Chaos Balor MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Mythic |
| Type | Creature — Demon |
| Abilities | Flying,Seek,Treasure |
| Released | 2022-07-07 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate |
| Set code | HBG |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 5 |
| Number | 49 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Uriah Voth |
Text of card
Flying Whenever Chaos Balor attacks or dies, choose two. Each mode must target a different player. • Target player discards all the cards in their hand, then seeks that many nonland cards. • Chaos Balor deals 2 damage to target player and they create two Treasure tokens. • Chaos Balor deals 2 damage to each creature target player controls. Those creatures perpetually get +2/+0.
Cards like Chaos Balor
Chaos Balor stands out in the world of MTG creatures with its unpredictable yet potentially game-altering abilities. It shares similarities with unpredictable cards like Chaos Wand, which can also throw a twist into gameplay by allowing players to cast spells from an opponent’s deck. Unlike Chaos Wand, Chaos Balor doesn’t rely on your opponent’s deck but rather ignites chaos directly from the library with a dash of creature combat.
Another card sharing the chaotic theme is Planar Chaos. This enchantment contrasts with Chaos Balor, as it influences the game on a broader scale by turning every spell cast into a coin toss. While Chaos Balor impacts the board through its creature presence and direct ability to cast spells freely, Planar Chaos is a passive yet constant source of uncertainty throughout the game.
Summarizing the evaluation, Chaos Balor provides a unique blend of aggressive tactics and randomized effects. This positions it as a strong choice for players who enjoy adding elements of surprise and direct pressure on opponents, showcasing that within the realm of MTG, chaotic strategies can come in various forms, each with its own distinct advantages.
Cards similar to Chaos Balor by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Chaos Balor provides a significant boost by potentially discarding less valuable cards to draw new ones, refreshing a player’s hand and maintaining pressure on the opponent.
Resource Acceleration: With its ability to generate multiple Treasure tokens, Chaos Balor offers a valuable surge in resources, enabling players to cast higher-cost spells ahead of curve or utilize abilities that require additional mana.
Instant Speed: The versatility of casting Chaos Balor at instant speed gives players the tactical advantage of acting at the most opportune moment, whether it’s during combat or in response to an opponent’s threats. This flexibility is crucial in maintaining tempo and disrupting opposing strategies.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Chaos Balor demands the player to discard a card when casting it. This particular stipulation can deplete your hand, leaving you at a disadvantage, especially if you’re in a situation where your card options are already limited.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Chaos Balor is demanding in that it requires a mix of specific mana types to play. This can be restrictive, meaning it slots into fewer decks and may not always be accessible when you need it, depending on your mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a higher mana cost on the curve, Chaos Balor comes into play later in the game. In a format where speed can be crucial, its mana demands could slow you down, giving opponents time to establish control or build a formidable presence on the board.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Chaos Balor adds flexibility to your gameplay, capable of fitting seamlessly into various deck archetypes. As a creature that can disrupt your opponent’s strategy while establishing board presence, it’s a valuable addition for anyone looking to add resilient threats to their deck.
Combo Potential: Known for its ability to interact with numerous mechanics, this card is a prime catalyst for combo setups. Whether you’re looking to capitalize on its destruction abilities or pair it with other cards that thrive on chaos and uncertainty, Chaos Balor can be the linchpin of a game-winning combo.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where adaptability and threat management are key, Chaos Balor stands out. It can keep pace with fluctuating game states, making it a formidable choice for players aiming to stay competitive. It often demands an answer from opponents, making it a high-impact play in many matchups.
How to beat
Chaos Balor is a formidable force in Magic: The Gathering, wielding the power to turn the tides of a game with its massive stat line and chaotic abilities. Overcoming this powerful creature requires strategic finesse and a solid understanding of removal options. The key to defeating Chaos Balor lies in preemptive control; spells that exile, such as Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares, can effectively neutralize this threat before it overwhelms the battlefield.
Additionally, counter spells play a crucial role in stopping Chaos Balor from ever entering play. Utilizing efficient counters like Mana Leak or Negate can provide a timely answer to this menacing card. Knowing when to hold back these spells for the right moment is essential. For those fielding a black-aligned deck, spells like Murder or Go for the Throat offer reliable removal after Chaos Balor has landed. It’s vital to keep these answers ready and weigh the risk of allowing Chaos Balor to potentially cascade into further chaos.
In essence, maintaining control and employing precise removal or counter strategies are paramount to outmaneuver Chaos Balor. Consistent pressure and the ability to react swiftly will increase the odds in favor of those standing against this chaotic adversary in Magic: The Gathering.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Chaos Balor MTG card by a specific set like Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate, 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 Balor and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Chaos Balor has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |