Liliana, Waker of the Dead Emblem MTG Card


The emblem grants significant card advantage, pressuring opponents each time you cast a spell. Resource disruption via the emblem can tilt duels in your favor, stalling enemy plans. Instant speed spells paired with the emblem maximize hand disruption, impacting gameplay profoundly.
Liliana, Waker of the Dead Emblem - Core Set 2021
TypeEmblem
Released2020-07-03
Set symbol
Set nameCore Set 2021
Set codeM21
Number18
Frame2015
LayoutEmblem
BorderBlack
Illustred byAnna Steinbauer

Text of card

At the beginning of combat on your turn, put target creature card from a graveyard onto the battlefield under your control. It gains haste.


Cards like Liliana, Waker of the Dead Emblem

Liliana, Waker of the Dead Emblem delivers a unique persistent effect in Magic: The Gathering that can shape the tide of a game. This card draws parallels to emblems like Sorin, Grim Nemesis, which also imposes a detrimental effect on an opponent’s gameplay. While both have persistent effects once active, Sorin’s emblem damages opponents when they cast a spell, differing from Liliana’s emblem that forces a discard with each draw.

Closer in effect, we have Ob Nixilis Reignited, whose emblem also revolves around drawing cards, but instead it deals direct damage to a player each time they draw. This direct damage approach is an aggressive alternative to the discard strategy of Liliana’s emblem. Another comparable card is Jace, Unraveler of Secrets. After reaching his ultimate ability, Jace provides an emblem that counters the first spell an opponent casts each turn, presenting a different form of control compared to the discard mechanic.

Evaluating these emblems alongside Liliana, Waker of the Dead’s shows the diverse strategic paths available in MTG for players who utilize emblems. Each emblem offers a strong, albeit different, advantage for controlling the game, making Liliana’s emblem a solid choice for those looking to disrupt opponent’s hand and strategy.

Sorin, Grim Nemesis - MTG Card versions
Ob Nixilis Reignited - MTG Card versions
Jace, Unraveler of Secrets - MTG Card versions
Sorin, Grim Nemesis - MTG Card versions
Ob Nixilis Reignited - MTG Card versions
Jace, Unraveler of Secrets - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Liliana, Waker of the Dead Emblem by color, type and mana cost

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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Liliana’s emblem gives you the upper hand by forcing each opponent to discard a card each time you cast a spell, which swiftly depletes their hand while keeping yours flush with options.

Resource Acceleration: The emblem indirectly accelerates your resources by disrupting your opponents’ plans, making your spells effectively “cheaper” by comparison since they’re likely losing options and answers to your plays.

Instant Speed: While the emblem itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, it does apply its effect to all your spells, including those at instant speed. This heightens the impact of your instant spells, as they can now disrupt your opponent’s hand even on their turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While the emblem granted by Liliana, Waker of the Dead, enhances your ability to disrupt opponents, it necessitates the discard of a card. This mechanic can backfire, especially in the later game stages where every card in hand is crucial for maintaining an edge over your adversary.

Specific Mana Cost: Her emblem activation is tied to a planeswalker that demands a precise mana alignment, which can be restrictive. Decks not focused on the black mana may find it challenging to consistently meet the mana cost required to effectively use this ability, thereby limiting its versatility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Earning the emblem from Liliana encompasses a considerable mana investment. Considering that you must protect Liliana over several turns to receive the emblem, other strategies may offer quicker or more cost-efficient disruption tactics. In fast-paced games, the emblem’s benefits may not be realized quickly enough to impact the board significantly.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Liliana, Waker of the Dead Emblem offers a powerful advantage in any black-based control or midrange deck. As it increases the potency of discard effects, it’s useful in a variety of game situations.

Combo Potential: This emblem works exceptionally well with cards that force each player to discard or draw cards, multiplying the damage dealt to your opponents while you maintain card advantage.

Meta-Relevance: As game states often revolve around hand-management and resource denial, having Liliana’s emblem can tip the scales in your favor, making it a meta-relevant tool in disruptive strategies.


How to beat

Liliana, Waker of the Dead Emblem is a formidable obstacle in MTG, presenting a unique challenge for players to overcome. To begin with, the emblem’s effect puts you on a clock, compelling a proactive approach to dismantle it. Consider employing enchantment removals like Mortify or even universal erasers like Oblivion Ring to handle the emblem directly if the game state allows.

Moreover, strategies to counteract the emblem’s ability can include raising your life total to stay out of range using lifelink creatures or spells like Revitalize. Another tactic is to make your spellbook unappetizing for graveyard targeting by employing cards with escape or other abilities that function from the graveyard, essentially turning a setback into an advantage.

Additionally, pressuring the board early to ensure planeswalkers like Liliana do not have the opportunity to generate an emblem can be crucial. Aggressive decks or burn spells can keep her loyalty low, thus preventing her ultimate from ever being a threat. Overall, while Liliana’s emblem is a powerful tool for your adversary, with the right strategy and responses, it can be mitigated if not entirely subdued in the landscape of the game.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Liliana, Waker of the Dead Emblem MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2021, 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 Liliana, Waker of the Dead Emblem and other MTG cards:

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