Burning Sun's Avatar is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.
Official card text
When this creature enters, it deals 3 damage to target opponent or planeswalker and 3 damage to up to one target creature.
Complete guide
Hailing from the Sun Empire, Burning Sun's Avatar is a massive Dinosaur Avatar that makes a dramatic entrance. It serves as both a high-power attacker and a double-edged removal spell, capable of incinerating a foe and a creature simultaneously. This card is a staple for aggressive red decks looking to swing the board state in their favor.
Dual-Target Destruction
When Burning Sun's Avatar enters the battlefield, its triggered ability goes on the stack. You must choose one target opponent or planeswalker to receive 3 damage. Additionally, you may choose 'up to one' target creature to also receive 3 damage. This means you can choose zero creatures if you wish, but you must always target an opponent or planeswalker if a legal one exists.
Resolution and Legality
The ability tracks its targets independently. If you choose two targets and one becomes illegal (for example, the creature is sacrificed in response), the ability still resolves for the remaining legal target. The 3 damage will still be dealt to the opponent or planeswalker even if the creature target is gone, and vice versa.
Strategic Timing
Because this is an 'enters' trigger, it is most effective when used to clear blockers or finish off a weakened planeswalker. Note that it can target any creature on the battlefield, including your own, though you would typically use it to remove a threat from an opponent.
Common Pitfalls
Players often forget that the creature target is optional ('up to one'), while the opponent/planeswalker target is not. If your opponent has protection from red, you cannot target them, but you can still target their planeswalker or just a creature. Also, remember that the damage is dealt simultaneously during the resolution of the ability.
Interaction examples
Etali, Primal StormIf you attack with Etali, Primal Storm and reveal Burning Sun's Avatar from the top of a library, you can cast the Avatar for free. When it enters, its trigger can target your opponent for 3 damage and target a potential blocker for 3 damage, clearing the way for Etali's high-power attack to connect safely.
Goldspan DragonIf your opponent controls a Goldspan Dragon, you can target it with the enters-the-battlefield ability of Burning Sun's Avatar. Because the Avatar's ability is not a spell (it is a triggered ability), targeting Goldspan Dragon this way will not trigger its ability to create a Treasure token, allowing you to deal 3 damage without giving your opponent extra resources.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Burning Sun's Avatar
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
- #1· Wizards of the Coast
The ability of Burning Sun’s Avatar can target any creature, not just one controlled by the target opponent.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #2· Wizards of the Coast
If the ability of Burning Sun’s Avatar has two targets and one becomes illegal, the other will still be dealt damage.
No other card is named in this ruling.
Legal formats
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Meta decks with Burning Sun's Avatar
No archived Top 8 deck with this card yet.