Invasion of Karsus // Refraction Elemental MTG Card


Generates substantial card advantage, reshaping game state by manipulating decks and accessing extra cards. Instant-speed casting provides tactical flexibility, allowing adjustment to game changes and opponent disruption. Demands for specific mana types and higher cost may limit versatility and integration in diverse decks.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeBattle — Siege
Abilities Transform

Text of card

(As a Siege enters, choose an opponent to protect it. You and others can attack it. When it's defeated, exile it, then cast it transformed.) When Invasion of Karsus enters the battlefield, it deals 3 damage to each creature and each planeswalker.


Cards like Invasion of Karsus // Refraction Elemental

Invasion of Karsus stands as an intriguing option among creature acquisition spells in MTG. It shares conceptual space with cards like Act of Treason, which also allows players to temporarily seize control of opponents’ creatures. What separates Invasion of Karsus from Act of Treason is its emblematic multi-creature manipulation ability, extending the control over each creature with a certain mana value.

Then there’s Harness by Force, which echoes a similar steal mechanism with the added flexibility offered by Strive, allowing you to control more creatures at the cost of additional mana typically reserved for single-target control. Like Act of Treason, it doesn’t provide long-term control but situates itself as a powerful play in the right circumstances. On the other hand, we have Mass Mutiny, which escalates things by targeting one creature per opponent – ideal for multiplayer formats, offering potentially higher value than Invasion of Karsus.

Comparing these, Invasion of Karsus brings a unique dynamic, especially in games that pivot on creature-focused strategies. While not the cheapest or the fastest option, its multiplicity of influence can be game swinging, slotting it as a notable choice among red’s creature control arsenal.

Act of Treason - MTG Card versions
Harness by Force - MTG Card versions
Mass Mutiny - MTG Card versions
Act of Treason - MTG Card versions
Harness by Force - MTG Card versions
Mass Mutiny - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Invasion of Karsus // Refraction Elemental by color, type and mana cost

Invasion of Kaldheim // Pyre of the World Tree - MTG Card versions
Invasion of Kaldheim // Pyre of the World Tree - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Invasion of Karsus is a standout card when it comes to generating card advantage. By enabling you to manipulate both your and your opponent’s decks, the strategic depth it adds can give you a critical upper hand, not to mention its potential in accessing additional cards with each cast.

Resource Acceleration: This card excels in resource acceleration by potentially seeking out your lands or mana-producing artifacts. Its ability to alter the state of play can lead to swift and unexpected ramp-up, allowing for bigger plays earlier in the game.

Instant Speed: The capability to cast Invasion of Karsus at instant speed offers a significant strategic edge. It allows you to adapt to the unfolding game, disrupt opponent strategies during their turn, and keep mana available for other actions if more pressing threats or opportunities arise.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Invasion of Karsus requires a player to discard a card, which can deplete hand resources and may not always be an ideal trade, especially in decks that thrive on card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: With a demand for particular mana colors in its casting cost, Invasion of Karsus may not seamlessly fit into every deck archetype, potentially restricting its versatility across various formats.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The card comes with a heavier mana investment, challenging players to balance the immediate impact against other options available in the same mana range that could provide more immediate or flexible advantages on the battlefield.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Invasion of Karsus can be easily slotted into a variety of deck archetypes. Its ability to disrupt opponents while bolstering your own board state makes this card a powerful addition for both aggressive and control strategies.

Combo Potential: When paired with cards that benefit from casting multiple spells in a single turn or that capitalize on spell copy mechanics, Invasion of Karsus shines, offering immense synergies that can swing the game in your favor.

Meta-Relevance: Given its capacity to simultaneously act as board control and advancement tool, Invasion of Karsus aligns well with existing meta demands. It can give you an unexpected edge, particularly in environments where game tempo and card advantage are crucial.


How to beat

Invasion of Karsus is an impactful card in Magic: The Gathering, presenting challenges and strategic considerations for players facing it. Similar to other enchantments that have a lasting presence on the battlefield, successful strategies often revolve around preparedness and reactionary measures. Traditional removal spells are your first line of defense. Naturalize or Disenchant, for example, can directly target and dispose of such enchantments. It’s crucial to have these spells or similar alternatives in your deck, providing you the flexibility to remove problematic noncreature permanents.

Adaptation is the key when confronting cards with the imposing abilities of Invasion of Karsus. Utilizing cards that can counter enchantments, such as Negate, can prevent it from ever taking effect. Moreover, planning around such cards is wise, by limiting the number of valuable targets on the board or holding onto key creatures until after the threat has been managed. Alternatively, redirecting the focus of the game and accelerating your winning conditions can overshadow the setbacks imposed by Invasion of Karsus. This can be achieved by enhancing board presence or advancing your combo sequences swiftly.

