Omnath, Locus of the Roil MTG Card


Omnath, Locus of the Roil - Core Set 2020
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityMythic
TypeLegendary Creature — Elemental
Abilities Landfall
Released2019-07-12
Set symbol
Set nameCore Set 2020
Set codeM20
Power 3
Toughness 3
Number216
Frame2015
Layoutnormal
Borderblack
Illustred byLius Lasahido

Key Takeaways

  1. Omnath offers card draw and damage for a continually advantageous board state through landfall triggers.
  2. Resource acceleration is key with Omnath, enhancing mana base growth and enabling powerful turns.
  3. Despite specific mana needs and hand management, Omnath’s versatility in gameplay is unmatched.

Text of card

When Omnath, Locus of the Roil enters the battlefield, it deals damage to any target equal to the number of Elementals you control. Whenever a land enters the battlefield under your control, put a +1/+1 counter on target Elemental you control. If you control eight or more lands, draw a card.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: The multifaceted abilities of Omnath, Locus of the Roil enable you to draw a card upon its entry to the battlefield, effectively replacing itself in your hand. Each subsequent land played provides a scalable advantage, either through card draw or direct damage, ensuring that you stay ahead in resources.

Resource Acceleration: Omnath shines in landfall-centric decks, granting you access to additional lands through its triggered abilities. While not directly adding mana, this synergy allows for escalated growth in both your mana base and board presence, fueling explosive turns that can overwhelm opponents.

Instant Speed: While Omnath itself may not operate at instant speed, its ability to generate a significant impact upon entering or reacting to new land plays complements strategies that include instant speed interactions. This ensures that you maintain a reactive posture while continuing to develop a commanding board state.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Omnath, Locus of the Roil doesn’t directly necessitate a discard, but its reliance on card draw and landfall triggers can unintentionally deplete your hand — especially if you don’t have additional support to sustain card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: This elemental requires a diverse mana base to cast — one of each, red, green, and blue, plus another — which might prove challenging in a deck not finely tuned for color fixing, potentially delaying its play or rendering it a dead card in hand during crucial turns.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Sitting at four mana with a three-color commitment can be a considerable investment. In the same cost bracket, players might encounter other formidable options that either provide a more immediate impact on the board or offer less restrictive casting requirements.


Reasons to Include Omnath Locus of the Roil in Your Collection

Versatility: Omnath, Locus of the Roil offers a dynamic play experience, seamlessly fitting into Elemental, landfall, and multicolor Commander decks. Its ability to deal damage, draw cards, and strengthen creatures makes it an adaptable card for diverse strategies.

Combo Potential: As a key piece in combos, Omnath elevates game play when paired with land-centric cards or elementals. It’s the engine that can turn a ramping land into a powerhouse, enabling players to craft winning synergies on the battlefield.

Meta-Relevance: Within the fluctuating landscape of the meta, Omnath stands the test of time. Its impact in Commander format is consistently strong, adjusting and thriving as the meta shifts, ensuring that it remains a formidable force in your MTG collection.


How to beat

Omnath, Locus of the Roil is a formidable force in MTG, offering versatile abilities that can command the tide of battle. Known for its ability to draw cards and deal damage, Omnath can quickly overwhelm opponents unprepared for its dynamic playstyle. One of the key strategies to counter this card is by limiting Omnath’s ability to trigger landfall. Keeping land drops to a minimum prevents Omnath from exploiting its draw mechanism, thereby stifling its potential.

Targeted removal spells are also highly effective against Omnath. Spells like Path to Exile or Assassin’s Trophy can take Omnath out of play before its controller can capitalize on its landfall-triggered abilities. Graveyard disruption is another tactic, as preventing Omnath from returning to the battlefield can be crucial. Cards like Scavenging Ooze excel in this role, as they manage graveyard-based strategies, further complicating Omnath’s impact.

Lastly, maintaining a strong board presence and applying constant pressure can deter an Omnath-centric strategy. Agile creatures and spells that pack a punch can ensure Omnath’s abilities do not dictate the flow of the game. By focusing on these strategies, MTG players can navigate the challenges posed by Omnath, Locus of the Roil.


BurnMana Recommendations

Omnath, Locus of the Roil is an exceptional card that commands the attention of any MTG player who appreciates versatility and board control. Its blend of card draw, elemental synergy, and direct damage allows for strategic plays and can be the cornerstone of a high-octane landfall deck. If you’re looking to craft a deck that capitalizes on elemental might and land-based mechanics, or if you aim to strengthen your Commander lineup, delve deeper into strategies that leverage Omnath’s unique abilities. For more insights and tips on maximizing your gameplay with this dynamic card, join our thriving MTG community.


Cards like Omnath, Locus of the Roil

Omnath, Locus of the Roil finds its place among MTG’s pantheon of elemental creatures, but with a twist that sets it apart from its counterparts. Embodying the elements of Temur—fire, water, and air—this creature card is a dynamic force in any deck that thrives on landfall abilities and elemental synergy. One could draw parallels between Omnath and Risen Reef, an elemental that also exploits landfall to grant its controller an extra card whenever a land enters the battlefield or an elemental is played.

Another similar entity is Tatyova, Benthic Druid, which rewards its controller with life gain and card draw for each land that comes into play. While Tatyova’s ability is focused exclusively on landfall, Omnath’s versatility shines with its ability to deal damage to any target and scale in power with the number of lands you control.

Comparing these cards, Omnath stands out with its direct damage potential, a broader synergy with other elementals and the incremental strength gain contingent on land control. These unique traits make Omnath, Locus of the Roil a multifaceted card choice for MTG players who value versatility and inter-card synergy in their gameplay strategies.

Risen Reef - MTG Card versions
Tatyova, Benthic Druid - MTG Card versions
Risen Reef - Core Set 2020 (M20)
Tatyova, Benthic Druid - Dominaria Promos (PDOM)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Omnath, Locus of the Roil MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2020, 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 Omnath, Locus of the Roil and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Omnath, Locus of the Roil has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

DateText
2019-07-12 If the target Elemental is an illegal target by the time Omnath’s second ability tries to resolve, the ability doesn’t resolve. You don’t draw a card if you control eight or more lands. If the target is legal but can’t have a +1/+1 counter put on it (most likely because an opponent controls Blightbeetle), you do draw a card if you control eight or more lands.
2019-07-12 The number of Elementals you control is counted as Omnath’s first ability resolves. If Omnath is still on the battlefield, it will count itself.
2019-07-12 You may choose Omnath as the target of its own second ability.

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