Fireslinger MTG Card


Fireslinger provides repeated effects and card advantage without extra card commitment from players’ hands. The ability at instant speed gives players tactical flexibility and maintains momentum during gameplay. Drawing on red mana and self-damage are notable strategic considerations when utilizing Fireslinger.
Card setsReleased in 7 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Human Wizard
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

oc T: Fireslinger deals 1 damage to target creature or player and 1 damage to you.

"Remember the moral of the fireslinger fable: with power comes isolation." —Karn, silver golem


Cards like Fireslinger

Fireslinger, a creature card from Magic: The Gathering, provides a stable source of direct damage to opponents. It bears resemblance to Prodigal Pyromancer, an earlier card with the tap ability to deal one damage to any target. However, Fireslinger is unique as it also incurs a cost of one damage to you, the player, differentiating it by adding a risk-reward element to its strategy.

Comparing it to cards like Cunning Sparkmage or Gelectrode, we notice that these creatures have similar tap for damage abilities but without the self-harm feature. Gelectrode particularly offers a reusable aspect by untapping whenever you cast an instant or sorcery, potentially dealing more damage over time. Cunning Sparkmage, while more straightforward, lacks the self-damage, making it a safer, albeit less powerful, choice.

Examining Fireslinger in the realm of Magic: The Gathering showcases how the card presents an aggressive and risk-laden playstyle, encouraging players to carefully consider their life totals while focusing on depleting their opponents’. This direct damage potential makes Fireslinger a card worth considering for decks emphasizing consistent damage output.

Prodigal Pyromancer - MTG Card versions
Cunning Sparkmage - MTG Card versions
Gelectrode - MTG Card versions
Prodigal Pyromancer - MTG Card versions
Cunning Sparkmage - MTG Card versions
Gelectrode - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Fireslinger by color, type and mana cost

Rock Hydra - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Weaponsmith - MTG Card versions
Goblin Rock Sled - MTG Card versions
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Goblin Lookout - MTG Card versions
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Storm Entity - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Soldier - MTG Card versions
Mogg War Marshal - MTG Card versions
Stigma Lasher - MTG Card versions
Soulbright Flamekin - MTG Card versions
Rock Hydra - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Weaponsmith - MTG Card versions
Goblin Rock Sled - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Lieutenant - MTG Card versions
Goblin Recruiter - MTG Card versions
Heart Sliver - MTG Card versions
Mogg Flunkies - MTG Card versions
Goblin Elite Infantry - MTG Card versions
Skittish Kavu - MTG Card versions
Rage Weaver - MTG Card versions
Minotaur Explorer - MTG Card versions
Sparksmith - MTG Card versions
Goblin Lookout - MTG Card versions
Skirk Marauder - MTG Card versions
Hellspark Elemental - MTG Card versions
Storm Entity - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Soldier - MTG Card versions
Mogg War Marshal - MTG Card versions
Stigma Lasher - MTG Card versions
Soulbright Flamekin - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Fireslinger is a valuable piece in a strategy that rewards you for having wizards or spells that target. Its ability to deal damage offers ongoing utility, acting as a reliable source of repeated effect which can slowly tip the scales in your favor without needing to commit additional cards from your hand.

Resource Acceleration: By consistently dealing damage each turn, Fireslinger has the potential to activate prowess and raid mechanics earlier in the game, setting off a chain reaction of increased power and acceleration for your spells and creatures.

Instant Speed: Fireslinger’s activated ability can be used at instant speed, giving you the flexibility to apply pressure during your opponent’s end step or after declaring blockers, thereby maximizing your tactical choices without sacrificing momentum.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Fireslinger necessitates discarding a card to activate its ability, which could put players at a disadvantage by depleting their hand especially in moments when retaining cards is crucial for maintaining strategy and momentum.

Specific Mana Cost: The activation of Fireslinger’s ability is bound to a specific mana cost, namely red, which makes it somewhat inflexible and thus requiring a commitment to red mana sources within a player’s deck, potentially limiting deck diversity.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Considering the competitive landscape of the game, Fireslinger’s overall mana cost is on the higher side for its damage output. Players often seek more impactful plays with a similar or even lower mana investment, leading them to opt for alternatives that can provide a better mana-to-effect ratio in their decks.


Reasons to Include Fireslinger in Your Collection

Versatility: Fireslinger is a flexible card that can be slotted into various red-based decks. Its ability to deal damage directly to players or creatures can be an asset in aggressive or control strategies alike.

Combo Potential: With the card’s consistent damage output, Fireslinger works well in conjunction with cards that capitalize on direct damage or benefit from the ping mechanic, enhancing synergies and enabling advantageous combos in your deck.

Meta-Relevance: As metas often fluctuate with creature-heavy decks, having Fireslinger provides a recurrent way to manage potential threats or chip away at your opponent’s life total, maintaining its relevance in various MTG metagames.


How to beat Fireslinger

Fireslinger is a classic card that brings both utility and consistent damage to the table in Magic: The Gathering. As it can directly deal damage to any target, it only takes a few turns for Fireslinger to become a real thorn in an opponent’s side. But, this card has its vulnerabilities. Its ability requires it to tap, which takes it out of the equation during your opponent’s turn, making it an inactive blocker. Furthermore, the Fireslinger also inflicts 1 damage to its controller, which opens a window for strategic plays.

Given that Fireslinger is a creature, removal spells are your best line of defense. Quick removal spells that can be cast on your turn, like Lightning Bolt or Fatal Push, can easily dispatch Fireslinger before it deals too much damage. Board wipes, such as Wrath of God or Damnation, can also clear Fireslinger from the battlefield along with any other potential threats. Additionally, you can utilize lifegain strategies to offset the incremental damage it brings. This way, it becomes less of a ticking clock and more of a manageable nuisance.

Ultimately, handling Fireslinger is a matter of timing and choosing the right moment to deploy removal or countermeasures. Keeping pressure on the Fireslinger’s controller and maintaining card advantage can ensure that this notorious card doesn’t burn you out of the game.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Fireslinger MTG card by a specific set like Tempest and World Championship Decks 1999, 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 Fireslinger and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Fireslinger Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 1997-10-14 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11997-10-14TempestTMP 1731997NormalBlackJeff Reitz
21999-08-04World Championship Decks 1999WC99 mlp173sb1997NormalGoldJeff Reitz
31999-08-04World Championship Decks 1999WC99 mlp1731997NormalGoldJeff Reitz
42002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 360381997NormalBlackJeff Reitz
52008-11-07Duel Decks: Jace vs. ChandraDD2 362003NormalBlackJeff Reitz
62014-12-05Duel Decks Anthology: Jace vs. ChandraJVC 362015NormalBlackJeff Reitz
72022-12-02Jumpstart 2022J22 1302015NormalBlackSteve Argyle

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Fireslinger has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal