Flameskull MTG Card


Flameskull ensures card advantage by returning after defeat, pressuring opponents repeatedly. It complements reactive strategies with its synergy with instant-speed spells and abilities. Careful deck building is essential, considering Flameskull’s specific mana needs and discard cost.
Card setsReleased in 6 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityMythic
TypeCreature — Skeleton
Abilities Flying
Power 3
Toughness 1

Text of card

Flying Flameskull can't block. Rejuvenation — When Flameskull dies, exile it. If you do, exile the top card of your library. Until the end of your next turn, you may play one of those cards. (If you cast Flameskull this way, you can't play the other card, and vice versa.)


Cards like Flameskull

Flameskull joins the collection of resilient creatures Magic: The Gathering players can deploy. When compared to other undying or persistent creatures, Flameskull offers a unique twist. It is akin to Reassembling Skeleton, which also returns to the battlefield, but Flameskull brings the added advantage of flying and not requiring mana to return. It rekindles itself after a brief bout in exile, coming back ready for another aerial assault.

Looking to the Phoenix tribe, like the Chandra’s Phoenix, Flameskull shares the gift of revival. Both can rise from the graveyard; however, Flameskull isn’t dependent on specific conditions involving spells directed to the opponent, thereby granting a more reliable return. Furthermore, it’s worth noting that Flameskull’s exile mechanic prevents abuse with sacrifice effects — a subtle nod to balanced gameplay. Phoenix of Ash is another relative, offering recurring potential but with the necessity of hefty mana investments for its comeback and also its ability to escape the graveyard.

In essence, Flameskull serves as a versatile piece in decks seeking resilient threats. Its auto-resurrection sets it apart within the MTG ecosystem, supporting strategies centered around longevity and pressure, with a nuance in resource management. Thus, it carves a distinct niche among its reanimating peers.

Reassembling Skeleton - MTG Card versions
Chandra's Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Phoenix of Ash - MTG Card versions
Reassembling Skeleton - MTG Card versions
Chandra's Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Phoenix of Ash - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Flameskull by color, type and mana cost

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Mudbutton Torchrunner - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Warriors - MTG Card versions
Raging Bull - MTG Card versions
Wall of Lava - MTG Card versions
Brassclaw Orcs - MTG Card versions
Imperial Recruiter - MTG Card versions
Uthden Troll - MTG Card versions
Hobgoblin Bandit Lord - MTG Card versions
Goblin Rabblemaster - MTG Card versions
Nosy Goblin - MTG Card versions
Goblin Sky Raider - MTG Card versions
Cosmic Larva - MTG Card versions
Mannichi, the Fevered Dream - MTG Card versions
Ghost-Lit Raider - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chariot - MTG Card versions
Balduvian Barbarians - MTG Card versions
Basalt Gargoyle - MTG Card versions
Orcish Artillery - MTG Card versions
Stinkdrinker Daredevil - MTG Card versions
Blind-Spot Giant - MTG Card versions
Mudbutton Torchrunner - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Flameskull presents a persistent threat, able to return to the battlefield, guaranteeing card advantage as your opponents must deal with it multiple times.

Resource Acceleration: As a recurring creature, Flameskull can indirectly contribute to resource acceleration by demanding answers from your opponents, thereby saving resources you would otherwise spend on threats.

Instant Speed: Flameskull, while not an instant itself, synergizes well with instant speed spells thanks to its Reassembling ability, allowing you to play a more reactive and flexible game plan.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The initial play of Flameskull requires a player to exile a card from their hand, which reduces the available options for strategic plays later in the game.

Specific Mana Cost: Flameskull demands a precise mana cost that includes red, potentially restricting it to certain deck archetypes predominantly featuring that color.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that hits the three mana mark, Flameskull may be considered steep compared to other creatures with similar abilities, impacting your mana curve and delaying other potentially crucial plays.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Flameskull offers flexibility across multiple deck archetypes. As a resilient creature, it can be a recurring threat in aggressive strategies or a dependable blocker in control formats.

Combo Potential: This card’s reanimation ability pairs well with sacrifice mechanics, allowing you to exploit its rebirth for gains elsewhere. It also synergizes with cards that benefit from non-token creatures dying or casting spells from the graveyard.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment filled with creature-based combat, Flameskull’s ability to avoid exile when destroyed and return to the battlefield makes it a tough and recurrent obstacle for opponents. It can adapt to and potentially tilt the scales in a dynamic competitive scene.


How to beat

Flameskull presents a unique challenge on the battlefield with its notable ability to resurrect after being defeated. Its resilience stems from being exiled with a resurrection counter, poised to come back after your next upkeep if you’ve cast another spell. To effectively counter this endlessly returning threat, one strategy stands out: graveyard control. Removing the Flameskull directly from the game or controlling its coming into play is key. Cards like Relic of Progenitus can excel in removing it from the exile zone, preventing its return to the battlefield.

Another viable tactic is to employ spells or abilities that specify the creature cannot be regenerated or returned to the battlefield such as Scavenging Ooze. This way, even if the Flameskull is exiled, it won’t have the chance to make a comeback – an effective permanence to your solution. Additionally, spells that force your opponent to sacrifice creatures can bypass the Flameskull’s self-recursion as it’s not being destroyed, hence not triggering its return ability. Ensuring that you have a strategy to address the Flameskull proactively can save you from an endless loop of fiery defeat.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Flameskull MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Adventures in the Forgotten Realms Promos, 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 Flameskull and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Flameskull Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2021-07-23 and 2021-07-23. Illustrated by Xavier Ribeiro.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 927242015NormalBlackXavier Ribeiro
22021-07-23Adventures in the Forgotten Realms PromosPAFR 143p2015NormalBlackXavier Ribeiro
32021-07-23Adventures in the Forgotten Realms PromosPAFR 143s2015NormalBlackXavier Ribeiro
42021-07-23Adventures in the Forgotten Realms PromosPAFR 143a2015NormalBlackXavier Ribeiro
52021-07-23Adventures in the Forgotten RealmsAFR 3782015NormalBlackXavier Ribeiro
62021-07-23Adventures in the Forgotten RealmsAFR 1432015NormalBlackXavier Ribeiro

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Flameskull has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2021-07-23 Exiling Flameskull as its triggered ability resolves isn't optional, but if Flameskull leaves the graveyard before the ability starts resolving, you won't exile it or the top card of your library.
2021-07-23 You must still pay all costs and follow all timing rules for spells cast this way. Likewise, playing lands this way is subject to the normal rules for playing lands.