Khârn the Betrayer MTG Card


Provides card advantage and disrupts opponents, but requires thoughtful hand management to avoid self-sabotage. Fits in aggressive decks, yet the specific mana cost and high mana curve can limit deck compatibility. Though risky, Khârn can be pivotal in combat, offering a potential game-changing presence on the battlefield.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Astartes Berserker
Abilities Berzerker,Sigil of Corruption,The Betrayer
Power 5
Toughness 1

Text of card

Berzerker — Khârn the Betrayer attacks or blocks each combat if able. Sigil of Corruption — When you lose control of Khârn the Betrayer, draw two cards. The Betrayer — If damage would be dealt to Khârn the Betrayer, prevent that damage and an opponent of your choice gains control of it.


Cards like Khârn the Betrayer

Khârn the Betrayer enters the battlefield from the vast universe of Warhammer crossing over into MTG, bringing a unique blend of aggression and risk to the game. Much like the notorious Lightning Berserker, Khârn offers a formidable force multiplier with its power-boosting abilities but at the potential cost of having no cards in hand. The inherent risk of depleting your own resources is a gamble not every player is willing to take.

The MTG arena has seen similar high-risk, high-reward strategies in cards like Master of the Feast. While the Master can provide a substantial early-game advantage with its low casting cost and high power, it gifts your opponent with extra card draw. Khârn demands a different price, the potential to decimate your own hand, setting up for a do-or-die situation.

Additionally, we can draw parallels with another chaos agent – Risk Factor. This card forces opponents to choose between suffering damage or allowing you to refill your hand. Khârn the Betrayer requires no choices but demands a singular path to victory: sheer aggression with the hope that the gamble pays off. In these comparisons, Khârn stands out for its relentless pursuit of victory, regardless of the cost.

Lightning Berserker - MTG Card versions
Master of the Feast - MTG Card versions
Risk Factor - MTG Card versions
Lightning Berserker - MTG Card versions
Master of the Feast - MTG Card versions
Risk Factor - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Khârn the Betrayer by color, type and mana cost

Keldon Warlord - MTG Card versions
Crimson Manticore - MTG Card versions
Márton Stromgald - MTG Card versions
Reckless Embermage - MTG Card versions
Wildfire Emissary - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Giant - MTG Card versions
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Mogg Bombers - MTG Card versions
Warmonger - MTG Card versions
Bloodfire Kavu - MTG Card versions
Whipkeeper - MTG Card versions
Anger - MTG Card versions
Nalathni Dragon - MTG Card versions
Everquill Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Goblin Goon - MTG Card versions
Lesser Gargadon - MTG Card versions
Krark-Clan Engineers - MTG Card versions
Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked - MTG Card versions
Ogre Taskmaster - MTG Card versions
Ogre Gatecrasher - MTG Card versions
Keldon Warlord - MTG Card versions
Crimson Manticore - MTG Card versions
Márton Stromgald - MTG Card versions
Reckless Embermage - MTG Card versions
Wildfire Emissary - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Giant - MTG Card versions
Rathi Dragon - MTG Card versions
Mogg Bombers - MTG Card versions
Warmonger - MTG Card versions
Bloodfire Kavu - MTG Card versions
Whipkeeper - MTG Card versions
Anger - MTG Card versions
Nalathni Dragon - MTG Card versions
Everquill Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Goblin Goon - MTG Card versions
Lesser Gargadon - MTG Card versions
Krark-Clan Engineers - MTG Card versions
Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked - MTG Card versions
Ogre Taskmaster - MTG Card versions
Ogre Gatecrasher - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Khârn the Betrayer has abilities that disrupt your opponent’s hand while keeping yours intact, leading to a better position in terms of card count and quality on the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: With an efficient cost to power ratio and potential to remove key enemy pieces, this card can shift the resource balance in your favor, accelerating your game plan while hindering your opponent’s.

