Chaos Warp MTG Card


Disrupt opponents and gain advantage with Chaos Warp’s unexpected board state alterations. Instant speed allows for strategic flexibility and surprise during pivotal moments. Despite casting cost, Warp’s adaptability makes it a must-have for red decks.
Card setsReleased in 42 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeInstant

Text of card

The owner of target permanent shuffles it into his or her library, then reveals the top card of his or her library. If it's a permanent card, he or she puts it onto the battlefield.


Cards like Chaos Warp

Chaos Warp is a unique tool in any MTG player’s arsenal, offering a blend of unpredictability and board impact. It finds its closest counterparts in spells like Wild Ricochet, which allows the player to redirect and copy an instant or sorcery spell, or Pongify and Rapid Hybridization, offering creature removal at a low cost, but giving the opponent a creature in exchange. However, Chaos Warp is distinct in that it targets any permanent, not just creatures, and potentially replaces it with something from the top of the owner’s library – a gamble that can lead to surprising outcomes.

Another Magic: The Gathering staple that echoes the chaos Warp’s disruptive nature is Vandalblast. While Vandalblast solely interacts with artifacts, its ability to selectively or universally remove these threats can be a game-changer. Despite the similarities, Chaos Warp’s versatility gives it an edge since it can affect any problematic permanent, leaving your opponent uncertain what will take its place after that shuffle and reveal. The element of surprise and versatility makes Chaos Warp a card that many players elect to run for handling a variety of situations on the battlefield.

Overall, while other cards offer pieces of what Chaos Warp can, the singular combination of targeted removal and potential for turning the tides of a game places Chaos Warp in a category of its own, appealing to players who delight in the unexpected and navigate the chaos of the game.

Wild Ricochet - MTG Card versions
Pongify - MTG Card versions
Rapid Hybridization - MTG Card versions
Vandalblast - MTG Card versions
Wild Ricochet - MTG Card versions
Pongify - MTG Card versions
Rapid Hybridization - MTG Card versions
Vandalblast - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Chaos Warp by color, type and mana cost

Disharmony - MTG Card versions
Solfatara - MTG Card versions
Flare - MTG Card versions
Trumpet Blast - MTG Card versions
Urza's Rage - MTG Card versions
Turf Wound - MTG Card versions
Char - MTG Card versions
Merchant of the Vale // Haggle - MTG Card versions
Seething Song - MTG Card versions
Unforge - MTG Card versions
Aura Barbs - MTG Card versions
Flames of the Blood Hand - MTG Card versions
Path of Anger's Flame - MTG Card versions
Smash - MTG Card versions
Fiery Temper - MTG Card versions
Orcish Cannonade - MTG Card versions
Chaos Wrap - MTG Card versions
Fatal Frenzy - MTG Card versions
Puncture Blast - MTG Card versions
Seismic Strike - MTG Card versions
Disharmony - MTG Card versions
Solfatara - MTG Card versions
Flare - MTG Card versions
Trumpet Blast - MTG Card versions
Urza's Rage - MTG Card versions
Turf Wound - MTG Card versions
Char - MTG Card versions
Merchant of the Vale // Haggle - MTG Card versions
Seething Song - MTG Card versions
Unforge - MTG Card versions
Aura Barbs - MTG Card versions
Flames of the Blood Hand - MTG Card versions
Path of Anger's Flame - MTG Card versions
Smash - MTG Card versions
Fiery Temper - MTG Card versions
Orcish Cannonade - MTG Card versions
Chaos Wrap - MTG Card versions
Fatal Frenzy - MTG Card versions
Puncture Blast - MTG Card versions
Seismic Strike - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Chaos Warp presents a unique twist to the concept of card advantage in Magic. Though it doesn’t directly allow you to draw a card, it can disrupt an opponent’s strategic formation by removing a key permanent, potentially leading to a more advantageous board state for you.

