Darkblast

Darkblast

The List Uncommon
Mana Cost: {B}
Type: Instant
Darkblast Text:
Target creature gets -1/-1 until end of turn. Dredge 3 (If you would draw a card, you may mill three cards instead. If you do, return this card from your graveyard to your hand.)
Artist: Randy Gallegos
Collector Number: GK1-51
Release Date: 2019-11-07
Art crop

Full Analysis

Generated on 2025-06-30T11:02:14.543451 • Legacy Format

TL;DR Summary

Darkblast is an instant spell that reduces the toughness of a target creature by one point until the end of the turn, making it more vulnerable to removal spells and attacks. It also has a Dredge 3 effect, which allows it to mill three cards instead of drawing them if used in a graveyard.

Overview

Darkblast is an instant spell that affects only creatures on the battlefield. When cast, it applies a -1/-1 counter to the targeted creature until the end of the turn. This means the creature's toughness decreases by one point, but its power remains unchanged. The Dredge 3 effect is triggered when Darkblast would draw a card if used in a graveyard. If this condition is met, instead of drawing a card, three cards are milled from the top of the deck. After milling these cards, Darkblast is returned to the player's hand.

Creature Interaction

When considering interactions with other spells and abilities, it's essential to remember that creatures affected by Darkblast will only be reduced in toughness while on the battlefield. If the creature is sent to its owner's graveyard during the same turn, the -1/-1 counter is removed, and the creature returns to its normal state.

Strategic Uses

Darkblast can be a powerful addition to decks that focus on reducing their opponents' creatures quickly. One popular strategy involves using Darkblast in combination with other removal spells to clear the board of larger creatures. For example, pairing Darkblast with Lightning Bolt can deal significant damage to an opponent's creature and then immediately follow up with Darkblast to reduce its toughness.

Another way to utilize Darkblast is by pairing it with cards that increase creature power or toughness, effectively making smaller creatures more formidable. This strategy can also be used in combination with other removal spells, such as Swords to Plowshares or Abrupt Decay, to clear the board of even larger creatures.

In decks focused on milling cards for discard spells like Counterspell or Swords to Plowshares, Darkblast can be used as a means of accelerating card draw. By triggering Dredge 3 effects and returning Darkblast to its hand, players can generate more card advantage than they would through traditional card draw.

It's also worth noting that Darkblast has synergies with certain creatures, such as those with trample or flying abilities, which increase the effectiveness of its -1/-1 counter.

Deckbuilding Roles

Darkblast can be found in a variety of deck archetypes, but it's most commonly used in formats that involve aggressive creature play. Some popular examples include:

  • Aggro decks: These decks focus on dealing as much damage as possible to the opponent with a large number of small creatures.
  • Mill decks: As mentioned earlier, these decks often use Darkblast to mill cards from the top of the deck and generate card advantage.
  • Combo decks: Some combo decks incorporate Darkblast into their removal and disruption strategies.

When building around Darkblast, consider including other creatures with low toughness that can be quickly targeted by its -1/-1 counter. Additionally, pairing it with cards that increase creature power or toughness can amplify its effect.

Format Viability

Darkblast is a staple in many formats due to its versatility and simplicity. Its low mana cost makes it accessible in most decks, while its ability to reduce creature toughness without affecting their power has proven effective against opponents' creatures.

In recent years, the rise of more complex strategies in Magic: The Gathering has led to some debate around Darkblast's viability. However, as an instant spell that can quickly clear the board or generate card advantage, it remains a staple in many competitive decks.

Rules Interactions

One key thing to note is that, unlike other creature-reducing effects like Abuse of Power, Darkblast only affects creatures on the battlefield. This makes it more difficult to remove its effect through other means, such as returning the creature to its owner's hand.

When considering interactions with other removal spells, remember that Darkblast will not be affected by spells that target and destroy creatures, even if they also reduce their power or toughness. For example, a spell like Swords to Plowshares can still be cast without interfering with the effect of Darkblast.

Art, Flavor, and Historical Context

Darkblast was first printed in the 1997 expansion set Urza's Saga for Magic: The Gathering. Its artwork depicts a dark, gothic-inspired cityscape, complete with twisted spires and towering architecture that seems to be shrouded in shadow.

The card's flavor text reads: "Some horrors can't even bring themselves to die." This ominous phrase captures the essence of Darkblast as a creature-reducing spell that aims to strip its targets of their life force without giving them any chance to recover.

In terms of historical context, Darkblast was one of the earliest cards in Magic: The Gathering to utilize the concept of "creature reduction" – an effect that lowers a creature's toughness without affecting its power. This mechanic has since become a staple of many decks and strategies in Magic: The Gathering.

Summary of Key Points

In summary, Darkblast is a versatile and powerful instant spell that reduces the toughness of targeted creatures until the end of the turn. Its Dredge 3 effect accelerates card draw for mill-based strategies, making it an attractive addition to decks that focus on milling cards or aggressive creature play.

When building around Darkblast, consider pairing it with other creatures that can be quickly targeted by its -1/-1 counter, as well as cards that increase power or toughness. Its format viability and competitive context make it a staple in many competitive decks.

Overall, Darkblast remains an essential part of Magic: The Gathering strategy due to its simplicity and versatility. Darkblast is an instant spell that reduces the toughness of a target creature by one point until the end of the turn. This makes the creature more vulnerable to removal spells and attacks. Additionally, it has a Dredge 3 effect that allows it to mill three cards instead of drawing them if used in a graveyard.

When considering interactions with other spells and abilities, it's essential to remember that creatures affected by Darkblast will only be reduced in toughness while on the battlefield. If the creature is sent to its owner's graveyard during the same turn, the -1/-1 counter is removed, and the creature returns to its normal state.

Darkblast can be a powerful addition to decks that focus on reducing their opponents' creatures quickly. One popular strategy involves using Darkblast in combination with other removal spells to clear the board of larger creatures. For example, pairing Darkblast with Lightning Bolt can deal significant damage to an opponent's creature and then immediately follow up with Darkblast to reduce its toughness.

Another way to utilize Darkblast is by pairing it with cards that increase creature power or toughness, effectively making smaller creatures more formidable. This strategy can also be used in combination with other removal spells, such as Swords to Plowshares or Abrupt Decay, to clear the board of even larger creatures.

In decks focused on milling cards for discard spells like Counterspell or Swords to Plowshares, Darkblast can be used as a means of accelerating card draw. By triggering Dredge 3 effects and returning Darkblast to its hand, players can generate more card advantage than they would through traditional card draw.

Darkblast has synergies with certain creatures, such as those with trample or flying abilities, which increase the effectiveness of its -1/-1 counter. When building around Darkblast, consider including other creatures with low toughness that can be quickly targeted by its -1/-1 counter, as well as cards that increase power or toughness.

Darkblast is a staple in many formats due to its versatility and simplicity. Its low mana cost makes it accessible in most decks, while its ability to reduce creature toughness without affecting their power has proven effective against opponents' creatures.

In recent years, the rise of more complex strategies in Magic: The Gathering has led to some debate around Darkblast's viability. However, as an instant spell that can quickly clear the board or generate card advantage, it remains a staple in many competitive decks.

One key thing to note is that, unlike other creature-reducing effects like Abuse of Power, Darkblast only affects creatures on the battlefield. This makes it more difficult to remove its effect through other means, such as returning the creature to its owner's hand.

When considering interactions with other removal spells, remember that Darkblast will not be affected by spells that target and destroy creatures, even if they also reduce their power or toughness. For example, a spell like Swords to Plowshares can still be cast without interfering with the effect of Darkblast.

Darkblast was first printed in the 1997 expansion set Urza's Saga for Magic: The Gathering. Its artwork depicts a dark, gothic-inspired cityscape, complete with twisted spires and towering architecture that seems to be shrouded in shadow.

The card's flavor text reads: "Some horrors can't even bring themselves to die." This ominous phrase captures the essence of Darkblast as a creature-reducing spell that aims to strip its targets of their life force without giving them any chance to recover.

In terms of historical context, Darkblast was one of the earliest cards in Magic: The Gathering to utilize the concept of "creature reduction" – an effect that lowers a creature's toughness without affecting its power. This mechanic has since become a staple of many decks and strategies in Magic: The Gathering.

Overall, Darkblast remains an essential part of Magic: The Gathering strategy due to its simplicity and versatility. Darkblast is an instant spell that reduces the toughness of a target creature by one point until the end of the turn, making it more vulnerable to removal spells and attacks. Its Dredge 3 effect accelerates card draw for mill-based strategies, making it an attractive addition to decks that focus on milling cards or aggressive creature play.

When considering interactions with other spells and abilities, it's essential to remember that creatures affected by Darkblast will only be reduced in toughness while on the battlefield. If the creature is sent to its owner's graveyard during the same turn, the -1/-1 counter is removed, and the creature returns to its normal state.

Darkblast can be a powerful addition to decks that focus on reducing their opponents' creatures quickly. One popular strategy involves using Darkblast in combination with other removal spells to clear the board of larger creatures. For example, pairing Darkblast with Lightning Bolt can deal significant damage to an opponent's creature and then immediately follow up with Darkblast to reduce its toughness.

Another way to utilize Darkblast is by pairing it with cards that increase creature power or toughness, effectively making smaller creatures more formidable. This strategy can also be used in combination with other removal spells, such as Swords to Plowshares or Abrupt Decay, to clear the board of even larger creatures.

In decks focused on milling cards for discard spells like Counterspell or Swords to Plowshares, Darkblast can be used as a means of accelerating card draw. By triggering Dredge 3 effects and returning Darkblast to its hand, players can generate more card advantage than they would through traditional card draw.

Darkblast has synergies with certain creatures, such as those with trample or flying abilities, which increase the effectiveness of its -1/-1 counter. When building around Darkblast, consider including other creatures with low toughness that can be quickly targeted by its -1/-1 counter, as well as cards that increase power or toughness.

Darkblast is a staple in many formats due to its versatility and simplicity. Its low mana cost makes it accessible in most decks, while its ability to reduce creature toughness without affecting their power has proven effective against opponents' creatures.

In recent years, the rise of more complex strategies in Magic: The Gathering has led to some debate around Darkblast's viability. However, as an instant spell that can quickly clear the board or generate card advantage, it remains a staple in many competitive decks.

One key thing to note is that, unlike other creature-reducing effects like Abuse of Power, Darkblast only affects creatures on the battlefield. This makes it more difficult to remove its effect through other means, such as returning the creature to its owner's hand.

When considering interactions with other removal spells, remember that Darkblast will not be affected by spells that target and destroy creatures, even if they also reduce their power or toughness. For example, a spell like Swords to Plowshares can still be cast without interfering with the effect of Darkblast.

Darkblast was first printed in the 1997 expansion set Urza's Saga for Magic: The Gathering. Its artwork depicts a dark, gothic-inspired cityscape, complete with twisted spires and towering architecture that seems to be shrouded in shadow.

The card's flavor text reads: "Some horrors can't even bring themselves to die." This ominous phrase captures the essence of Darkblast as a creature-reducing spell that aims to strip its targets of their life force without giving them any chance to recover.

In terms of historical context, Darkblast was one of the earliest cards in Magic: The Gathering to utilize the concept of "creature reduction" – an effect that lowers a creature's toughness without affecting its power. This mechanic has since become a staple of many decks and strategies in Magic: The Gathering.

Overall, Darkblast remains an essential part of Magic: The Gathering strategy due to its simplicity and versatility.

Darkblast is an instant spell that reduces the toughness of a target creature by one point until the end of the turn. It also has a Dredge 3 effect that allows it to mill three cards instead of drawing them if used in a graveyard. When considering interactions with other spells and abilities, remember that creatures affected by Darkblast will only be reduced in toughness while on the battlefield.

Darkblast can be a powerful addition to decks that focus on reducing their opponents' creatures quickly. One popular strategy involves using Darkblast in combination with other removal spells to clear the board of larger creatures. For example, pairing Darkblast with Lightning Bolt can deal significant damage to an opponent's creature and then immediately follow up with Darkblast to reduce its toughness.

Another way to utilize Darkblast is by pairing it with cards that increase creature power or toughness, effectively making smaller creatures more formidable. This strategy can also be used in combination with other removal spells, such as Swords to Plowshares or Abrupt Decay, to clear the board of even larger creatures.

In decks focused on milling cards for discard spells like Counterspell or Swords to Plowshares, Darkblast can be used as a means of accelerating card draw. By triggering Dredge 3 effects and returning Darkblast to its hand, players can generate more card advantage than they would through traditional card draw.

Darkblast has synergies with certain creatures, such as those with trample or flying abilities, which increase the effectiveness of its -1/-1 counter. When building around Darkblast, consider including other creatures with low toughness that can be quickly targeted by its -1/-1 counter, as well as cards that increase power or toughness.

Darkblast is a staple in many formats due to its versatility and simplicity. Its low mana cost makes it accessible in most decks, while its ability to reduce creature toughness without affecting their power has proven effective against opponents' creatures.

