Implode MTG Card


Implode enables disruption of opponents’ plans by destroying land and refilling your hand, maintaining card advantage. Cast at instant speed, it allows players to respond swiftly to in-game changes, retaining the element of surprise. Despite mana and discard requirements, Implode’s strategic value can outweigh its costs when used effectively.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityUncommon
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Destroy target land. Draw a card.

To save Dominaria, nine planeswalkers sought the annihilation of Phyrexia itself.


Cards like Implode

Implode offers a unique entry into the pantheon of land destruction spells in MTG, sharing similar destruction effects with other stalwarts like Stone Rain. Stone Rain, a fundamental choice for land destruction, also costs three mana but gets rid of the land unconditionally. Implode sets itself apart by being colored solely in red and having the additional cost of sacrificing a land, potentially making its usage more strategic and situational.

Another card worthy of comparison is Demolish. Although it comes with a higher mana cost of four, Demolish offers versatility by allowing players to destroy either a land or an artifact, but it lacks the draw effect that Implode has, making it a less appealing choice for players seeking to maintain their hand size while disrupting opponents.

Taking these factors into account, Implode finds a balance between cost and benefit amongst land destruction spells. Its unique sacrifice requirement can be finessed into an advantage in decks that benefit from lands entering the graveyard or recursion strategies. Thus, within its niche, Implode could be a compelling inclusion for players looking to innovate within that strategy in MTG.

Stone Rain - MTG Card versions
Demolish - MTG Card versions
Stone Rain - MTG Card versions
Demolish - MTG Card versions

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Cone of Flame - MTG Card versions
Apocalypse - MTG Card versions
Mogg Infestation - MTG Card versions
Jagged Lightning - MTG Card versions
Lava Axe - MTG Card versions
Burning Fields - MTG Card versions
Shower of Coals - MTG Card versions
Shivan Meteor - MTG Card versions
Yawning Fissure - MTG Card versions
World at War - MTG Card versions
Explosive Revelation - MTG Card versions
Turn to Slag - MTG Card versions
Reforge the Soul - MTG Card versions
Burn at the Stake - MTG Card versions
Cleaver Riot - MTG Card versions
Rage of Purphoros - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Implode offers the strategic benefit of dismantling an opponent’s land base while simultaneously refilling your hand. This disruption often translates into a significant edge by setting back your opponent’s development and keeping your options plentiful.

Resource Acceleration: While Implode doesn’t directly produce additional resources, removing a land can indirectly accelerate your game plan by slowing down your opponent, potentially giving you a lead in available mana and board presence.

Instant Speed: The flexibility of casting Implode at instant speed is one of its strongest features. It allows you to adapt to dynamic game states, using it optimally during an opponent’s end step or in response to land-dependent spells. This adaptiveness ensures that you maintain the element of surprise and control over the flow of the game.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One notable setback of Implode is the necessary discard of another card to utilize it. This potentially puts you at a disadvantage if your hand is already depleted or if you’re aiming to maintain card advantage over your opponent.

Specific Mana Cost: Implode demands a specific combination of mana, consisting of both red and another color. This requirement may restrict its integration into decks beyond those that are heavily reliant on red mana sources, thereby limiting its overall flexibility within the MTG metagame.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Casting Implode requires a considerable amount of mana, with its cost set at five mana total, including three red. In competitive play, there exist alternatives that could destroy a land or offer similar forms of board control for less mana investment, potentially providing your opponent with an opening to capitalize on your temporary resource expenditure.


Reasons to Include Implode in Your Collection

Versatility: Implode presents a broad range of applications, easily fitting into decks that capitalize on land destruction or resource denial strategies. Its ability to target any land makes it a useful tool in dismantling your opponent’s mana base, crucial in slowing down or completely disrupting their game plan.

Combo Potential: This card can synergize with effects that reward land destruction or grant benefits for each destroyed permanent, thus enabling devastating combinations that can tilt the scales in a player’s favor. Additionally, Implode sets the stage for cards that capitalize on opponents’ land scarcity.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where tron or heavy land-dependent decks prevail, Implode can serve as a silver bullet, effectively countering strategies that rely on complex land assemblies. Its inclusion could be a judicious response to current and anticipated meta-game trends, keeping such decks in check.


How to beat

Implode is a card that may seem daunting due to its ability to destroy target land and deal damage to that land’s controller. Many players might initially feel overwhelmed when facing down the threat of land destruction and potential health chip damage. However, overcoming Implode can be achieved with the right strategies and card choices.

Focus on diversifying your mana base to mitigate the impact of losing a single land. Cards like Rampant Growth or Cultivate can help replace the lost land and maintain your mana curve. Additionally, use instant-speed spells and abilities to counteract Implode. Cards such as Negate or Counterspell can provide an effective defense, preventing Implode from resolving in the first place. Furthermore, prioritize protecting your most valuable lands with cards that grant hexproof or indestructibility. For instance, Heroic Intervention can be a lifesaver in maintaining your land resources intact. Lastly, keep a steady flow of card draw to replenish your hand and ensure you have answers when you need them. In doing so, you’ll be able to stay ahead of the game and diminish the impact of your opponent’s Implode card.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Implode MTG card by a specific set like Planeshift and The List, 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 Implode and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Implode Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2001-02-05 and 2001-02-05. Illustrated by Arnie Swekel.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12001-02-05PlaneshiftPLS 621997NormalBlackArnie Swekel
22020-09-26The ListPLST PLS-621997NormalBlackArnie Swekel

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Implode has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal