Flames of the Firebrand MTG Card


Offers the utility of hitting multiple targets, perfect for shifting the momentum in your favor. Instant speed casting gives players strategic flexibility and surprise factor during games. While powerful, its mana specificity and cost require thoughtful deck integration.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Flames of the Firebrand deals 3 damage divided as you choose among one, two, or three target creatures and/or players.

"You're in luck. I brought enough to share." —Chandra Nalaar


Cards like Flames of the Firebrand

Flames of the Firebrand offers a versatile damage-dealing spell to Magic: The Gathering combatants by enabling a player to split three damage as they choose among one, two, or three targets. In a similar space, Arc Lightning stands as a worthy comparison, with the same mana cost and damage-splitting flexibility. The difference, however, is minimal, making Flames of the Firebrand a great alternative when deck building requires variations.

Another card in this category is Forked Bolt, which delivers a similar effect but at a lower mana cost for reduced damage output. It provides the same strategic advantage of damaging multiple creatures or targeting a player, fitting perfectly into decks that thrive on early game control. Moving up the mana scale, Chandra’s Pyrohelix emerges as an instant compared to Flames of the Firebrand’s sorcery speed. It’s a trait that can be crucial in games where timing is everything, despite its lower total damage.

Assessing these options shows that Flames of the Firebrand holds its own within the pantheon of red spells designed to spread damage across multiple adversaries. It’s a card that skilfully balances cost, damage, and strategic flexibility.

Arc Lightning - MTG Card versions
Forked Bolt - MTG Card versions
Chandra's Pyrohelix - MTG Card versions
Arc Lightning - MTG Card versions
Forked Bolt - MTG Card versions
Chandra's Pyrohelix - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Flames of the Firebrand by color, type and mana cost

Stone Rain - MTG Card versions
Game of Chaos - MTG Card versions
Evaporate - MTG Card versions
Pillage - MTG Card versions
Goblin War Cry - MTG Card versions
Steam Blast - MTG Card versions
Goblin Offensive - MTG Card versions
Desert Sandstorm - MTG Card versions
Arc Lightning - MTG Card versions
Search for Survivors - MTG Card versions
Panic Attack - MTG Card versions
Searing Rays - MTG Card versions
Rupture - MTG Card versions
Tundra Fumarole - MTG Card versions
Browbeat - MTG Card versions
Anger of the Gods - MTG Card versions
Erratic Explosion - MTG Card versions
Threaten - MTG Card versions
Sizzle - MTG Card versions
Hammer of Bogardan - MTG Card versions
Stone Rain - MTG Card versions
Game of Chaos - MTG Card versions
Evaporate - MTG Card versions
Pillage - MTG Card versions
Goblin War Cry - MTG Card versions
Steam Blast - MTG Card versions
Goblin Offensive - MTG Card versions
Desert Sandstorm - MTG Card versions
Arc Lightning - MTG Card versions
Search for Survivors - MTG Card versions
Panic Attack - MTG Card versions
Searing Rays - MTG Card versions
Rupture - MTG Card versions
Tundra Fumarole - MTG Card versions
Browbeat - MTG Card versions
Anger of the Gods - MTG Card versions
Erratic Explosion - MTG Card versions
Threaten - MTG Card versions
Sizzle - MTG Card versions
Hammer of Bogardan - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Flames of the Firebrand offers the capability to eliminate multiple threats with just one card. Distributing three damage among one, two, or three targets can create significant swing moments, clearing the board of smaller creatures or finishing off weakened larger ones.

Resource Acceleration: Efficiently managing your damage output helps maintain mana economy. By potentially dealing with various creatures in one spell, you allocate resources more effectively in turns to come, allowing for a more flexible game plan and potentially accelerating your board state advantage.

Instant Speed: The flexibility of casting Flames of the Firebrand at instant speed cannot be overstated. This attribute allows players to adapt to the evolving game state, perhaps disrupting opponent’s plays mid-combat or at the end of their turn, preserving the element of surprise and maximizing strategic impact.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Flames of the Firebrand does not specifically require you to discard cards, it is important for players to consider the resource management aspect. Using this spell means one less card in hand, potentially leading to a disadvantage in maintaining card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting cost includes two red mana, which can restrict its inclusion to decks that are red-heavy or mono-red. Players running multicolor decks may find it challenging to reliably meet the color requirements, especially under pressure.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost of three mana, one of which is two specific red, Flames of the Firebrand might be seen as costly for the damage output. When evaluating its place in a deck, its cost-effectiveness compared to other direct damage spells should be taken into account, as there may be alternatives that offer more flexibility or lower costs for a similar effect.


Reasons to Include Flames of the Firebrand in Your Collection

Versatility: Flames of the Firebrand offers flexibility in its distribution of damage, allowing players to tailor the effect to the board state. Whether you’re targeting multiple creatures or aiming at both creatures and players, this card adapts to various situations.

Combo Potential: This card can be a key component in decks that thrive on casting multiple spells in a turn or that trigger off instances of damage. It can serve as a catalyst for powerful combo plays, paving the way for a swift victory.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where small creatures are prevalent or where accumulating incremental advantages are crucial, Flames of the Firebrand shines by efficiently dealing with several threats at once or by removing blockers to clear the path for your attacks.


How to beat

Flames of the Firebrand is a versatile burn spell in Magic: The Gathering that allows you to divide three damage as you choose among one, two, or three targets. This flexibility can make it seem daunting, but overcoming it is all about strategic creature management and timing. To mitigate the impact, consider using creatures with toughness greater than three, which prevents them from being easily removed by a single Flames of the Firebrand cast. Holding onto instant speed removal or counterspells can also neutralize this card before it affects the board state. Additionally, playing creatures with built-in resiliency, such as undying or persist, can ensure that even if they’re targeted, they’ll return to the battlefield and continue to provide value.

Understanding when to extend your forces onto the board is key. Often, the best play against such removal spells is to not overcommit multiple low-toughness creatures. Instead, develop a diverse range of threats, forcing your opponent to make less optimal decisions with their Flames of the Firebrand. By evaluating the composition of your board and exercising patience, you can effectively navigate around the challenges posed by this fiery spell and maintain a strong presence in the game.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Flames of the Firebrand MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2013 and Magic 2014, 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 Flames of the Firebrand and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Flames of the Firebrand Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2012-07-13 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Steve Argyle.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12012-07-13Magic 2013M13 1322003NormalBlackSteve Argyle
22013-07-19Magic 2014M14 1392003NormalBlackSteve Argyle
32020-07-17JumpstartJMP 3172015NormalBlackSteve Argyle
42022-12-02Jumpstart 2022J22 5352015NormalBlackSteve Argyle

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Flames of the Firebrand has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2012-07-01 You divide the damage as you cast Flames of the Firebrand, not as it resolves. Each target must be assigned at least 1 damage. (In other words, as you put the spell on the stack, you choose whether to have it deal 3 damage to a single target, 2 damage to one target and 1 damage to another target, or 1 damage to each of three targets.)