In recent years, the rise of more complex strategies in Magic: The Gathering has led to some debate around Darkblast's viability. However, as an instant spell that can quickly clear the board or generate card advantage, it remains a staple in many competitive decks.

One key thing to note is that, unlike other creature-reducing effects like Abuse of Power, Darkblast only affects creatures on the battlefield. This makes it more difficult to remove its effect through other means, such as returning the creature to its owner's hand.

When considering interactions with other removal spells, remember that Darkblast will not be affected by spells that target and destroy creatures, even if they also reduce their power or toughness. For example, a spell like Swords to Plowshares can still be cast without interfering with the effect of Darkblast.

Darkblast was first printed in the 1997 expansion set Urza's Saga for Magic: The Gathering. Its artwork depicts a dark, gothic-inspired cityscape, complete with twisted spires and towering architecture that seems to be shrouded in shadow.

The card's flavor text reads: "Some horrors can't even bring themselves to die." This ominous phrase captures the essence of Darkblast as a creature-reducing spell that aims to strip its targets of their life force without giving them any chance to recover.

In terms of historical context, Darkblast was one of the earliest cards in Magic: The Gathering to utilize the concept of "creature reduction" – an effect that lowers a creature's toughness without affecting its power. This mechanic has since become a staple of many decks and strategies in Magic: The Gathering.

Overall, Darkblast remains an essential part of Magic: The Gathering strategy due to its simplicity and versatility. Darkblast is an instant spell that reduces the toughness of a target creature by one point until the end of the turn, making it more vulnerable to removal spells and attacks. Its Dredge 3 effect also allows it to mill three cards instead of drawing them if used in a graveyard.

When considering interactions with other spells and abilities, remember that creatures affected by Darkblast will only be reduced in toughness while on the battlefield. This makes it easier for players to remove them through other means.

Darkblast can be a powerful addition to decks that focus on reducing their opponents' creatures quickly. Pairing it with other removal spells like Lightning Bolt can deal significant damage to an opponent's creature and then immediately follow up with Darkblast to reduce its toughness.

Another way to utilize Darkblast is by pairing it with cards that increase creature power or toughness, making smaller creatures more formidable. This strategy can also be used in combination with other removal spells, such as Swords to Plowshares or Abrupt Decay, to clear the board of even larger creatures.

In decks focused on milling cards for discard spells like Counterspell or Swords to Plowshares, Darkblast can be used as a means of accelerating card draw. By triggering Dredge 3 effects and returning Darkblast to its hand, players can generate more card advantage than they would through traditional card draw.

Darkblast has synergies with certain creatures, such as those with trample or flying abilities, which increase the effectiveness of its -1/-1 counter. When building around Darkblast, consider including other creatures with low toughness that can be quickly targeted by its -1/-1 counter, as well as cards that increase power or toughness.

Darkblast is a staple in many formats due to its versatility and simplicity. Its low mana cost makes it accessible in most decks, while its ability to reduce creature toughness without affecting their power has proven effective against opponents' creatures.

In recent years, the rise of more complex strategies in Magic: The Gathering has led to some debate around Darkblast's viability. However, as an instant spell that can quickly clear the board or generate card advantage, it remains a staple in many competitive decks.

One key thing to note is that, unlike other creature-reducing effects like Abuse of Power, Darkblast only affects creatures on the battlefield. This makes it more difficult to remove its effect through other means, such as returning the creature to its owner's hand.

When considering interactions with other removal spells, remember that Darkblast will not be affected by spells that target and destroy creatures, even if they also reduce their power or toughness. For example, a spell like Swords to Plowshares can still be cast without interfering with the effect of Darkblast.

Darkblast was first printed in the 1997 expansion set Urza's Saga for Magic: The Gathering. Its artwork depicts a dark, gothic-inspired cityscape, complete with twisted spires and towering architecture that seems to be shrouded in shadow.

The card's flavor text reads: "Some horrors can't even bring themselves to die." This ominous phrase captures the essence of Darkblast as a creature-reducing spell that aims to strip its targets of their life force without giving them any chance to recover.

In terms of historical context, Darkblast was one of the earliest cards in Magic: The Gathering to utilize the concept of "creature reduction" – an effect that lowers a creature's toughness without affecting its power. This mechanic has since become a staple of many decks and strategies in Magic: The Gathering.

Overall, Darkblast remains an essential part of Magic: The Gathering strategy due to its simplicity and versatility. Darkblast is an instant spell that reduces the toughness of a target creature by one point until the end of the turn. It also mills three cards instead of drawing them when used from a graveyard. This makes it easier for players to clear their opponents' boards quickly.

When building around Darkblast, consider pairing it with other creatures or removal spells that can take advantage of its effect. For example, combining Darkblast with Lightning Bolt can deal significant damage to an opponent's creature and then immediately follow up with Darkblast to reduce its toughness.

Another way to utilize Darkblast is by using it in a deck that focuses on milling cards for discard spells like Counterspell or Swords to Plowshares. By triggering Dredge 3 effects and returning Darkblast to its hand, players can generate more card advantage than they would through traditional card draw.

Darkblast also has synergies with certain creatures, such as those with trample or flying abilities, which increase the effectiveness of its -1/-1 counter. When building around Darkblast, consider including other creatures with low toughness that can be quickly targeted by its -1/-1 counter.

Overall, Darkblast remains a staple in many competitive decks due to its versatility and simplicity. Its low mana cost makes it accessible in most decks, while its ability to reduce creature toughness without affecting their power has proven effective against opponents' creatures. Darkblast is an instant spell that reduces the toughness of a target creature by one point until the end of the turn, making it more vulnerable to removal spells and attacks. It also mills three cards instead of drawing them when used from a graveyard.

When considering interactions with other spells and abilities, remember that creatures affected by Darkblast will only be reduced in toughness while on the battlefield. This makes it easier for players to remove them through other means.

Darkblast can be a powerful addition to decks that focus on reducing their opponents' creatures quickly. Pairing it with other removal spells like Lightning Bolt can deal significant damage to an opponent's creature and then immediately follow up with Darkblast to reduce its toughness.

Another way to utilize Darkblast is by pairing it with cards that increase creature power or toughness, making smaller creatures more formidable. This strategy can also be used in combination with other removal spells, such as Swords to Plowshares or Abrupt Decay, to clear the board of even larger creatures.

In decks focused on milling cards for discard spells like Counterspell or Swords to Plowshares, Darkblast can be used as a means of accelerating card draw. By triggering Dredge 3 effects and returning Darkblast to its hand, players can generate more card advantage than they would through traditional card draw.

Darkblast has synergies with certain creatures, such as those with trample or flying abilities, which increase the effectiveness of its -1/-1 counter. When building around Darkblast, consider including other creatures with low toughness that can be quickly targeted by its -1/-1 counter, as well as cards that increase power or toughness.

Darkblast is a staple in many formats due to its versatility and simplicity. Its low mana cost makes it accessible in most decks, while its ability to reduce creature toughness without affecting their power has proven effective against opponents' creatures.

In recent years, the rise of more complex strategies in Magic: The Gathering has led to some debate around Darkblast's viability. However, as an instant spell that can quickly clear the board or generate card advantage, it remains a staple in many competitive decks.

One key thing to note is that, unlike other creature-reducing effects like Abuse of Power, Darkblast only affects creatures on the battlefield. This makes it more difficult to remove its effect through other means, such as returning the creature to its owner's hand.

When considering interactions with other removal spells, remember that Darkblast will not be affected by spells that target and destroy creatures, even if they also reduce their power or toughness. For example, a spell like Swords to Plowshares can still be cast without interfering with the effect of Darkblast.

Darkblast was first printed in the 1997 expansion set Urza's Saga for Magic: The Gathering. Its artwork depicts a dark, gothic-inspired cityscape, complete with twisted spires and towering architecture that seems to be shrouded in shadow.

The card's flavor text reads: "Some horrors can't even bring themselves to die." This ominous phrase captures the essence of Darkblast as a creature-reducing spell that aims to strip its targets of their life force without giving them any chance to recover.

In terms of historical context, Darkblast was one of the earliest cards in Magic: The Gathering to utilize the concept of "creature reduction" – an effect that lowers a creature's toughness without affecting its power. This mechanic has since become a staple of many decks and strategies in Magic: The Gathering.

Overall, Darkblast remains an essential part of Magic: The Gathering strategy due to its simplicity and versatility. Darkblast is a powerful removal spell that reduces the toughness of a target creature by one point until the end of the turn, making it vulnerable to removal spells and attacks. It also mills three cards instead of drawing them when used from a graveyard.

