Vertigo MTG Card


Vertigo can disrupt opponents, creating card advantage and slowing down their game plan. Instant speed allows strategic depth, but it comes with a discard cost and specific mana needs. Its versatility and meta relevance make it a solid choice for targeted creature control.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityUncommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

Vertigo deals 2 damage to target creature with flying; that creature loses flying until end of turn.

"I saw the wizard gesturing, but I didn't guess his plan until my Aesthir cried out and went into a dive." —Arna Kennerüd, Skyknight


Cards like Vertigo

Vertigo is an intriguing magic card known for its ability to inflict damage while unsettling your opponent’s board presence. A spell that mirrors Vertigo’s impact is Pyroclasm, which also deals damage to each creature. However, Pyroclasm doesn’t offer the targeted approach that Vertigo does, potentially causing collateral damage to your own creatures.

Delving deeper, we encounter Volcanic Fallout, another comparable card that also deals damage to each creature and each player. It has the added benefit of being uncounterable and operates at instant speed, contrasting with Vertigo’s sorcery speed limitation. These differences can significantly affect game strategy and player decisions.

In discerning the unique qualities of each card, Vertigo still holds a solid position for players who prefer targeted creature control without affecting their own side of the board. It offers precision that’s valuable in certain deck strategies within Magic: The Gathering.

Pyroclasm - MTG Card versions
Volcanic Fallout - MTG Card versions
Pyroclasm - MTG Card versions
Volcanic Fallout - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Vertigo by color, type and mana cost

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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
Telim'Tor's Edict - MTG Card versions
Hearth Charm - MTG Card versions
Pyroblast - 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

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Vertigo offers the potential to repeatedly disrupt your opponent’s hand, removing their options and thereby leading to an incremental card advantage as they lose resources over time.

Resource Acceleration: Although Vertigo itself doesn’t produce resources, it efficiently slows down your opponent’s development. This relative resource acceleration can give you the upper hand in reaching critical game stages faster.

Instant Speed: Vertigo’s instant speed flexibility allows for tactical plays that can be executed during the opponent’s turn. It adds a layer of surprise and strategic depth to your game, keeping opponents guessing and hesitant to commit to their best spells when they know available mana could mean a Vertigo play.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Vertigo demands a card to be discarded upon casting. Such a cost can deplete resources, hindering your hand advantage and potentially disrupting your strategy, especially if your deck thrives on a full grip of options.

Specific Mana Cost: The card requires a precise combination of mana, including one red. This can be a hurdle for decks that are not heavily invested in red mana or those that operate on a multicolor basis where red is not a primary component.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For its effects, Vertigo comes at a noticeable mana investment. When compared to other cards in the same mana range, it might not provide the same level of board impact or card advantage, leading to a less efficient use of your turn’s resources.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Vertigo thrives in a variety of deck types, primarily because it offers efficient creature disruption at a low cost. This makes it a suitable addition to aggressive strategies that aim to keep the opponent off-balance while pushing for victory.

Combo Potential: For decks that capitalize on damage triggers and red’s impulse to inflict direct damage, Vertigo can be a subtle but effective piece of a larger puzzle. It complements strategies that reward you for dealing damage to creatures or players.

Meta-Relevance: In game environments where small, utility creatures hold sway, Vertigo can act as a valuable tool for removing key components of your opponent’s strategy. Its relevance increases if the current meta is populated with decks that rely on specific creatures to execute their game plan.


How to beat Vertigo

When facing a card like Vertigo in Magic: The Gathering, it’s essential to understand its mechanics and create a strategy to overcome it. This red enchantment does its damage incrementally, targeting players or creatures each turn. The key is to minimize Vertigo’s impact or remove it from the board swiftly.

For those seeking a direct approach, enchantment removal spells are the go-to countermeasure. Spells such as Naturalize or Disenchant can dispose of Vertigo before it manages to deal significant damage. Additionally, cards like Counterspell can prevent it from hitting the battlefield in the first place.

Another way to mitigate Vertigo’s effect is by using tactics that neutralize damage, such as life gain strategies or utilizing creatures with high toughness to absorb the hits. Efficient use of your mana and spells will keep you a step ahead, ensuring that Vertigo does not sway the game balance in your opponent’s favor.

Ultimately, a well-prepared deck that includes answers to troublesome enchantments like Vertigo will allow players to maintain control of the game, proving once again that versatility and adaptability are critical in Magic: The Gathering.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Vertigo MTG card by a specific set like Ice Age and Classic Sixth Edition, 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 Vertigo and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Vertigo Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1995-06-03 and 1999-04-21. Illustrated by Drew Tucker.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11995-06-03Ice AgeICE 2221993NormalBlackDrew Tucker
21999-04-21Classic Sixth Edition6ED 2121997NormalWhiteDrew Tucker

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Vertigo has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal