Pyroblast — Magic: The Gathering card

Pyroblast

{R}
Instant

Choose one —<br>• Counter target spell if it's blue.<br>• Destroy target permanent if it's blue.

Set Ice Age
Rarity Common
Artist Kaja Foglio

Why Play Pyroblast

At one red mana, this provides incredibly efficient answers to blue threats that would otherwise cost much more to deal with. Red decks struggling against powerful blue permanents like Jace, the Mind Sculptor or counterspell-heavy control strategies can maindeck or sideboard this versatile tool. The modal nature makes it live in multiple game states—countering key spells early or destroying problematic permanents that have already resolved.

Format Notes

Legacy represents its strongest showing, where blue dominance makes this a premier sideboard card against decks running Force of Will, Brainstorm, and Delver of Secrets. Vintage sees similar applications against blue-heavy artifact and control strategies. Commander players value the low mana cost and broad utility, especially in aggressive red decks facing blue combo or control opponents across multiplayer tables.

Combos & Synergies

Red Elemental Blast functions as copies 5-8 in formats where additional redundancy matters, creating a full playset of anti-blue effects. Goblin Guide and other aggressive red creatures benefit from Pyroblast clearing blue blockers or countering removal spells that would otherwise trade unfavorably. Storm decks occasionally utilize it to protect their combo turn from blue disruption like Force of Negation or Flusterstorm.

Learn More

Instant Counterspell Removal Commander Pauper Legacy