Resource Acceleration: While Chaos Warp doesn’t accelerate resources in the traditional sense, it does offer the benefit of potentially dealing with expensive or troublesome permanents without the need for costly mana investment or specific removal spells. This can indirectly keep your resources free for other pivotal plays.

Instant Speed: The ability to cast Chaos Warp at instant speed grants you significant flexibility during gameplay. You can wait until the last possible moment to decide whether using it is beneficial, after your opponent has committed to their strategies, adding an element of surprise and maneuverability to your game.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Despite not necessarily requiring a discard, Chaos Warp forces players to shuffle a card back into their library, a mechanic that can backfire if the original target was a lesser threat than what is subsequently revealed off the top of the deck.

Specific Mana Cost: Chaos Warp’s casting cost demands one red mana, making it a card exclusively for red-inclined or multicolored decks and potentially restricting its universal application in a player’s arsenal.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost of three, including one specific to red, it’s considered somewhat high for its immediate impact, especially when comparing it to other instant-speed removal spells in red that may resolve with a lower investment and a more predictable outcome.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Chaos Warp is known for its ability to handle virtually any troublesome permanent, granting it a slot in a wide range of Red decks. This instant can be a game-changer regardless of what your opponents play, making it a staple for many Commander and other casual formats.

Combo Potential: Chaos Warp’s ability to shuffle a permanent into the library and potentially bring something new onto the battlefield creates unique interactions and surprising combo plays. It’s often used tactically to disrupt opponents or even to reset your own board in hopes of a more advantageous reveal.

Meta-Relevance: With a constantly evolving meta, cards like Chaos Warp remain relevant due to their adaptability. Whether the current trends favor aggressive creatures, enchantment-based combos, or indestructible artifacts, Chaos Warp provides a versatile answer, ensuring that your deck can cope with diverse threats.


How to beat

Chaos Warp is a versatile Red instant from Magic: The Gathering that allows players to deal with any permanent on the battlefield. Unlike spot removal spells that target specific card types, Chaos Warp can target any troublesome artifact, creature, enchantment, or even a problematic planeswalker. This flexibility makes it a potent tool, especially since Red doesn’t usually have access to enchantment or artifact destruction.

However, to truly handle Chaos Warp, it is essential to understand its weakness – the unknown. When an opponent uses Chaos Warp, the card that gets shuffled into their library could result in a more powerful threat surfacing. As such, timing is key when you anticipate a Warp or respond to one. Consider the board state and the likelihood of what might come next from the opponent’s deck. Graveyard strategies can also hinder Chaos Warp’s effectiveness by having fewer impactful targets available in the library or using graveyard recursion to bring back whatever might be warped away.

Ultimately, being able to predict your opponent’s strategy and adapt your plays are crucial to countering the unpredictability of Chaos Warp. Knowing when to bait out Warp or holding back key cards until after Warp has been dealt with can tilt the match in your favor.


