Firestorm Phoenix MTG Card


Firestorm Phoenix’s return ability can prevent card loss and preserve hand strength. Commits mana once, a repeated effect can mean efficient resource use in-game. Its revival offers strategic bluffing options, potentially swaying opponents’ plays.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Phoenix
Abilities Flying
Power 3
Toughness 2

Text of card

Flying If Phoenix is placed in the graveyard from play, return it to owner's hand instead. It may not be summoned again until owner's next turn.

"The bird of wonder dies, the maiden phoenix,/ Her ashes new-create another heir/ As great in admiration as herself." —William Shakespeare, *King Henry the Eighth*


Cards like Firestorm Phoenix

Firestorm Phoenix brings a unique twist to the plethora of creature cards in the game. Standing out with its recurrent nature, it can be quite a persistent threat. When comparing it to other creatures, Rekindling Phoenix comes to mind. Both share the fiery theme and the ability to rise from the ashes, yet Rekindling Phoenix returns with an Elemental token, which provides an additional layer of complexity and board presence.

Another bird of note is the Ashcloud Phoenix. Like our featured Firestorm, it too has the capability to revive itself. However, the Ashcloud Phoenix morphs when it dies, revealing itself once more for a surprise blocker or an unexpected attack, while Firestorm Phoenix requires mana to return back to your hand to be played again. This mana recast represents an investment in the long game, ensuring Firestorm Phoenix’s presence throughout the match, ready to take wing turn after turn.

Ultimately, each phoenix offers a unique approach to resilience on the battlefield. While both the Rekindling and Ashcloud variants bring immediate battlefield effects upon their return, the Firestorm Phoenix demands strategic planning and mana reservation, rewarding players who master its cycle of rebirth.

Rekindling Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Ashcloud Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Rekindling Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Ashcloud Phoenix - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Firestorm Phoenix by color, type and mana cost

Shivan Dragon - MTG Card versions
Crater Hellion - MTG Card versions
Callous Giant - MTG Card versions
Halam Djinn - MTG Card versions
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Two-Headed Dragon - MTG Card versions
Ryusei, the Falling Star - 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
Lu Bu, Master-at-Arms - MTG Card versions
Inferno Titan - MTG Card versions
Bogardan Rager - MTG Card versions
Chartooth Cougar - MTG Card versions
Shivan Dragon - MTG Card versions
Crater Hellion - 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
Ryusei, the Falling Star - 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
Lu Bu, Master-at-Arms - MTG Card versions
Inferno Titan - MTG Card versions
Bogardan Rager - MTG Card versions
Chartooth Cougar - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The resurrection ability of Firestorm Phoenix allows it to return to your hand from the graveyard. This can deter opponents from destroying or dealing damage to it, as it can be replayed, effectively circumventing card loss and maintaining your hand’s strength.

Resource Acceleration: Although Firestorm Phoenix doesn’t directly accelerate your resources, its recurring nature means it requires investment only once for potentially multiple uses. This can lead to a more efficient utilization of your mana over the course of a game, as the phoenix continues to provide value without additional mana spent for its return.

Instant Speed: While the Firestorm Phoenix itself may not operate at instant speed, its return to your hand can set you up to using it as a surprise blocker in future turns. Also, holding it in your hand post-resurrection can bluff the presence of instant speed interactions, leading to strategic advantages over your opponent.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: To return Firestorm Phoenix to your hand after it dies, you’re required to discard another card from your hand. This can be a strategic setback, diminishing your card advantage, particularly if your hand is already scarce in options.

Specific Mana Cost: Firestorm Phoenix demands a dedicated mana setup, with a cost that includes two red mana symbols. This specificity necessitates a firm commitment to red within your deck, potentially limiting its versatility and rendering it less effective in multicolor decks that can’t consistently provide the necessary red mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana (two of which must be red), Firestorm Phoenix’s overall impact on the game can be underwhelming. For the same or lesser mana investment, players may find alternative creatures or spells that provide a greater immediate impact or utility compared to what the Phoenix offers upon entering the battlefield or throughout the course of a game.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Firestorm Phoenix offers a unique resilience that allows it to shine in diverse gameplay situations. Its ability to return to a player’s hand from the graveyard if it dies ensures a persistent aerial threat throughout the match, making it a reliable piece in decks that aim for sustained board presence.

Combo Potential: In the right deck, Firestorm Phoenix’s ability to recur from the graveyard can be leveraged to enable various combos. It can be used in conjunction with sacrifice effects for recurring benefits, or to consistently trigger enters-the-battlefield or death-related abilities in other cards.

Meta-Relevance: For metas with heavy creature removal, the Firestorm Phoenix can maintain pressure on opponents without worrying about being a one-off casualty. This makes it a formidable choice against control decks that rely on removing creatures to maintain dominance on the battlefield.


How to beat

The Firestorm Phoenix is a classic card that veterans of Magic: The Gathering might recall for its resilience. When this creature is destroyed and sent to the graveyard, it offers the chance to bounce back to its owner’s hand, ready to rise from the ashes once more. Dealing with its potential recurrence can be a hefty task in your MTG endeavors. To effectively counteract the Firestorm Phoenix, one might consider using exile effects, which would prevent the bird from returning to the battlefield indefinitely.

Strategies should include direct removal spells such as Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares, both of which can take the Phoenix out of the graveyard equation for good. Another approach could involve leveraging graveyard shuffle effects that would mix the Phoenix into the owner’s library, utilizing cards like Bojuka Bog to remove it from the game entirely. The key is to avoid standard destruction that would only temporarily stave off this tenacious flier. Successfully stopping the endless cycle of the Firestorm Phoenix requires precise tactics, focusing on rendering its comeback ability useless. By doing so, you ensure that once the Phoenix falls, it stays down.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Firestorm Phoenix MTG card by a specific set like Legends and Masters Edition III, 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 Firestorm Phoenix and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Firestorm Phoenix Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1994-06-01 and 2009-09-07. Illustrated by Jeff A. Menges.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11994-06-01LegendsLEG 1471993NormalBlackJeff A. Menges
22009-09-07Masters Edition IIIME3 991997NormalBlackJeff A. Menges

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Firestorm Phoenix has restrictions

FormatLegality
OldschoolLegal
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Firestorm Phoenix 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 It may not be cast again until your next turn, but it can be put onto the battlefield by other effects.
2004-10-04 The “rebirth” is a replacement effect.
2009-10-01 The Firestorm Phoenix you return to your hand is tracked by its ability. As long as it remains in your hand, that particular card can’t be played before your next turn begins, but a different Firestorm Phoenix in your hand can.