Maraxus of Keld MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Legendary Creature — Human Warrior |
| Released | 1997-06-09 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Weatherlight |
| Set code | WTH |
| Power | * |
| Toughness | * |
| Number | 111 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Adrian Smith |
Text of card
Maraxus of Keld has power and toughness each equal to the total number of untapped artifacts, creatures, and lands you control.
"I have no master. I am chaos." —Maraxus of Keld
Cards like Maraxus of Keld
Maraxus of Keld is a unique creature in the Magic: The Gathering universe, well-known for its power being equal to the number of untapped artifacts, creatures, and lands you control. It can be closely compared to creatures like Molimo, Maro-Sorcerer which similarly gains strength from the number of lands you control. Both cards emphasize a strategy built around resource accumulation but Maraxus can leverage a wider array of permanents.
Another parallel is seen with Keldon Warlord, a card from the game’s early days. The Warlord’s power and toughness are also determined by the number of other creatures on the battlefield, though it only counts those you control. This makes Maraxus a slightly more versatile option, as it includes more than just creature counts. If we look at more modern designs, creatures like Myr Enforcer also stand out due to its affinity with artifacts which can reduce its casting cost, making it a potent force if you’ve built up a sizeable artifact presence. However, Maraxus rewards a broader strategy including artifacts and lands, not just a single type.
Evaluating the strengths, roles, and dynamic strategies involved with Maraxus of Keld showcases the card’s unique position within the pantheon of creature cards, catering to players who appreciate a versatile and potentially swelling threat based on their board state.
Cards similar to Maraxus of Keld by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Maraxus of Keld may not directly allow for drawing cards, but its power grows with each artifact you control, turning each artifact into a potential threat. This can lead to indirect card advantage as your board becomes more formidable, pressuring your opponent to deal with multiple threats.
Resource Acceleration: Although Maraxus itself doesn’t accelerate resources, it benefits greatly from artifact-based acceleration common in red decks. Cards that produce Treasure tokens or mana rocks synergize well with Maraxus by increasing his power and providing additional mana sources.
Instant Speed: Maraxus of Keld is a creature and therefore doesn’t function at instant speed, but it supports playstyles that utilize instant speed interactions. By amassing a strong board presence with Maraxus, you encourage a game state where you can keep mana open to respond with instants, knowing Maraxus is already providing substantial pressure on your opponent’s turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Maraxus of Keld requires a significant commitment to red mana. Deckbuilding around Maraxus necessitates a high volume of red cards to maximize his potential, which could lead to a lack of versatility and susceptibility to color-hosing effects.
Specific Mana Cost: As a creature that costs three red mana and three of any color, Maraxus poses a challenge for mana bases. Not only must players ensure a heavy presence of red mana sources, but they also face difficulties splashing other colors, limiting strategic diversity.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a total converted mana cost of six, Maraxus of Keld finds himself on the heftier side of the mana curve. In the fast-paced dynamics of many MTG formats, investing six mana into a single creature without an immediate impact on the board can be a risky move that doesn’t always pay off.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Maraxus of Keld thrives in decks that capitalize on creatures’ power. As a commander, he can lead a red aggro deck or be a powerhouse in a Voltron strategy, bolstering its adaptability.
Combo Potential: Maraxus’s power scales with the number of artifacts you control, allowing for explosive combinations with equipment and artifact synergies, escalating its threat level each turn.
Meta-Relevance: In metas dominated by combat-dependent decks, Maraxus stands tall. The ability to grow its power makes it a constant threat that must be answered, securing its relevance in various matchups.
How to beat
Maraxus of Keld poses a unique challenge in MTG duels with its power level directly tied to the number of artifacts you have in play. To effectively counter this formidable warrior, one efficient strategy is to focus on artifact removal. Cards like Disenchant or Naturalize allow you to directly target the artifacts that bolster Maraxus’s strength, weakening him in the process. Additionally, maintaining control over the battlefield with creature removal spells like Murder or Path to Exile can remove Maraxus from play before his power becomes unmanageable.
Another angle to consider is limiting the number of artifacts your opponent can play. Employing counter spells like Mana Leak or Negate when your opponent attempts to cast artifact spells will reduce Maraxus’s potential power. Moreover, if you can disrupt your opponent’s mana base through land destruction or mana denial strategies, you can prevent Maraxus of Keld from even entering the battlefield. This preemptive approach can strangle your opponent’s resources, leaving them unable to support their commander.
In all cases, understanding the structure of your opponent’s deck and planning for key pieces that might amplify Maraxus of Keld’s power is paramount. That foreknowledge coupled with precise timing in executing removals and disruptions will tilt the match in your favor against this legendary creature.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Maraxus of Keld MTG card by a specific set like Weatherlight, 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 Maraxus of Keld 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 Maraxus of Keld has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Maraxus of Keld card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2008-04-01 | A permanent that’s more than one of these types (such as an artifact creature) counts only once. |