BurnMana Recommendations

Embracing the unexpected is key to mastering Chaos Warp, a versatile red instant that can alter the tides of any match in Magic: The Gathering. Whether it’s shaking up your opponent’s well-laid plans or bringing about an unpredictable advantage on your board, this card adds an exhilarating twist to your games. As you learn to navigate its randomness and strategize its use, Chaos Warp’s potential becomes limitless. Are you ready to warp your way to victory and manage the element of surprise like a pro? Dive deeper with us and unlock advanced strategies to enhance your gameplay with Chaos Warp.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Chaos Warp MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Commander 2011, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Chaos Warp and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Chaos Warp Magic the Gathering card was released in 30 different sets between 2011-06-17 and 2024-04-19. Illustrated by 9 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 1022632015NormalBlackPhil Foglio
22011-06-17Commander 2011CMD 1142003NormalBlackTrevor Claxton
32012-11-02Commander's ArsenalCM1 12003NormalBlackTrevor Claxton
42014-06-16Vintage MastersVMA 1542015NormalBlackTrevor Claxton
52014-11-07Commander 2014C14 1742015NormalBlackTrevor Claxton
62015-11-18Legendary Cube Prize PackPZ1 552015NormalBlackTrevor Claxton
72016-11-11Commander 2016C16 1222015NormalBlackTrevor Claxton
82017-08-25Commander 2017C17 1312015NormalBlackTrevor Claxton
92018-06-08Commander Anthology Volume IICM2 892015NormalBlackTrevor Claxton
102018-08-09Commander 2018C18 1222015NormalBlackTrevor Claxton
112019-08-23Commander 2019C19 1362015NormalBlackTrevor Claxton
122019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 8852015NormalBlackTrevor Claxton
132019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 7412015NormalBorderlessZack Stella
142020-04-17Commander 2020C20 1462015NormalBlackTrevor Claxton
152020-09-26The ListPLST C20-1462015NormalBlackTrevor Claxton
162020-09-26The ListPLST CMD-1142003NormalBlackTrevor Claxton
172020-09-26The ListPLST C17-1312015NormalBlackTrevor Claxton
182021-04-23Strixhaven Mystical ArchiveSTA 992015NormalBorderlessHisashi Momose
192021-04-23Strixhaven Mystical ArchiveSTA 362015NormalBorderlessAnato Finnstark
202021-07-23Forgotten Realms CommanderAFC 1172015NormalBlackTrevor Claxton
212022-02-18Neon Dynasty CommanderNEC 1042015NormalBlackTrevor Claxton
222022-04-29New Capenna CommanderNCC 2662015NormalBlackTrevor Claxton
232022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 7852015NormalBlackTrevor Claxton
242022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 3592015NormalBorderlessPhil Foglio
252022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 1052015NormalBlackTrevor Claxton
262022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 4512015NormalBlackTrevor Claxton
272022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 205★2015NormalBlackHeonhwa Choe
282022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 2052015NormalBlackHeonhwa Choe
292022-11-18The Brothers' War CommanderBRC 1141997NormalBlackTrevor Claxton
302023-04-21March of the Machine CommanderMOC 2732015NormalBlackTrevor Claxton
312023-10-13Doctor WhoWHO 10642015NormalBlackKim Sokol
322023-10-13Doctor WhoWHO 2252015NormalBlackKim Sokol
332023-10-13Doctor WhoWHO 4732015NormalBlackKim Sokol
342023-10-13Doctor WhoWHO 8162015NormalBlackKim Sokol
352023-11-17The Lost Caverns of Ixalan CommanderLCC 2212015NormalBlackTrevor Claxton
362024-01-01Wizards Play Network 2024PW24 72015NormalBlackVolkan Baǵa
372024-02-09Murders at Karlov Manor CommanderMKC 1492015NormalBlackTrevor Claxton
382024-03-08FalloutPIP 1892015NormalBlackJustine Cruz
392024-03-08FalloutPIP 9942015NormalBlackJustine Cruz
402024-03-08FalloutPIP 4662015NormalBlackJustine Cruz
412024-03-08FalloutPIP 7172015NormalBlackJustine Cruz
422024-04-19Outlaws of Thunder Junction CommanderOTC 1602015NormalBlackTrevor Claxton

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Chaos Warp has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
GladiatorLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Chaos Warp card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2011-09-22 A permanent card is a card with one or more of the following card types: artifact, creature, enchantment, land, or planeswalker.
2011-09-22 If the permanent is an illegal target by the time Chaos Warp tries to resolve, it won't resolve and none of its effects will occur. No library will be shuffled and no card will be revealed.
2011-09-22 If the revealed card is a permanent card but can't enter the battlefield (perhaps because it's an Aura with nothing to enchant), it remains on top of that library.
2011-09-22 If the revealed card is not a permanent card, it remains on top of that library.
2011-09-22 The owner of a token is the player under whose control the token was put onto the battlefield. If a token is shuffled into a player's library this way, that player shuffles before revealing the top card of that library.