What is the mana cost of Scorched Earth?

The mana cost for Scorched Earth is {X}{R}, requiring one red mana and a variable amount of mana determined by the player. This cost allows for flexible casting depending on the game state.

Who designed the artwork for Tempest's Scorched Earth?

The artwork for this card was created by Nicola Leonard. Her illustration is part of the visual identity established during the Tempest expansion in 1997.

Why is Scorched Earth significant in Magic: The Gathering history?

Scorched Earth is significant for introducing the mechanic of sacrificing one's own lands as a cost to destroy opponent's lands. This design influenced early gameplay strategies and remains a reference point for land interaction in the game.

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Reference artwork · details may differ from this copy

About This Card

Catalog entry for the 1997 Magic: The Gathering Tempest set card Scorched Earth, card number 200.

Scorched Earth

1997 • Magic: The Gathering • Tempest

1997 Magic: The Gathering Tempest

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Market Value

Raw/Ungraded Market: $0.72

Updated 4 days ago

Based on TCGplayer Market (reference)Last Updated Oct 12, 2026Check Price Guide

Market & Price History

Condition	Value	Source	Trend	Price Details
	$0.72Oct 13, 2026	Guide Estimate	0%
Based on TCGplayer Market (reference) Estimate: $0.72, based on Guide Estimate. Source date not availableCaptured Oct 13, 2026 Guide Estimate: $0.72. Evidence date not available. Few comparable observations are available, so this estimate may be less reliable. Over the last 30 days, stored prices ranged from $0.72 to $0.72 across 2 capture days. Change between Sep 23, 2026 and Oct 13, 2026: 0%. Compares the same source, grade and signed status. Capture days are not completed-sale counts.Recorded Oct 13, 2026

$0.72Oct 13, 2026
Source
Guide Estimate
Trend
0%
Price Details
Based on TCGplayer Market (reference)
Estimate: $0.72, based on Guide Estimate.
Source date not availableCaptured Oct 13, 2026
Guide Estimate: $0.72. Evidence date not available.
Few comparable observations are available, so this estimate may be less reliable.
Over the last 30 days, stored prices ranged from $0.72 to $0.72 across 2 capture days. Change between Sep 23, 2026 and Oct 13, 2026: 0%. Compares the same source, grade and signed status. Capture days are not completed-sale counts.Recorded Oct 13, 2026

30-day Price History

Raw / Ungraded

TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Oct 13, 2026

Each point is the last stored observation that day for this printing, condition, grader, autograph status and source. Gaps mean no observation; guide estimates and asking prices are not completed sales.

Product Overview

Description

Released in 1997 as part of the Tempest expansion, Scorched Earth (card #200) remains a foundational piece of Magic: The Gathering history. Designed by artist Nicola Leonard, this rare sorcery card introduced a mechanic that reshaped gameplay by allowing players to destroy their own lands to deal damage to target lands. The card’s mana cost of {X}{R} and its ability to sacrifice land cards as an additional cost made it a strategic tool for both offense and resource management. For collectors, Tempest represents a pivotal era in the game's design, emphasizing aggressive strategies and land interaction. Scorched Earth stands out within this set due to its potent effect and iconic flavor text, which reflects the oracle en-Vec's philosophy on change and destruction. As a rare card from this set, it holds significant value for those building complete sets or focusing on the game's early competitive landscape. The card's enduring relevance in discussions of Magic's early mechanics makes it a notable subject for collectors interested in the evolution of sorcery cards and land destruction strategies.

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