Karn Liberated MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 9 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost7
RarityMythic
TypeLegendary Planeswalker — Karn
Loyalty 6

Key Takeaways

  1. Karn Liberated is a potent planeswalker card utilized in Modern and Commander formats for its game-resetting ultimate ability.
  2. As a colorless card, Karn Liberated fits into various deck archetypes, enhancing flexibility and strategic depth for players.
  3. Collectors and competitive players value Karn Liberated for its iconic status and powerful board control abilities.

Text of card

+4: Target player exiles a card from his or her hand. -3: Exile target permanent. -14: Restart the game, leaving in exile all non-Aura permanent cards exiled with Karn Liberated. Then put those cards onto the battlefield under your control.


 


Pros of Karn Liberated

Card Advantage: Karn Liberated excels in this department as it can strip your opponent’s hand bare, reducing their options and giving you a significant edge in the game. Also, its ultimate ability restarts the game, allowing you to keep your exiled cards while the opposing side starts with a clean slate.

Resource Acceleration: Karn truly shines when it comes to resource acceleration. With its +4 ability, it contributes towards your mana pool almost instantly, giving you a quicker pathway towards controlling the board and casting high-value spells. It’s a seamless and valuable component in any tron deck because of its efficient resource acceleration.

Instant Speed: While Karn Liberated isn’t an instant spell, its immediate impact on the game compensates for this. Once on the battlefield, Karn’s dynamic abilities can be decisive in turning the tide of the game in your favor.


Limitations of Karn Liberated

Discard Requirement: Karn Liberated might seem an intimidating planeswalker, but its effect of exiling card(s) from a player may push a player to expend some worthy cards tactically. This discard requirement, especially when you’re dwindling on ammunition, can pose a serious disadvantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Karn Liberated demands 7 specific colorless mana for the casting, somewhat restricting its use to decks specifically designed to generate formidable amounts of colorless mana. As a casual player, this could limit its overall versatility in multiple decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With the colossal mana cost of 7, there lie options in the vast MTG universe that might serve better efficiencies in terms of resource utilization or card advantage.


Reasons to Include Karn Liberated in Your Collection

Versatility: Karn Liberated is a stunning element for various deck types. The planeswalker’s unique abilities allow you to control the board effectively and fit into diverse strategies where disruption plays a key role.

Combo Potential: The power of Karn Liberated lies in its potential to combine with numerous cards. It’s third ability essentially restarts the game, providing an immense edge for those wishing to exploit its potential fully.

Meta-Relevance: With an ever-changing meta, adding Karn Liberated to your decks ensures you stay ahead. The planeswalker’s attributes make it particularly useful against a range of different deck styles, highlighting its meta-relevance in the current game scenarios.


Similar Cards

When analyzing Karn Liberated from MTG, similar cards also stand out due to their impressive abilities. One of them is Ugin, the Spirit Dragon, like Karn, a powerful planeswalker, but distinguished by its capability to deal direct damage and mass-remove colored permanents. The cost for Ugin is high, but his effects can turn the tide of a game quite drastically, similarly to Karn.

Another noteworthy alternative is Ugin, the Ineffable. He’s a bit vest in cost, and just as Karn, he can remove any type of permanent. Additionally, Ugin provides token generation and card draw utility, delivering strategic advantages that Karn Liberated does not directly offer.

Furthermore, we shouldn’t miss New Phyrexia’s other titan, Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite. As a non-planeswalker alternative, Elesh Norn still offers significant board impact, altering the game dynamics and potentially swinging the odds in your favor.

To sum it all up, when considering similar cards to Karn Liberated, it’s compelling to understand the unique value each one brings to the table. Their comparative usefulness will largely depend on individual deck structure and game flow, making them all viable choices alongside Karn.


How to Beat Karn Liberated

Karn Liberated, a formidable planeswalker from Magic: The Gathering, boasts a robust set of abilities. Beating such a forceful adversary requires strategic planning and the correct resources.

One method is through counter spells like Negate or Dissipate. They can hinder Karn before he enters the battlefield, preventing acceleration of his power. Alternately, employing instant-speed destruction cards such as Hero’s Downfall handles Karn post-play.

Using discard strategies formulates another line of defense. Thoughtseize or Duress induces your opponent to discard Karn if they have him in hand, averting his threat pre-emptively. In addition, an aggressive approach to diminish your opponent’s life total serves well. This strategy limits their capacity to use lose-life-pay mana assets to bring Karn onto the field.

Another avenue lies in permanent removing cards like Utter End or Dreadbore. Such spells take out planeswalkers, irrespective of their loyalty. Lastly, do not forget the value of playing a compact, aggressive deck against a deck that depends on Karn Liberated. The quickness can dispose them before Karn becomes a menace.