In essence, tackling Invasion of Karsus demands a blend of proactive removal, smart deck construction, and dynamic in-game decisions. By prioritizing these approaches, players can mitigate the impact of this formidable card and maintain control of the game’s flow.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG is an exercise in strategy, finesse, and sometimes, sheer boldness. Invasion of Karsus is a card that encapsulates these principles, providing players with options to tilt the scales of the game. From gaining card advantage to accelerating resources, its inclusion in your deck means a more adaptable and potent offense. Yet, it brings with it the need for careful deck building and an understanding of cost-benefit trades. Enhance your MTG gameplay by integrating tips that tackle its complexities. If you’re eager to optimize your strategy with this dynamic card or curious about effective counters, we’re here with insights that can help you navigate its challenges and emerge victorious. Its uniqueness in gameplay calls for discovering enriching content that pushes your game to new heights. Transform your next match into a strategic conquest – join the ranks of illustrious players by enhancing your skills and knowledge with us.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Invasion of Karsus // Refraction Elemental MTG card by a specific set like March of the Machine Promos and March of the Machine, 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 Invasion of Karsus // Refraction Elemental and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Invasion of Karsus // Refraction Elemental Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2023-04-21 and 2023-04-21. Illustrated by Zoltan Boros.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-04-21March of the Machine PromosPMOM 146s2015TransformBlackZoltan Boros
22023-04-21March of the MachineMOM 1462015TransformBlackZoltan Boros

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Invasion of Karsus // Refraction Elemental has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2023-04-14 A Siege’s controller can’t be its protector. If a Siege’s protector ever gains control of it, they choose a new player to be its protector. This is a state-based action.
2023-04-14 A battle can be attacked by all players other than its protector. Notably, this means a Siege’s controller can attack it.
2023-04-14 A battle can be dealt damage and be target of spells and/or abilities that target “any target.”
2023-04-14 A battle’s “defense” is displayed in the bottom right corner of the card. A battle enters the battlefield with that number of defense counters. If another permanent enters the battlefield as a copy of a battle, it also enters with that number of defense counters.
2023-04-14 As a Siege enters the battlefield, its controller chooses an opponent to be its protector.
2023-04-14 Battles can’t attack or block, even if one also becomes a creature. If an attacking or blocking creature somehow becomes a battle in addition to being a creature, it is removed from combat.
2023-04-14 Damage dealt to a battle causes that many defense counters to be removed from it.
2023-04-14 If a Siege never had defense counters on it (perhaps because a permanent became a copy of one), it can’t have its last defense counter removed. It will be put into its owner’s graveyard. You won’t exile it or cast the other face.
2023-04-14 If a battle has no defense counters, and it isn’t the source of a triggered ability that has triggered but not yet left the stack, that battle is put into its owner’s graveyard. This is a state-based action. This doesn’t cause a Siege’s intrinsic triggered ability to trigger.
2023-04-14 If a battle that’s being attacked somehow stops being a battle, it is removed from combat. Similarly, if its controller changes in the middle of combat, it is removed from combat.
2023-04-14 If a non-battle permanent that is already on the battlefield become a copy of a Siege, its controller chooses one of their opponents to be that battle’s protector. However, it will most likely be put into its owner’s graveyard because it has no defense counters (see below).
2023-04-14 If a permanent that is represented by a transforming double-faced card becomes a copy of a Siege, it will be exiled as that Siege’s triggered ability resolves, then it will be cast transformed. Note that this applies only to transforming double-faced cards, not to modal double-faced cards that can normally be played using either face.
2023-04-14 If a token or a card that isn’t represented by a transforming double-faced card becomes a copy of a Siege, it can’t be cast as its triggered ability resolves. It will remain in exile. If it’s a token, it will cease to exist the next time state-based actions are performed.
2023-04-14 In a multiplayer game, if the protector of a battle leaves the game and that battle is not currently being attacked, its controller chooses a new protector for it as a state-based action. If it is being attacked, its controller chooses a new protector for it once no creatures are attacking it. This means that it continues to be attacked and can be dealt combat damage as normal.
2023-04-14 Only creatures controlled by a battle’s protector can block creatures that are attacking that battle. This means a Siege’s controller can never assign creatures to block for it.
2023-04-14 Sieges each have an intrinsic triggered ability. That ability is “When the last defense counter is removed from this permanent, exile it, then you may cast it transformed without paying its mana cost.”