Prophetic Bolt MTG Card


Prophetic Bolt offers both damage output and helps in selecting the best card from the top four cards. The card’s instant speed play disrupts opponents and provides strategic flexibility during the game. While powerful, its higher mana cost and color specificity may limit its inclusion in some decks.
Card setsReleased in 9 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeInstant

Text of card

Prophetic Bolt deals 4 damage to target creature or player. Look at the top four cards of your library. Put one of those cards into your hand and the rest on the bottom of your library.


Understanding Prophetic Bolt

In the sea of instant spells in Magic: The Gathering, Prophetic Bolt emerges as a versatile card that does more than just damage. Similar in function to cards like Electrolyze, Prophetic Bolt not only delivers a 4-damage blow to any target but adds the advantage of card advantage by letting you look at the top four cards of your library, then putting one of them into your hand.

Cards like Prophetic Bolt

Prophetic Bolt can be likened to other multifaceted instants such as Char, which deals 4 damage to any target, but with a simpler mechanic. While both are useful in controlling the board, Prophetic Bolt edges out with its additive card selection feature. Izzet Charm is another contender, offering versatility with three modes, one of which deals 2 damage to a creature. Though it provides different options, the reduced damage and absence of the ‘look and reveal’ ability make Prophetic Bolt the superior choice for card advantage.

Expanding our scope, Mystic Confluence is another card worth mentioning in this discussion. Like Prophetic Bolt, the Confluence is a toolbox of options, including a draw mechanism. It has a higher mana cost, but grants more control over the game with its multiple choices. Despite this, Prophetic Bolt’s lower mana cost combined with immediate impact and card filtering stands strong for quick plays and strategic planning.

Assessing utility and value, Prophetic Bolt positions itself as a coveted card in MTG, especially for players valuing strategic depth and control within their spell casting.

Electrolyze - MTG Card versions
Char - MTG Card versions
Izzet Charm - MTG Card versions
Mystic Confluence - MTG Card versions
Electrolyze - MTG Card versions
Char - MTG Card versions
Izzet Charm - MTG Card versions
Mystic Confluence - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Prophetic Bolt by color, type and mana cost

Thoughtflare - MTG Card versions
Turn // Burn - MTG Card versions
Cunning Strike - MTG Card versions
Hypothesizzle - MTG Card versions
Practical Research - MTG Card versions
Chaos Mutation - MTG Card versions
Thoughtflare - MTG Card versions
Turn // Burn - MTG Card versions
Cunning Strike - MTG Card versions
Hypothesizzle - MTG Card versions
Practical Research - MTG Card versions
Chaos Mutation - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Prophetic Bolt. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
DecklistDecklist Free form80#CS

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Prophetic Bolt offers a unique combination of damage and card selection. After dealing its 4 damage to a creature or player, selecting a card from the top four of your library ensures you get exactly what you need, which can be pivotal in turning the tide of the game.

Resource Acceleration: While Prophetic Bolt itself doesn’t produce mana or Treasure tokens, it accelerates your resource utility by helping you sift through your library at instant speed, finding the key lands or spells that’ll keep you playing efficiently and effectively.

Instant Speed: The power to cast Prophetic Bolt at instant speed means that you have the flexibility to wait until just the right moment to strike or gain information. This capability allows you to disrupt your opponent’s tactics at the end of their turn or in response to a game-changing move.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Prophetic Bolt doesn’t necessitate a discard, but in a broader sense, using it requires careful hand management. Casting it means one less card for potential counters or other responses, which could put a player at a strategic disadvantage.

Specific Mana Cost: This blue and red spell demands a mix of mana types, which can be a deckbuilding constraint. Decks not devoted to an Izzet (blue/red) strategy might struggle to meet the mana needs, limiting the card’s widespread playability.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At five mana to cast, Prophetic Bolt’s cost is on the higher end for instant speed spells. Decks seeking faster tempo might consider this cost a drawback, especially when mana efficiency is paramount.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Prophetic Bolt is a multi-purpose card that can adapt to various deck strategies. It combines direct damage with card advantage, allowing players to target creatures or players while refilling their hand.

Combo Potential: This card is a staple in spell-slinging decks that capitalize on instants and sorceries. It can be paired with cards that trigger upon casting spells, providing both immediate impact and setup for powerful combos.

Meta-Relevance: As the game evolves, control decks remain a constant in the competitive scene. Prophetic Bolt’s ability to selectively dig for answers makes it an enduring option against a wide array of deck types.


How to beat

Prophetic Bolt is a versatile card in MTG, famous for its ability to deliver a burst of damage and card advantage. Countering this powerhouse involves a keen understanding of timing and resource allocation. Foremost, instant-speed counter spells are your front line of defense, disrupting its cast and preserving your board state.

Alternatively, managing your threats adeptly forces your opponent to make difficult choices – do they hold up mana for the bolt or develop their board? Additionally, creatures with hexproof or shroud protect themselves from being targeted, keeping them safe from Prophetic Bolt’s damaging impact. Lastly, since the card has a higher mana cost, an aggressive strategy can pressure opponents, diminishing the time they have to safely cast and benefit from their Prophetic Bolt.

Given its potency, it’s crucial to anticipate and prepare for Prophetic Bolt in your game plan. By utilizing these tactics, players can effectively neutralize its impact and maintain advantageous positions during the match.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG goes beyond knowing the cards; it’s about making strategic choices that can shift the tide of battle in your favor. If Prophetic Bolt piqued your interest, you’re someone who appreciates the blend of power and precision. Consistency in your deck enables you to unleash spells like Prophetic Bolt, turning potential losses into momentous victories. We encourage you to further develop your deck strategies and explore the synergies that Prophetic Bolt can create. Dive deeper into our articles for insights on building more cohesive decks and leveraging cards for maximum impact. Your next game-changing play awaits!


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Prophetic Bolt MTG card by a specific set like Apocalypse and Commander 2011, 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 Prophetic Bolt and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Prophetic Bolt Magic the Gathering card was released in 9 different sets between 2001-06-04 and 2022-07-08. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12001-06-04ApocalypseAPC 1161997NormalBlackDave Dorman
22011-06-17Commander 2011CMD 2192003NormalBlackDave Dorman
32012-09-07Duel Decks: Izzet vs. GolgariDDJ 272003NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak
42014-06-16Vintage MastersVMA 2572015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak
52015-11-13Commander 2015C15 2312015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak
62019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 16962015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak
72020-04-17Commander 2020C20 2272015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak
82020-09-26The ListPLST C15-2312015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak
92022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 2652015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Prophetic Bolt has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal