Pyroblast 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
Choose one — • Counter target spell if it's blue. • Destroy target permanent if it's blue.
Complete guide
Pyroblast is a cornerstone of red sideboards, offering a versatile answer to blue's dominance. Whether you are stopping a powerful spell on the stack or removing a troublesome permanent from the battlefield, this one-mana instant is a red mage's best friend.
Dual Modes and Targeting
Pyroblast offers two distinct modes: countering a spell or destroying a permanent. Crucially, the card text allows you to target any spell or permanent regardless of color when you cast it. The 'if it's blue' check only happens when the spell attempts to resolve. This means you can technically cast Pyroblast targeting a red spell to trigger abilities that care about spells being cast, even if the Pyroblast will eventually do nothing upon resolution.
Resolution and Legality
When Pyroblast resolves, it checks the color of its target. If the target is blue, the chosen effect occurs. If the target is not blue at that exact moment, the spell resolves but has no effect. If the target becomes illegal for other reasons (such as gaining Hexproof or leaving the zone), the spell is removed from the stack without resolving.
Common Mistakes
A common error involves trying to change modes after the spell is cast. Once you choose to 'counter target spell,' you cannot later decide to 'destroy target permanent' if the spell is redirected or if the situation changes. Additionally, remember that Pyroblast can target things that are multi-colored as long as one of those colors is blue.
When to Play Pyroblast
The best time to play Pyroblast is when your opponent is relying on blue resources to win or protect their board. Because it costs only one red mana, it is an efficient way to win counter-spell wars or remove high-value blue permanents while still leaving mana open for your own threats.
Interaction examples
AbradeIf your opponent casts Abrade, you can cast Pyroblast targeting Abrade. You must choose the first mode: 'Counter target spell if it's blue.' When Pyroblast resolves, it checks Abrade's color. Since Abrade is a red spell, not a blue one, Pyroblast resolves but does nothing. Abrade will proceed to resolve as normal.
Lightning BoltYou cast Lightning Bolt, and you want to trigger an effect that occurs whenever you cast an instant. You may cast Pyroblast targeting your own Lightning Bolt. Even though Lightning Bolt is red and won't be countered, Pyroblast is still a legal cast because its targeting requirement is simply 'target spell.' The color check only matters for the effect during resolution.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Pyroblast
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
- #1· Wizards of the Coast
Pyroblast can target any spell or permanent, not just a blue one. It checks the color of the target only on resolution.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #2· Wizards of the Coast
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.
No other card is named in this ruling.
Legal formats
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Meta decks with Pyroblast
No archived Top 8 deck with this card yet.