschoolLegal
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2004-10-04 Whether or not a creature is without flying is only checked on resolution.