Karsus Depthguard MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Viashino Warrior |
| Abilities | Defender |
| Released | 2023-04-21 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | March of the Machine |
| Set code | MOM |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 150 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Tyler Jacobson |
Text of card
Defender As long as Karsus Depthguard's power is 5 or greater, it can attack as though it didn't have defender.
He stood his ground in the Mirrored Depths, his roar of defiance echoed by a thousand crystalline reflections.
Cards like Karsus Depthguard
Karsus Depthguard introduces a fresh dynamic to defender strategies in Magic: The Gathering. Standing alongside cards like Wall of Runes, this creature offers a solid defense. Unlike Wall of Runes, Karsus Depthguard balances its higher casting cost with an impactful scry ability upon entry, giving players both protection and deck manipulation.
Comparably, Doorkeeper takes a different approach, leveraging its defender status for potential mill effects. While the Depthguard aids in refining future draws, Doorkeeper can lead to an alternate win condition by depleting an opponent’s library. This provides a varied approach for players using defenders tactically within their decks. Guardian of the Ages is another notable companion in this sphere. Although involving a higher initial investment, it provides a formidable wall that can transition into an aggressive threat under the right conditions—a contrast to the consistent defensive utility the Depthguard offers.
In synthesis, Karsus Depthguard fits snugly into the pantheon of defenders, offering a nuanced advantage in scrying that goes beyond mere obstruction, carving its niche in the MTG landscape as a versatile and strategic option for players looking to fortify their lines while shaping their forthcoming strategies.
Cards similar to Karsus Depthguard by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Karsus Depthguard is a remarkable addition to decks where maintaining a healthy hand is crucial. Access to additional cards ensures you have what you need to outmaneuver your opponent.
Resource Acceleration: This card is a boon for players looking to ramp up their available resources. Providing swift mana generation, it can be a game-changing element by letting you deploy threats or answers ahead of schedule.
Instant Speed: The instant speed nature of Karsus Depthguard gives you the flexibility to react on-the-fly. Use your mana efficiently by waiting for the prime moment to cast, keeping your opponents guessing and your strategies dynamic.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Karsus Depthguard mandates the discarding of a card as an additional cost to utilize its ability. This can strain your hand, especially if you’re already in a tight position with few cards to spare, potentially putting players at a disadvantage from having fewer options.
Specific Mana Cost: This card requires a precise mana arrangement to cast, including both blue and black mana, which may restrict its integration exclusively to decks that run these colors, potentially limiting its versatility across a range of deck types.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana cost being on the higher side, Karsus Depthguard can be a significant investment in the early game. Other cards at a similar or lower cost could potentially provide more immediate impact or benefits, diminishing the appeal of dedicating such resources to this particular card.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Karsus’s Depthguard enhances various strategies with its ability to both protect your key creatures and disrupt opponent plays. Given its aquatic nature, it also serves as a core defender in sea-themed decks or an unexpected guardian in more generic builds.
Combo Potential: The Depthguard’s ability to return to hand when targeted can be used ingeniously with cards that trigger upon casting or with abilities that activate when a spell is targeted, enabling intricate and powerful combos.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where targeting effects are prevalent, having versatile creatures like Karsus’s Depthguard can pivot the tide of battle, making it a consistent and powerful choice for decks aiming to remain competitive.
How to beat
Karsus Depthguard presents a unique challenge on the battlefield, bolstering the resilience of your opponent’s creatures in MTG. Unlike other cards that offer a temporary boost or protection, Karsus Depthguard potentially provides a perpetual shield, making creatures harder to remove. To effectively navigate around this obstacle, a player should focus on strategies that don’t rely on targeting individual creatures. Board sweepers or spells that change the rules of engagement – such as Doomskar or Extinction Event – can outmaneuver Karsus Depthguard’s passive ability by not targeting creatures directly.
Moreover, since Karsus Depthguard’s ability is innate and continuous, keeping it off the board is paramount. Counter spells like Negate or Disdainful Stroke can be particularly effective, as they prevent Karsus Depthguard from ever entering the field of play. Managing your removal resources wisely and anticipating your opponent’s plays will give you the upper hand. Lastly, preventing your opponent from building up a formidable force by keeping their creature count low can minimize the impact of Karsus Depthguard should it hit the table.
Confronting the resilience Karsus Depthguard brings to the game requires a mix of preemptive and responsive strategies. Your ability to adjust your tactics and manage your resources efficiently will often determine your success against this formidable adversary in MTG.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Karsus Depthguard MTG card by a specific set like 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 Karsus Depthguard 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
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Karsus Depthguard has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Karsus Depthguard 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 | Once Karsus Depthguard has legally attacked, causing its last ability to not apply by reducing its power to 4 or less won’t cause it to stop attacking. |