Pyroblast MTG Card


Pyroblast disrupts opponents effectively, providing card advantage in red decks against blue. Instant speed allows surprise plays, ensuring mana efficiency and flexibility. Despite limitations, Pyroblast is a red deck staple for its precise targeting at a low cost.
Card setsReleased in 13 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

Counter target spell if it is blue or destroy target permanent if it is blue.

"Just the thing for those pesky water mages." —Jaya Ballard, Task Mage


Cards like Pyroblast

Pyroblast stands out in the arsenal of counter and destroy spells tailored for red deck users in Magic: The Gathering. Its specialty lies in its laser-focused ability to counter or destroy a blue spell or blue permanent, an ability shared by its cousin, Red Elemental Blast. Though both cards offer the same utility, Pyroblast’s unique quality is that it can be cast even when there’s no blue spell on the stack, which can be leveraged in niche scenarios involving cards that care about spells being cast.

Hydroblast serves as a blue counterpart; this spell can neutralize red threats in a similar fashion. It’s the yin to Pyroblast’s yang, creating a dynamic interplay between blue and red decks. Blue Elemental Blast also stands in parallel, offering a blue-aligned mirror to Red Elemental Blast, reinforcing the binary opposition of these elemental forces in the game’s rich lore and strategic play.

Analyzing the differences and strategic applications, Pyroblast offers precise power in the context of blue-heavy metagames, providing red mages with an efficient tool to protect their strategy and disrupt their opponents, solidifying its place in competitive and casual formats alike.

Red Elemental Blast - MTG Card versions
Hydroblast - MTG Card versions
Blue Elemental Blast - MTG Card versions
Red Elemental Blast - MTG Card versions
Hydroblast - MTG Card versions
Blue Elemental Blast - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Pyroblast by color, type and mana cost

False Orders - MTG Card versions
Chaoslace - MTG Card versions
Red Elemental Blast - MTG Card versions
Tunnel - MTG Card versions
Artifact Blast - MTG Card versions
Lightning Bolt - MTG Card versions
Active Volcano - MTG Card versions
Shock - MTG Card versions
Panic - MTG Card versions
Vertigo - MTG Card versions
Telim'Tor's Edict - MTG Card versions
Hearth Charm - MTG Card versions
Fighting Chance - MTG Card versions
Shower of Sparks - MTG Card versions
Heat Ray - MTG Card versions
Overload - MTG Card versions
Engulfing Flames - MTG Card versions
Sonic Seizure - MTG Card versions
March of Reckless Joy - MTG Card versions
Burst Lightning - MTG Card versions
False Orders - MTG Card versions
Chaoslace - MTG Card versions
Red Elemental Blast - MTG Card versions
Tunnel - MTG Card versions
Artifact Blast - MTG Card versions
Lightning Bolt - MTG Card versions
Active Volcano - MTG Card versions
Shock - MTG Card versions
Panic - MTG Card versions
Vertigo - MTG Card versions
Telim'Tor's Edict - MTG Card versions
Hearth Charm - MTG Card versions
Fighting Chance - MTG Card versions
Shower of Sparks - MTG Card versions
Heat Ray - MTG Card versions
Overload - MTG Card versions
Engulfing Flames - MTG Card versions
Sonic Seizure - MTG Card versions
March of Reckless Joy - MTG Card versions
Burst Lightning - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
PainterPainter LegacyPainterLegacy Preliminary 2024-04-18
Grixis TempoGrixis Tempo LegacyGrixis TempoLegacy Challenge 32 2024-04-21
5c Delver5c Delver LegacyTemur DelverLegacy Challenge 32 2024-04-28
Grixis TinkerGrixis Tinker VintageBlue TinkerVintage Challenge 32 2024-04-25
Grixis Underworld BreachGrixis Underworld Breach VintageUnderworld BreachVintage Challenge 32 2024-04-20
4c Underworld Breach4c Underworld Breach VintageUnderworld BreachVintage Challenge 32 2024-04-20
Izzet TempoIzzet Tempo VintageBlue TempoVintage Challenge 32 2024-04-20

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Pyroblast offers a powerful option in hand by potentially nullifying an opponent’s key blue spell. While it doesn’t directly draw cards, the strategic removal of an opponent’s threat effectively works towards card advantage by disrupting their planned sequences or protecting your own strategy.

Resource Acceleration: Though Pyroblast itself doesn’t generate mana or accelerate resources directly, it contributes to resource acceleration by keeping mana costs low. At a single red mana, it allows players to effectively counter or destroy an opponent’s blue spell while still advancing their board state with other mana-using plays.

Instant Speed: The instant speed of Pyroblast gives players the flexibility to respond during an opponent’s turn, affording the element of surprise. This allows you to efficiently manage your resources while waiting for the perfect moment to disrupt an opponent’s play, tip the game in your favor, or protect your own interests without having to preemptively commit mana during your own turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Pyroblast does not explicitly require you to discard a card, it’s a single-use spell that’s removed from your hand upon casting. This can pressure your hand size and diminish your pool of reactive options.

Specific Mana Cost: Pyroblast demands a red mana for activation, which inherently restricts its inclusion to red-centric or multicolored decks that can accommodate red mana easily.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Even though Pyroblast is economical at a single red mana, in the realm of counter spells and removals, it competes with alternatives that may provide additional versatility or broader targets for a similar or even lower cost.


Reasons to Include Pyroblast in Your Collection

Versatility: Pyroblast can be incorporated into a wide array of red-based decks and is particularly useful due to its ability to counter or destroy key blue spells. Its low mana cost makes it a flexible addition to any stage of the game.

Combo Potential: This card has significant potential when combined with spells that copy or recur instants and sorceries, allowing red mages to repeatedly disrupt opponents’ strategies, especially in blue-heavy metas.

Meta-Relevance: Given that blue spells and decks often represent a significant portion of competitive play, Pyroblast serves as an efficient tool to gain an edge in these matchups, making it a staple sideboard card for red players facing blue-dominated fields.


How to Beat

Pyroblast stands as a potent tool in the arsenal of any player looking to gain an upper hand against blue spells in Magic: The Gathering. This powerful red instant can counter any blue spell or destroy any blue permanent at a mere cost of one red mana, making it both efficient and devastatingly precise. The key to overcoming Pyroblast relies on versatility and strategic planning.

Employing non-blue cards is one essential tactic, as Pyroblast’s limitation is its singularity of purpose. Similarly, baiting out the Pyroblast with less critical spells or summoning multiple threats at once can stretch your opponent’s resources thin, forcing them to make tough decisions. Lastly, incorporating cards that can protect your spells or permanents, or cards that can’t be targeted by instants, can also ensure your key pieces stay on the battlefield. Diversifying your strategy and anticipating the timing can tilt the odds in your favor against this iconic card.

Understanding the mechanics and limitations of Pyroblast is crucial in contending with players who wield this card. By adapting your playstyle and maintaining a dynamic deck composition, you can navigate the challenges posed by this MTG classic and keep your game plan intact.


BurnMana Recommendations

Pyroblast is a must-have for any player aiming to strengthen their arsenal against blue-centric strategies in MTG. Offering the tactical advantage of countering or destroying blue spells at instant speed, this red instant is a low-cost powerhouse that keeps you in control. Whether in competitive or casual formats, understanding the applications of Pyroblast can shift the tides of your matches. Balance your deck, anticipate blue confrontations, and deploy Pyroblast to dismantle your opponent’s game plan. Enhance your MTG experience by mastering this spell; become adept in the art of red magic and safeguard your victories against the wave of blue strategy.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Pyroblast MTG card by a specific set like Ice Age and Pro Tour Collector Set, 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 Pyroblast and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Pyroblast Magic the Gathering card was released in 10 different sets between 1995-06-03 and 2023-01-01. Illustrated by 4 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11995-06-03Ice AgeICE 2131993NormalBlackKaja Foglio
21996-05-02Pro Tour Collector SetPTC mj213sb1993NormalGoldKaja Foglio
31997-03-24Fifth Edition5ED 2621997NormalWhiteKaja Foglio
41997-08-13World Championship Decks 1997WC97 js262sb1997NormalGoldKaja Foglio
51997-08-13World Championship Decks 1997WC97 jk262sb1997NormalGoldKaja Foglio
61997-08-13World Championship Decks 1997WC97 pm262sb1997NormalGoldKaja Foglio
71998-08-12World Championship Decks 1998WC98 bs213sb1997NormalGoldKaja Foglio
81998-08-12World Championship Decks 1998WC98 br213sb1997NormalGoldKaja Foglio
92002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 699812015NormalBlackJoseph Meehan
102007-09-10Masters EditionME1 1071997NormalBlackKaja Foglio
112010-11-08Magic Online Theme DecksTD0 B242003NormalBlackKaja Foglio
122016-06-10Eternal MastersEMA 1422015NormalBlackLake Hurwitz
132023-01-01Wizards Play Network 2023PW23 82015NormalBlackTakuma Ebisu

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Pyroblast has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Pyroblast 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 The decision to counter a spell or destroy a permanent is a decision made on announcement before the target is selected. If the spell is redirected, this mode can’t be changed, so only targets of the selected type are valid.
2016-06-08 Pyroblast can target any spell or permanent, not just a blue one. It checks the color of the target only on resolution.