Escape from Orthanc MTG Card
2023-06-23 - Number 463
2023-06-23 - Number 12
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Target creature gets +1/+3 and gains flying until end of turn. Untap it.
"How far can you bear me?" asked Gandalf. "Many leagues," said Gwaihir, "but not to the ends of the earth. I was sent to bear tidings, not burdens."
Cards like Escape from Orthanc
Escape from Orthanc offers Magic the Gathering players a unique blend of defensive and card draw capabilities. In comparison, cards like Crystal Shard also provide a means to return creatures to a player’s hand, but without the added benefit of drawing a card. Crystal Shard’s versatility comes with an activation cost, facilitating use on both your own and opponents’ creatures, yet it doesn’t replenish your hand as Escape from Orthanc does.
Evacuation is another card that causes a mass return of creatures to the owner’s hands, affecting all creatures on the battlefield in contrast to the targeted utility of Escape from Orthanc. Although Evacuation is a notable reset button during tight spots in a game, it lacks the card draw feature that adds to the value of Escape from Orthanc. Then there’s Erratic Portal, which resembles Crystal Shard in function but allows repeated use with a cheaper activation cost. Again, it misses the advantage of card draw that is central to Escape from Orthanc’s appeal.
Through the lens of utility and effects, Escape from Orthanc stands out among similar cards with its strategic combination of creature bounce and card draw, a pairing that makes it a valuable asset in a player’s arsenal.
Cards similar to Escape from Orthanc by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: One of the significant benefits of the Escape from Orthanc card is that it presents a tremendous opportunity for card advantage. By letting you sift through your library and pluck out the right tools, it helps you maintain a strong hand throughout the duel.
Resource Acceleration: Every strategic player knows the value of speed, and Escape from Orthanc does not disappoint. It accelerates your resource allocation, giving you a precious edge by getting ahead on the board and setting up for powerful plays in the upcoming turns.
Instant Speed: The versatility of this card is greatly enhanced by its instant speed, allowing reactive play during your opponent’s turn. This adaptability makes it a powerful addition to your arsenal, letting you respond swiftly to the ever-changing battlefield dynamics.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: When casting Escape from Orthanc, players must discard a card, which could be a setback when hand resources are already dwindling.
Specific Mana Cost: This spell’s mana cost demands blue mana, making it potentially challenging to incorporate into decks that don’t primarily utilize that color.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value that’s on the higher side for its effect, players might find more mana-efficient alternatives that provide similar or better benefits in the game.
Reasons to Include Escape from Orthanc in Your Collection
Versatility: Escape from Orthanc offers a dynamic playstyle that can be incorporated into a myriad of deck archetypes. Its capacity to act as a disruptor or a deck enabler allows it to find a place in both aggressive and control strategies, ensuring that you always have a tactical edge no matter the situation.
Combo Potential: For players who enjoy intricate deck mechanics, this card opens up a realm of combo opportunities. Its unique effects can synergize with other cards, generating powerful interactions that can quickly shift the balance of the game in your favor.
Meta-Relevance: Staying ahead in the shifting landscape of MTG’s competitive scene is crucial. Escape from Orthanc holds significant relevance within the current meta, especially in environments where the ability to navigate and manipulate both your own and your opponent’s strategies can be the key to seizing victory.
How to beat
The Escape from Orthanc card presents an intriguing challenge in a game of Magic: The Gathering. This particular card necessitates creative strategies to overcome, especially given its abilities that affect gameplay significantly. To beat Escape from Orthanc, focus on flexibility and be ready to adapt your tactics swiftly. Employ cards that can either bypass or remove enchantments directly from the battlefield.
Consider adding versatile removal spells to your deck that can target a range of permanents, not just creatures. Naturalize or Disenchant are classic examples of such spells that allow you to destroy target artifacts or enchantments. Also, prioritizing counter spells like Negate can prevent Escape from Orthanc from hitting the field in the first place. Paying attention to mana efficiency and keeping up counterspell mana when your opponent has enough resources to cast it is crucial.
Ultimately, having the right blend of flexibility, removal, and counter strategies can provide an upper hand against Escape from Orthanc. Anticipate its arrival and be prepared with an arsenal of answers in your MTG deck, so when the time comes, you’re ready to escape the trap it sets.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Escape from Orthanc MTG card by a specific set like The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth and The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth, 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 Escape from Orthanc 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
Printings
The Escape from Orthanc Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-06-23 and 2023-06-23. Illustrated by Anthony Devine.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2023-06-23 | The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth | LTR | 463 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Anthony Devine | |
| 2 | 2023-06-23 | The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth | LTR | 12 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Anthony Devine |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Escape from Orthanc has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |