Sandstorm 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

Sandstorm deals 1 damage to each attacking creature.

Complete guide

Sandstorm is a classic defensive green instant that punishes opponents for being too aggressive. While green is usually known for large creatures, this spell provides a rare way to sweep away small attackers for just a single mana. Understanding the timing of combat is key to making this card effective.

A Gust of Damage

Sandstorm is a straightforward spell that deals 1 damage to each creature currently designated as an attacker. Unlike some other effects that target specific creatures, Sandstorm hits every attacking creature simultaneously, making it an excellent tool against 'go-wide' strategies or tokens with low toughness.

Navigating the Combat Phase

To use Sandstorm effectively, you must cast it during the combat phase after attackers have been declared. Once your opponent finishes the Declare Attackers step, those creatures gain the 'attacking' status. This status remains until the combat phase ends. You can cast Sandstorm during the Declare Attackers step, the Declare Blockers step, or even the Combat Damage step to finish off wounded survivors.

Strategic Timing and Common Mistakes

A common mistake is trying to cast Sandstorm before attackers are declared; if you cast it during the Beginning of Combat step, no creatures are attacking yet, and the spell will do nothing. Additionally, remember that Sandstorm only hits creatures attacking you (or a planeswalker/battle you control). It does not affect creatures you control unless they are somehow forced to attack you, which is rare in standard gameplay.

Green's Unique Control Tool

In a color usually focused on summoning creatures, Sandstorm acts as a 'mini-board wipe.' It is particularly potent against decks that rely on 1/1 creatures. Since it does not target, it bypasses keywords like Shroud or Hexproof, though it can be stopped by effects that grant Indestructible or prevent damage.

Interaction examples

Stopping the Swarm

Your opponent attacks you with five 1/1 Goblin tokens. After they declare their attackers, you cast Sandstorm. When it resolves, it deals 1 damage to each of the five Goblins. Since they all have 1 toughness, all five are destroyed and put into the graveyard simultaneously.

Protecting the Horde

Heroic Intervention

You attack your opponent with several small creatures. Your opponent, who has somehow gained control of a Sandstorm, casts it to destroy your army. In response, you cast Heroic Intervention. Heroic Intervention resolves first, giving your creatures indestructible. Then Sandstorm resolves; it deals 1 damage to each of your attacking creatures, but because they are indestructible, they survive the damage.

Sandstorm vs. Desert Sandstorm

Desert Sandstorm

While both cards share a thematic name, they function differently. Desert Sandstorm is a Sorcery that hits every creature on the board regardless of combat status. Sandstorm is an Instant, allowing it to be used reactively during an opponent's turn, but it is restricted to only hitting creatures that are currently attacking.

Setting Up the Top Deck

Worldly Tutor

During your opponent's combat phase, you cast Sandstorm to clear away their small attackers. Before the turn ends, you cast Worldly Tutor to search your library for a powerful creature to play on your next turn. Sandstorm handles the immediate threat, while Worldly Tutor ensures your comeback is ready.

Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.