Raise the Alarm MTG Card


Instant-speed play allows for surprise defense, enhancing strategy and mana efficiency in MTG. Generates card advantage by creating two creature tokens with one card, fostering field dominance. Restrictive mana cost and competitive alternatives may limit Raise the Alarm’s inclusion in some MTG decks.
Card setsReleased in 10 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

Put two 1/1 white Soldier creature tokens into play.

"The nim raid our homes without warning. We must defend our homes without hesitation."


Cards like Raise the Alarm

In the realm of token-generating spells in Magic: The Gathering, Raise the Alarm stands out for its efficiency. Much like Raise the Alarm, Gather the Townsfolk also creates two creature tokens. However, Raise the Alarm has an edge with its instant-speed capability, allowing for strategic plays during an opponent’s turn or at the end of their end step.

Comparatively, there’s also Krenko’s Command and Dragon Fodder—both sorceries producing two tokens each. The instant speed of Raise the Alarm gives it a tactical advantage over these sorcery-speed counterparts, offering surprise blockers or a sudden army boost. Then we get to Secure the Wastes, which, while more versatile due to its scalable effect depending on the mana invested, comes at a higher cost compared to the straightforward and mana-efficient Raise the Alarm.

When evaluating token-generating options, Raise the Alarm holds a strong position due to its balance of cost, speed, and defensive capabilities. This card ensures you have options open, keeping opponents guessing and potentially tilting the battlefield in your favor with quick creature reinforcements.

Gather the Townsfolk - MTG Card versions
Krenko's Command - MTG Card versions
Dragon Fodder - MTG Card versions
Secure the Wastes - MTG Card versions
Gather the Townsfolk - MTG Card versions
Krenko's Command - MTG Card versions
Dragon Fodder - MTG Card versions
Secure the Wastes - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Raise the Alarm by color, type and mana cost

Disenchant - MTG Card versions
Divine Offering - MTG Card versions
Alabaster Potion - MTG Card versions
Invulnerability - MTG Card versions
Remedy - MTG Card versions
Rhystic Shield - MTG Card versions
Samite Ministration - MTG Card versions
Shield Wall - MTG Card versions
Life Burst - MTG Card versions
Shelter - MTG Card versions
Equal Treatment - MTG Card versions
Aura Extraction - MTG Card versions
Test of Faith - MTG Card versions
Echoing Calm - MTG Card versions
Dawn Charm - MTG Card versions
Graceful Reprieve - MTG Card versions
Last Breath - MTG Card versions
Angelsong - MTG Card versions
Rest for the Weary - MTG Card versions
Puncturing Light - MTG Card versions
Disenchant - MTG Card versions
Divine Offering - MTG Card versions
Alabaster Potion - MTG Card versions
Invulnerability - MTG Card versions
Remedy - MTG Card versions
Rhystic Shield - MTG Card versions
Samite Ministration - MTG Card versions
Shield Wall - MTG Card versions
Life Burst - MTG Card versions
Shelter - MTG Card versions
Equal Treatment - MTG Card versions
Aura Extraction - MTG Card versions
Test of Faith - MTG Card versions
Echoing Calm - MTG Card versions
Dawn Charm - MTG Card versions
Graceful Reprieve - MTG Card versions
Last Breath - MTG Card versions
Angelsong - MTG Card versions
Rest for the Weary - MTG Card versions
Puncturing Light - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Boros TokensBoros Tokens PioneerBoros ConvokePeasant Pioneer Showdown - A Josh and Pat's MTG Bazaar Sponsored Event
Mardu TokensMardu Tokens GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 10 2024
Mardu AggroMardu Aggro GladiatorGladiator Games: We're Back
Mardu MidrangeMardu Midrange GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 06 2024
Orzhov MidrangeOrzhov Midrange GladiatorGladiator Team Unified League
Boros ConvokeBoros Convoke PioneerBoros ConvokePioneer Challenge 32 2023-11-10

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Raise the Alarm shines in its ability to provide immediate field presence by placing two creatures on the battlefield. This multitasking feature makes it a stellar card for players who look to outnumber their opponents and create tactical advantages, without the need for multiple cards.

Resource Acceleration: By summoning two tokens with a single card, Raise the Alarm offers a form of resource acceleration. It effectively doubles your output of creatures, enabling quicker build-up of forces. These tokens can be pivotal for strategies that require numerous creatures for synergies or for satisfying battlefield requirements.

Instant Speed: Operating at instant speed allows a strategic edge, as you can deploy your creature tokens during the end step of your opponent’s turn or in response to their actions. This not only surprises adversaries but ensures your mana usage is as efficient as possible, keeping opponents on their toes and forcing them to consider potential blockers during their attack phases.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Raise the Alarm doesn’t have a discard requirement, card advantage can still be an issue. In scenarios where you’re facing down control decks with plentiful removal, the tokens generated may not be enough to recover the lost card equity.

Specific Mana Cost: Raise the Alarm costs 1W to cast, which means it requires white mana. This can restrict its inclusion only to white-inclusive decks, limiting its flexibility across the MTG multiverse.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: In a metagame dominated by low-cost and high-impact spells, Raise the Alarm’s two-mana cost for a pair of 1/1 tokens might not be as competitive. Other spells could offer larger creatures or additional benefits for the same, or even a lower, mana investment.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Raise the Alarm offers the ability to summon two creature tokens quickly and unexpectedly. This makes it a stellar choice for decks aiming to build a substantial board presence or requiring blockers at a moment’s notice.

Combo Potential: Token generation seamlessly integrates with strategies that capitalize on creatures entering the battlefield or that synergize with token buffs. It can be a linchpin in several winning combinations, especially in token-centric or aggro decks.

Meta-Relevance: The quick deployment of creatures can be invaluable in metas dominated by aggressive decks, allowing for rapid development or quick reaction to opponents’ plays without sacrificing tempo.


How to beat

Raise the Alarm is a versatile instant in MTG, known for its ability to produce two 1/1 white Soldier creature tokens at a moment’s notice. This can give your opponent a sudden board presence and unexpected blockers. To effectively counter this card, having sweepers like Wrath of God or spot removals handy is crucial. You can clear the creatures generated by Raise the Alarm before they become a larger threat through buffs or synergies.

Moreover, Raise the Alarm becomes less effective when up against decks with control elements. Utilizing spells that limit creature effectiveness, such as those that dictate no creatures can attack or tap abilities like Sleep, can nullify the advantage your opponent gains. Additionally, cards that reduce the power of creatures across the board, like Crippling Chill, can render the tokens from Raise the Alarm harmless.

In essence, while Raise the Alarm provides a quick way to populate the battlefield, a well-prepared deck with adequate control tools can mitigate its impact. Control the tokens before they are leveraged, and Raise the Alarm becomes far less alarming.


BurnMana Recommendations

With its unique ability to summon tokens swiftly, Raise the Alarm has proven its worth in various MTG strategies. By now, you know the card’s strengths in token creation and instant-speed tricks, along with the considerations when against removal-heavy opponents. Interested in discovering how to optimize this card in your deck? Join us as we delve into the nuances of card interactions and strategic deck building. Learn how to maximize the potential of Raise the Alarm and similar spells to outmaneuver your foes. Elevate your game today with our expert insights and deepen your MTG prowess.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Raise the Alarm MTG card by a specific set like Mirrodin and Modern Event Deck 2014, 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 Raise the Alarm and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Raise the Alarm Magic the Gathering card was released in 10 different sets between 2003-10-02 and 2020-11-20. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12003-10-02MirrodinMRD 162003NormalBlackJohn Matson
22014-05-30Modern Event Deck 2014MD1 82003NormalBlackJohn Matson
32014-07-18Magic 2015M15 262015NormalBlackZoltan Boros
42015-02-27Duel Decks: Elspeth vs. KioraDDO 232015NormalBlackZoltan Boros
52015-05-22Modern Masters 2015MM2 312015NormalBlackZoltan Boros
62016-06-10Eternal MastersEMA 242015NormalBlackZoltan Boros
72016-08-26Conspiracy: Take the CrownCN2 962015NormalBlackZoltan Boros
82019-07-12Core Set 2020M20 342015NormalBlackZoltan Boros
92020-07-17JumpstartJMP 1292015NormalBlackZoltan Boros
102020-11-20Commander LegendsCMR 412015NormalBlackZoltan Boros

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Raise the Alarm has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal