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About This Card

The 2004 Magic: The Gathering card Lava Spike (CHK 178) is a red Arcane Sorcery that deals 3 damage to a target player or planeswalker.

Lava Spike

2004 • Magic: The Gathering • Champions of Kamigawa

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Market Value
Raw/Ungraded Market: $1.02
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  • $1.02
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TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Nov 12, 2026

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Product Overview

Description

Lava Spike is a foundational red card from the 2004 Magic: The Gathering set Champions of Kamigawa. As card number 178 in the CHK expansion, this Common rarity card is classified as an Arcane Sorcery with a mana value of 1. Its primary effect allows the controller to deal 3 damage to any target player or planeswalker, making it a staple for direct damage strategies in the game's history. The card was illustrated by Mark Tedin, whose artistic style contributed significantly to the aesthetic of the Kamigawa block. The flavor text surrounding the card hints at the chaotic nature of the war between mortals and kami, describing attacks that were straightforward and overwhelming rather than subtle or deceptive. This narrative context grounds the card's mechanical power within the rich lore of the Japanese-inspired setting. Collectors often seek out Champions of Kamigawa cards for their distinct visual identity and historical significance in the Magic: The Gathering timeline. Lava Spike remains a recognizable piece of the game's early 2000s era, valued for its efficiency and simplicity. Whether for completing a set, building a vintage deck, or appreciating the design of early 2000s TCG cards, this release offers a tangible connection to that period of the game's evolution.

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Card Details

The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.

Catalog Profile

The core identity of the card within the set.

Year

2004

Series

Champions of Kamigawa

Card Number

#178

Featured Subject

The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.

Featured

Lava Spike

Game

Magic: The Gathering

TCG Attributes

Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.

Rarity

Common

Artist

Mark Tedin

Material

Card Stock

Language

English

Mana cost

{R}

Type

Sorcery — Arcane

Color

R

Card Text

Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.

Lava Spike deals 3 damage to target player or planeswalker.

Some kami attacks during the war were rife with trickery, subterfuge, and subtlety, draining hope and pride from the mortal world. Other attacks were a lot more straightforward.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the card Lava Spike do in Magic: The Gathering?

Lava Spike allows the player to deal 3 damage to a target player or planeswalker. It is a red Arcane Sorcery with a mana cost of one red mana.

What set is Lava Spike from and what is its card number?

Lava Spike appears in the 2004 Champions of Kamigawa expansion set. It is designated as card number 178 in the CHK set.

Who illustrated the artwork for Lava Spike?

The artwork for Lava Spike was created by Mark Tedin, a well-known artist who contributed to many cards during the early 2000s era of Magic: The Gathering.

Cards Named Lava Spike

Explore cards with this name across sets and editions. Check each card’s details before choosing a version.