Fire Ants

Fire Ants was released in 1998 as part of Urza's Saga, the first set in the Urza block for the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Developed by Wizards of the Coast, the set was designed to introduce powerful artifacts and enchantments centered on the artificer Urza, marking a significant shift in the game's mechanical complexity. The card itself, a green creature with an activated ability that deals damage to all non-flying creatures, was crafted to provide players with a repeatable method of board control against decks reliant on small, ground-based armies.

The illustration for the card was created by artist Heather Hudson, whose work defined much of the visual identity of the late 1990s sets. Her depiction of a swarm of oversized, glowing insects captures the chaotic energy of the card's function. At the time of its release, the card was received as a niche but effective tactical tool in limited play environments, valued for its ability to clear the battlefield of utility creatures without requiring a high mana investment.