Instant Speed: Though not an instant, Khârn the Betrayer offers immediate board impact. Some versions may have abilities akin to instant speed reactions, allowing tactical plays even during your opponent’s turn for relentless pressure.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: In a game where maintaining card advantage can be crucial, the discard requirement for Khârn the Betrayer can put players in a precarious position. Discarding cards reduces options and potentially provides an edge to the opponent.

Specific Mana Cost: Khârn the Betrayer demands a specific combination of mana colors that may not align with every strategy. Players dedicated to a single color or operating on a multi-color deck archetype might find including him challenging.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With other creatures and spells vying for inclusion in your four-mana slot, Khârn may not always be the optimal choice. The need to balance your deck’s mana curve may lead you to opt for alternatives that offer immediate impact or that do not impose additional costs like discarding cards.


Reasons to Include Khârn the Betrayer in Your Collection

Versatility: Khârn the Betrayer offers flexibility in deck building, particularly for aggressive strategies that appreciate a resilient and impactful creature.

Combo Potential: As a potent force in combat, Khârn’s abilities can synergize with cards that capitalize on combat damage or additional attack phases, heightening your offensive might.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where player interaction and combat are key, Khârn excels by being able to deal damage through blockers and potentially altering the board state significantly each turn.


How to beat

Khârn the Betrayer is a formidable force on the MTG battlefield, known for its ability to devastate opponents through relentless attacks. When facing this vicious card, it’s essential to disrupt your opponent’s tempo. Removal spells that can target Khârn before he gets a chance to attack are critical. Instant-speed spells like Path to Exile or Fatal Push can efficiently handle this threat.

Ensnaring the menace in combat with utility creatures that have deathtouch or those that bring along chump blockers to the fight, such as Doomed Dissenter, can mitigate the damage and give you time to muster a more robust defense. Strategies to counteract Khârn also include leveraging life gain mechanisms to withstand the onslaught or using board wipes like Wrath of God after baiting out Khârn.

Ultimately, it’s about predicting your opponent’s moves and staying one step ahead. Knowing the right time to deploy your defensive tactics and keeping a cool head under pressure will help ensure that this iconic Chaos champion doesn’t betray your chances of victory. Stay flexible, be proactive, and seize control of the game from Khârn the Betrayer.


BurnMana Recommendations

Exploring the strategic complexity of Khârn the Betrayer offers a stimulating challenge for MTG aficionados. If you find enjoyment in crafting decks that balance aggressive play with high-stakes strategy, integrating Khârn could be your next power move. Adaptability and smart card synergy are key for those who dare to wield the chaos that Khârn brings to the table. Navigating this fine line between risk and reward can be what separates the skilled players from the champions. Immerse yourself further and discover how to make Khârn the Betrayer a victorious addition to your collection. Enhance your game plan with us and find out how to subdue your foes with the might of Khârn.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Khârn the Betrayer MTG card by a specific set like Warhammer 40,000 Commander and Warhammer 40,000 Commander, 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 Khârn the Betrayer and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Khârn the Betrayer Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2022-10-07 and 2022-10-07. Illustrated by Kekai Kotaki.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 792015NormalBlackKekai Kotaki
22022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 79★2015NormalBlackKekai Kotaki

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Khârn the Betrayer has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2022-10-07 An opponent gaining control of it is part of the replacement effect and happens immediately, even if you are in the middle of resolving the spell or ability and it has more instructions to perform after taking damage.
2022-10-07 In contrast, the Sigil of Corruption ability is a triggered ability, and it won’t go onto the stack until after the spell or ability that tried to deal damage finishes resolving.
2022-10-07 In some cases, a single spell or ability will deal damage to this creature multiple times during its resolution. In that case, a new player gains control of it each time, its ability triggers once each time, and the appropriate players control those triggers. After that spell or ability is done resolving, all of those triggers are put onto the stack in turn order, starting with the active player (or the next player in turn order if the active player isn’t involved). Usually, this means that the cards are drawn in a different order than the control-changing effects took place.
2022-10-07 You lose control of Khârn the Betrayer when it leaves the battlefield or another player gains control of it.