In sum, be proactive and control the game’s pace before Karn Liberated swings the favor. Your right combination of counter, discard, and removal cards will provide the edge required to defeat this potent MTG adversary.


Unleashing Karn Liberated in Your Deck

When it comes to iconic Planeswalkers in the universe of Magic the Gathering, few can stand toe-to-toe with the might and mystique of Karn Liberated. This silver golem, originating from the plane of Argentum, which he later renamed Mirrodin, is a powerful ally and a formidable foe in any game scenario. For players looking to understand how to best utilize Karn Liberated, this article will serve as your guide to incorporating this card into your strategy for impactful gameplay.

Understanding Karn Liberated

Karn Liberated is more than just a card—it’s a game-changer. As a Planeswalker with a starting loyalty of 6, Karn offers a diverse array of abilities that can drastically alter the battlefield. His +4 ability allows players to exile cards from an opponent’s hand, paving the way for control strategies. His -3 ability provides spot removal, exiling any troublesome permanent. But it’s his ultimate ability, resetting the game while allowing you to put all cards exiled with Karn into play, that can turn the tides and offer a fresh start when you’re behind.

Strategies and Synergies

Integrating Karn Liberated into your deck requires a clear strategy and synergy with your existing cards. This Planeswalker naturally fits into control decks that focus on managing threats and drawing out the game. The combination of Karn’s abilities enables seasoned players to dismantle their opponent’s hand and board presence, slowly tilting the match in their favor. Harmonizing Karn with cards that manipulate or reset the game clock ensures that your ultimate goal—activating his game-resetting ultimate—remains within reach.

Karn in Various Formats

Karn Liberated’s versatility shines across multiple game formats within Magic the Gathering. In Commander, Karn offers single-card control and fosters a long-term gameplay advantage, aligning with the format’s slower pace and strategic depth. In Modern or Legacy, Karn functions as a crucial piece within Tron decks, leveraging lands like Urza’s Tower, Power Plant, and Mine to generate a massive mana base, subsequently allowing the early casting of this impactful Planeswalker. The presence of Karn in any deck reassures its pilot that victory is never out of reach.

Building Around Karn Liberated

Building a deck around Karn Liberated requires a methodical approach. Focus on mana acceleration to cast Karn early and ensure your deck contains elements to protect him once he’s on the battlefield. Utilize control elements such as board wipes and spot removal to preserve Karn’s loyalty. Balancing your deck with threats that can win the game on their own while also advancing your mana development to cast Karn is key. Every card in your deck should have a role—either in supporting Karn’s strategy or advancing towards a win condition.

Tips for Playing Karn Liberated

Playing with Karn Liberated necessitates timing and foresight. Consider the board state and determine the most significant threat before choosing which ability to activate. Using Karn’s +4 ability is ideal when you’re ahead to further destabilize your opponent’s options. If faced with an immediate threat, don’t hesitate to use his -3 ability. And when the opportunity arises, prepare for the ultimate -14 ability. Exercising patience and strategic resource management will undeniably leverage Karn’s full potential.

Facing Karn Liberated as an Opponent

While piloting a deck with Karn Liberated is dynamic, facing him across the table requires a different set of tactics. Preserving a diverse hand with answers to his abilities is imperative. Saving direct damage spells or abilities to remove Planeswalkers, maintaining a presence on the battlefield to keep Karn’s loyalty in check, and being prepared to start anew if Karn’s ultimate ability is activated are all essential tactics. Understanding your own deck’s capabilities and having a plan to counteract Karn are integral to overcoming the challenge he poses.

Iconic Moments with Karn Liberated

Karn Liberated is not only a stalwart of MTG gameplay but also central to some of the most iconic moments in tournaments and casual play. His involvement in game-resetting plays has created stories passed down among players, highlighting the dramatic comebacks and strategic depth that make Magic the Gathering a uniquely captivating game. Each casting of Karn Liberated carries the potential for a memorable game where strategy, skill, and a bit of good fortune converge.

Enhancing Your MTG Knowledge

Expanding your Magic the Gathering expertise involves more than just tactics and card knowledge—it’s about fully understanding the interactions and possibilities that cards like Karn Liberated introduce to the game. Continuously learning, adapting, and experimenting with different decks and strategies ensures that your gameplay remains fresh, challenging, and enjoyable. By embracing the intricacies of MTG and the power cards like Karn bring to the table, you set yourself up for ongoing success and immense fulfillment in every match you play.

Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating the rich landscapes of Magic the Gathering requires strategy, insight, and a bit of adventure. Whether you’re planning your next big win or fine-tuning your deck for maximum impact, there’s always room to elevate your game. As you continue to delve into the MTG universe, remember that it’s not just about the single triumphs but the continuous journey towards mastery. We invite you to keep exploring this fascinating world, discovering new techniques, and unearthing valuable cards to ensure your next match is more than just a game, but a Big Score. Ready to level up your play? Join us to learn more and become the ultimate MTG champion.


