Orcish Artillery MTG Card


Repeatable damage output from Orcish Artillery aids in board control and influences opponent strategies. Flexible activation timing of its ability allows for responsive play and strategic depth in gameplay. Self-inflicted harm requires judicious use, making it a card rich in risk-versus-reward decision making.
Card setsReleased in 24 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Orc Warrior
Power 1
Toughness 3

Text of card

Tap to do 2 damage to any target, but you suffer 3 damage as well.

In a rare display of ingenuity, the Orcs invented an incredibly destructive weapon. Most Orcish artillerists are those who dared criticize its effectiveness.


Cards like Orcish Artillery

In the varied landscape of Magic: The Gathering, Orcish Artillery stands out as a unique creature card. This red creature shares thematic and functional similarities with cards like Prodigal Pyromancer and Cunning Sparkmage. Each of these creatures has the ability to deal direct damage to any target—a versatile tool in many game scenarios.

Unlike Prodigal Pyromancer, Orcish Artillery packs a more powerful punch, capable of dealing 2 damage to any target. However, this comes at a price, as it also deals 3 damage to you, the player. The Sparkmage, with a lower damage output, does not have the same drawback, offering a safer but less potent option for pinging opponents or their creatures.

Critical to the strategic use of these cards is the balance between damage output and life conservation. Orcish Artillery has potential for high damage, which can be expertly leveraged in the right deck. Players must weigh these options when choosing the perfect arsenal for their red-based MTG decks.

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

Cards similar to Orcish Artillery by color, type and mana cost

Dwarven Warriors - MTG Card versions
Raging Bull - MTG Card versions
Wall of Stone - MTG Card versions
Wall of Lava - MTG Card versions
Brassclaw Orcs - MTG Card versions
Sabretooth Tiger - 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
Skirk Commando - MTG Card versions
Cosmic Larva - MTG Card versions
Mannichi, the Fevered Dream - MTG Card versions
Cunning Bandit // Azamuki, Treachery Incarnate - MTG Card versions
Ghost-Lit Raider - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chariot - MTG Card versions
Balduvian Barbarians - MTG Card versions
Shinen of Fury's Fire - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Warriors - MTG Card versions
Raging Bull - MTG Card versions
Wall of Stone - MTG Card versions
Wall of Lava - MTG Card versions
Brassclaw Orcs - MTG Card versions
Sabretooth Tiger - 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
Skirk Commando - MTG Card versions
Cosmic Larva - MTG Card versions
Mannichi, the Fevered Dream - MTG Card versions
Cunning Bandit // Azamuki, Treachery Incarnate - MTG Card versions
Ghost-Lit Raider - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chariot - MTG Card versions
Balduvian Barbarians - MTG Card versions
Shinen of Fury's Fire - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Orcish Artillery offers a repeatable source of damage to creatures or players. This efficient utility can contribute to maintaining board control by eliminating key threats turn after turn, essentially trading one card for multiple resources of an opponent over time.

Resource Acceleration: Although Orcish Artillery doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its low casting cost means it hits the battlefield early. This early presence can dictate the pace of the game, forcing opponents to alter their strategies or use removal spells prematurely, thus indirectly influencing the resource tempo in your favor.

Instant Speed: While the card itself is not an instant, its ability can be activated at instant speed. This gives you significant flexibility to respond during your opponent’s turn or at the end of their turn, making it a tactical tool for controlling the state of the game without sacrificing the development of your own strategy.


Card Cons

Self-inflicted Damage: Orcish Artillery can be a double-edged sword as it deals damage not only to your opponent’s creatures or player but also to you. This drawback requires careful consideration when deploying it on the battlefield, especially in situations where your life total is precariously low.

Specific Mana Cost: Orcish Artillery has a mana cost that includes two red and one other, which may not always be readily available in multicolored decks. This restricted mana cost can sometimes delay the casting of the card or necessitate specific lands or mana-fixing spells, limiting its versatility across various deck types.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana for a 1/3 creature, Orcish Artillery’s ability might seem priced appropriately at first glance. However, when you consider the additional cost of self-inflicted damage each time you use its ability, there are more mana-efficient ways to deal damage in red-centric decks that come without the downside of hurting yourself.


Reasons to Include Orcish Artillery in Your Collection

Versatility: Orcish Artillery can be a strategic addition to decks that focus on damage-based control. Its ability to deal damage to both creatures and players adds a layer of tactical flexibility, allowing players to remove threats or directly target opponents.

Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with strategies that amplify damage or benefit from dealing non-combat damage. Its potential to be combined with effects that double damage or protect it from being destroyed makes it a component in niche but powerful combos.

Meta-Relevance: In game environments where smaller creatures are prevalent, Orcish Artillery serves as a formidable obstacle. Its presence on the board can influence opponent’s decisions and possibly deter them from playing lower toughness creatures, giving it relevance in certain metagames.


How to beat

Orcish Artillery introduces a tactical element to the battlefield of Magic: The Gathering with its ability to deal damage to both creatures and players. Its strength lies in the precision it offers, especially in the early to mid-game phases. However, to counter this offensive unit, players need to focus on its downsides. The cost of its ability is not only mana but also a significant amount of life points from the controller. This drawback can be exploited by adopting an aggressive stratagem to pressure the opposing life total.

A strategy that includes swift and evasive creatures can prove effective. They are typically harder for Orcish Artillery to target due to its mana-reliant ability, and they push the opposing player into a position where using the card’s ability could backfire. Moreover, enchantments or effects that reduce or prevent the damage Orcish Artillery can deal could further neutralize its threat. Timing is critical when facing this card; applying continuous pressure can limit an adversary’s options and potentially turn their asset into a liability.

Ultimately, while Orcish Artillery has the potential to control the board, its double-edged nature is a weakness that can be turned against the player if tackled with a tactical offensive and timely disruption.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Orcish Artillery MTG card by a specific set like Limited Edition Alpha and Limited Edition Beta, 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 Orcish Artillery and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Orcish Artillery Magic the Gathering card was released in 20 different sets between 1993-08-05 and 2022-11-28. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11993-08-05Limited Edition AlphaLEA 1651993NormalBlackAnson Maddocks
21993-10-04Limited Edition BetaLEB 1661993NormalBlackAnson Maddocks
31993-12-01Unlimited Edition2ED 1661993NormalWhiteAnson Maddocks
41993-12-10Collectors' EditionCED 1661993NormalBlackAnson Maddocks
51993-12-10Intl. Collectors' EditionCEI 1661993NormalBlackAnson Maddocks
61994-04-01Foreign Black BorderFBB 1681993NormalBlackAnson Maddocks
71994-04-01Revised Edition3ED 1681993NormalWhiteAnson Maddocks
81994-06-21Summer Magic / EdgarSUM 1681993NormalWhiteAnson Maddocks
91995-04-01Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border4BB 2141993NormalBlackAnson Maddocks
101995-04-01Fourth Edition4ED 2141993NormalWhiteAnson Maddocks
111996-07-01Rivals Quick Start SetRQS 351993NormalWhiteAnson Maddocks
121996-12-31Introductory Two-Player SetITP 361993NormalWhiteAnson Maddocks
131997-03-24Fifth Edition5ED 2531997NormalWhiteDan Frazier
141999-04-21Classic Sixth Edition6ED 1961997NormalWhiteDan Frazier
152001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 205★1997NormalBlackDan Frazier
162001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 2051997NormalWhiteDan Frazier
172003-07-28Eighth Edition8ED 2072003NormalWhiteDan Frazier
182003-07-28Eighth Edition8ED 207★2003NormalBlackDan Frazier
192005-07-29Ninth Edition9ED 2062003NormalWhiteJeff Miracola
202005-07-29Ninth Edition9ED 206★2003NormalBlackJeff Miracola
212007-07-13Tenth Edition10E 2202003NormalBlackJeff Miracola
222020-09-26The ListPLST 10E-2202003NormalBlackJeff Miracola
232022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 4581997NormalBlackAnson Maddocks
242022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 1612015NormalBlackAnson Maddocks

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Orcish Artillery has restrictions

FormatLegality
OldschoolLegal
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Orcish Artillery 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 You do not take the 3 points of damage if the ability doesn’t resolve because the target is illegal.