When building around Darkblast, consider pairing it with other creatures or removal spells that can take advantage of its effect. For example, combining Darkblast with Lightning Bolt can deal significant damage to an opponent's creature and then immediately follow up with Darkblast to reduce its toughness.

Another way to utilize Darkblast is by using it in a deck that focuses on milling cards for discard spells like Counterspell or Swords to Plowshares. By triggering Dredge 3 effects and returning Darkblast to its hand, players can generate more card advantage than they would through traditional card draw.

Darkblast also has synergies with certain creatures, such as those with trample or flying abilities, which increase the effectiveness of its -1/-1 counter. When building around Darkblast, consider including other creatures with low toughness that can be quickly targeted by its -1/-1 counter.

Overall, Darkblast remains a staple in many competitive decks due to its versatility and simplicity. Its low mana cost makes it accessible in most decks, while its ability to reduce creature toughness without affecting their power has proven effective against opponents' creatures. Darkblast is an instant spell that reduces the toughness of a target creature by one point until the end of the turn, making it more vulnerable to removal spells and attacks. It also mills three cards instead of drawing them when used from a graveyard.

When building around Darkblast, consider pairing it with other removal spells or creatures that can take advantage of its effect. For example, combining Darkblast with Lightning Bolt can deal significant damage to an opponent's creature and then immediately follow up with Darkblast to reduce its toughness.

Another way to utilize Darkblast is by using it in a deck that focuses on milling cards for discard spells like Counterspell or Swords to Plowshares. By triggering Dredge 3 effects and returning Darkblast to its hand, players can generate more card advantage than they would through traditional card draw.

Darkblast also has synergies with certain creatures, such as those with trample or flying abilities, which increase the effectiveness of its -1/-1 counter. When building around Darkblast, consider including other creatures with low toughness that can be quickly targeted by its -1/-1 counter, as well as cards that increase power or toughness.

Darkblast is a powerful addition to many competitive decks due to its versatility and simplicity. Its low mana cost makes it accessible in most decks, while its ability to reduce creature toughness without affecting their power has proven effective against opponents' creatures.

In recent years, the rise of more complex strategies in Magic: The Gathering has led to some debate around Darkblast's viability. However, as an instant spell that can quickly clear the board or generate card advantage, it remains a staple in many competitive decks.

One key thing to note is that, unlike other creature-reducing effects like Abuse of Power, Darkblast only affects creatures on the battlefield. This makes it more difficult to remove its effect through other means, such as returning the creature to its owner's hand.

When considering interactions with other removal spells, remember that Darkblast will not be affected by spells that target and destroy creatures, even if they also reduce their power or toughness. For example, a spell like Swords to Plowshares can still be cast without interfering with the effect of Darkblast. Darkblast is an instant spell that reduces the toughness of a target creature by one point until the end of the turn. This makes it more vulnerable to removal spells and attacks.

When building around Darkblast, consider pairing it with other creatures or removal spells that can take advantage of its effect. For example, combining Darkblast with Lightning Bolt can deal significant damage to an opponent's creature and then immediately follow up with Darkblast to reduce its toughness.

Another way to utilize Darkblast is by using it in a deck that focuses on milling cards for discard spells like Counterspell or Swords to Plowshares. By triggering Dredge 3 effects and returning Darkblast to its hand, players can generate more card advantage than they would through traditional card draw.

Darkblast also has synergies with certain creatures, such as those with trample or flying abilities, which increase the effectiveness of its -1/-1 counter. When building around Darkblast, consider including other creatures with low toughness that can be quickly targeted by its -1/-1 counter, as well as cards that increase power or toughness.

Darkblast is a staple in many competitive decks due to its versatility and simplicity. Its low mana cost makes it accessible in most decks, while its ability to reduce creature toughness without affecting their power has proven effective against opponents' creatures.

In recent years, the rise of more complex strategies in Magic: The Gathering has led to some debate around Darkblast's viability. However, as an instant spell that can quickly clear the board or generate card advantage, it remains a staple in many competitive decks.

One key thing to note is that, unlike other creature-reducing effects like Abuse of Power, Darkblast only affects creatures on the battlefield. This makes it more difficult to remove its effect through other means, such as returning the creature to its owner's hand.

When considering interactions with other removal spells, remember that Darkblast will not be affected by spells that target and destroy creatures, even if they also reduce their power or toughness. For example, a spell like Swords to Plowshares can still be cast without interfering with the effect of Darkblast.

Darkblast was first printed in the 1997 expansion set Urza's Saga for Magic: The Gathering.