Cards like Karn Liberated

When analyzing Karn Liberated from MTG, similar cards also stand out due to their impressive abilities. One of them is Ugin, the Spirit Dragon, like Karn, a powerful planeswalker, but distinguished by its capability to deal direct damage and mass-remove colored permanents. The cost for Ugin is high, but his effects can turn the tide of a game quite drastically, similarly to Karn.

Another noteworthy alternative is Ugin, the Ineffable. He’s a bit vest in cost, and just as Karn, he can remove any type of permanent. Additionally, Ugin provides token generation and card draw utility, delivering strategic advantages that Karn Liberated does not directly offer.

Furthermore, we shouldn’t miss New Phyrexia’s other titan, Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite. As a non-planeswalker alternative, Elesh Norn still offers significant board impact, altering the game dynamics and potentially swinging the odds in your favor.

To sum it all up, when considering similar cards to Karn Liberated, it’s compelling to understand the unique value each one brings to the table. Their comparative usefulness will largely depend on individual deck structure and game flow, making them all viable choices alongside Karn.

Ugin, the Spirit Dragon - MTG Card versions
Ugin, the Ineffable - MTG Card versions
Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite - MTG Card versions
Ugin, the Spirit Dragon - Ugin's Fate (UGIN)
Ugin, the Ineffable - War of the Spark (WAR)
Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite - New Phyrexia (NPH)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Karn Liberated MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and New Phyrexia, 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 Karn Liberated and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Karn Liberated Magic the Gathering card was released in 8 different sets between 2011-05-13 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 828762015normalblackMark Tedin
22011-05-13New PhyrexiaNPH 12003normalblackJason Chan
32015-05-22Modern Masters 2015MM2 42015normalblackJason Chan
42018-12-07Ultimate Box TopperPUMA U22015normalblackJason Chan
52018-12-07Ultimate MastersUMA 52015normalblackJason Chan
62020-08-07Double Masters2XM 12015normalblackJason Chan
72020-08-07Double Masters2XM 3332015normalborderlessMark Tedin
82020-09-26The ListPLST NPH-12003normalblackJason Chan
92022-12-02Jumpstart 2022J22 972015normalblackDai-XT

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Karn Liberated has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

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

DateText
2020-08-07 A game that restarts immediately ends the preceding game. The players in that game then immediately begin a new game. No player wins, loses, or draws the original game as a result of Karn's ability.
2020-08-07 After the pregame procedure is complete but before the new game's first turn, Karn's ability finishes resolving and the cards left in exile are put onto the battlefield. If this causes any triggered abilities to trigger, those abilities are put onto the stack at the beginning of the first upkeep step.
2020-08-07 Any permanents put onto the battlefield with Karn's ability that entered the battlefield tapped will untap during their controller's first untap step.
2020-08-07 If a player leaves the game, all cards that player owns leave as well. If you leave the game, the permanents you control from Karn's ability are exiled.
2020-08-07 In a Commander game, each player puts their commander into the command zone before shuffling their deck, unless it was exiled with Karn. In that case, the commander remains in exile and will be put onto the battlefield when Karn's ability finishes resolving.
2020-08-07 In a multiplayer game, any player who left the game before it was restarted with Karn's ability won't be involved in the new game.
2020-08-07 Karn's first and third abilities are linked. Similarly, Karn's second and third abilities are linked. Only non-Aura permanent cards exiled by either of Karn's first two abilities will remain in exile when the game restarts.
2020-08-07 No actions taken in the game that was restarted apply to the new game. For example, if you were dealt damage by Stigma Lasher in the original game, the effect that states you can't gain life doesn't carry over to the new game.
2020-08-07 Permanents put onto the battlefield due to Karn's ability will have been under the starting controller's control continuously since the beginning of that player's first turn. Creatures among them can attack and their activated abilities with in the cost can be activated.
2020-08-07 Players can't move cards between their deck and sideboard before the new game.
2020-08-07 Players won't have any counters or emblems they had in the original game.
2020-08-07 The number of times a player has cast their commander from the command zone resets to zero. The amount of combat damage dealt to players by each commander is reset to 0.
2020-08-07 The player who controlled the ability that restarted the game is the starting player in the new game. The new game starts like a game normally does: Each player shuffles their deck (except the cards left in exile by Karn's ability). Each player's life total becomes 20 (or the starting life total for whatever format you're playing). Players draw a hand of seven cards. Players may take mulligans. Players may take actions based on cards in their opening hands, such as those of Leylines.

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