Nahiri, the Unforgiving MTG Card


Nahiri enhances gameplay by granting card advantage and enabling swift equip actions without extra mana costs. Her abilities hinge on specific mana and card discard, which can limit or disrupt in-game strategies. She remains a formidable planeswalker due to her versatility, combo potential, and meta relevance.
Card setsReleased in 10 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityMythic
TypeLegendary Planeswalker — Nahiri
Abilities Compleated
Loyalty 5

Text of card

Compleated ({R/W/P} can be paid with , , or 2 life. If life was paid, this planeswalker enters with two fewer loyalty counters.)
+1: Until your next turn, up to one target creature attacks a player each combat if able.
+1: Discard a card, then draw a card.
0: Exile target creature or Equipment card with mana value less than Nahiri's loyalty from your graveyard. Create a token that's a copy of it. That token gains haste. Exile it at the beginning of the next end step.


Cards like Nahiri, the Unforgiving

Nahiri, the Unforgiving is a dynamic force in the pantheon of planeswalker cards in MTG. It shares the planeswalker trait with cards like Ajani, Mentor of Heroes, presenting a range of abilities that can shift the tide of the game. Nahiri stands out with her equipment-focused skill set, enabling players to attach equipment at instant speed. Ajani, on the other hand, focuses on strengthening your creatures and gaining life.

Gideon, Ally of Zendikar presents another comparison. Gideon excels in creating creature tokens and boosting your army, while Nahiri carves her niche by being able to retrieve equipment cards from the graveyard, a unique advantage that caters to a specific strategy. Lastly, we can compare her to Elspeth, Sun’s Champion, whose ability to generate an abundance of creature tokens and clear the board of large creatures contrasts with Nahiri’s more targeted approach to dealing with threats and amplifying a single creature’s power.

Evaluating these alternatives, Nahiri, the Unforgiving brings a specialized toolkit for players fond of equipment-based gameplay, marking her as a distinct and powerful choice amongst her planeswalker peers in Magic the Gathering.

Ajani, Mentor of Heroes - MTG Card versions
Gideon, Ally of Zendikar - MTG Card versions
Elspeth, Sun's Champion - MTG Card versions
Ajani, Mentor of Heroes - MTG Card versions
Gideon, Ally of Zendikar - MTG Card versions
Elspeth, Sun's Champion - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Nahiri, the Unforgiving by color, type and mana cost

Nahiri, Storm of Stone - MTG Card versions
Ajani Vengeant - MTG Card versions
Nahiri, Heir of the Ancients - MTG Card versions
Nahiri, the Harbinger - MTG Card versions
A-Nahiri, Heir of the Ancients - MTG Card versions
Comet, Stellar Pup - MTG Card versions
Nahiri, Storm of Stone - MTG Card versions
Ajani Vengeant - MTG Card versions
Nahiri, Heir of the Ancients - MTG Card versions
Nahiri, the Harbinger - MTG Card versions
A-Nahiri, Heir of the Ancients - MTG Card versions
Comet, Stellar Pup - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Nahiri, the Unforgiving. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
WURGWURG PioneerPioneer Challenge 64 2024-04-19
Boros AggroBoros Aggro GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 15 2024
Jeskai Ascendancy ComboJeskai Ascendancy Combo PioneerJeskai AscendancyHBMO24 - GenX Comics and Games Pioneer 5k
Mardu GreasefangMardu Greasefang PioneerMardu GreasefangPioneer Challenge 64 2024-03-17
Naya AggroNaya Aggro StandardNaya Legends16 Day3
Mardu ControlMardu Control Modern4c Reanimator$10K RCQ - Modern - SCG CON Hartford - Sunday - 9:00 am
Domain ZooDomain Zoo ModernDomain ZooModern Challenge 32 2024-01-29
Boros Hammer TimeBoros Hammer Time PioneerBoros Hammer TimePioneer League 2024-01-19
Boros ArtifactsBoros Artifacts PioneerBoros Hammer TimeApex Gaming AIQ/RCQ Pioneer 2K

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Nahiri, the Unforgiving can create card dissonance in your favor by forcing discards while allowing you to retrieve equipment or Warrior cards from your graveyard, thereby maintaining a robust presence both on the battlefield and in hand.

Resource Acceleration: This planeswalker also excels in resource acceleration by offering a +1 loyalty ability that provides an equipment token. This token not only bolsters your board state but does so without expending extra mana from your pool, effectively accelerating your gameplay.

Instant Speed: While Nahiri herself isn’t an instant, her ultimate ability can be a game-changer during your turn. By putting a creature card from your hand onto the battlefield, it bypasses the usual summoning constraints and gives you immediate board impact, potentially at a critical juncture in the game.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Nahiri, the Unforgiving requires a player to discard a card to leverage her abilities. This caveat can be a serious hurdle if your hand is already stretched thin or if you’re relying on each card to maintain an edge on the battlefield.

Specific Mana Cost: Unveiling Nahiri, the Unforgiving demands a precise mana arrangement, which includes both white and red mana. This can be restrictive, making her a less versatile choice for players who run multicolored decks without a stable mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With Nahiri, the Unforgiving, you’re investing four mana, a considerable sum that might be too steep, especially in fast-paced games. Seasoned players often opt for alternatives that bring greater immediate impact or more cost-effective solutions to their strategy.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Nahiri, the Unforgiving can seamlessly integrate into various deck strategies. Her ability to equip creatures at instant speed supports aggressive playstyles while her loyalties offer control elements, catering to a broad spectrum of deck builds.

Combo Potential: Nahiri’s second ability sets the stage for powerful combos, particularly with equipment-focused builds. She can instantly attach powerful artifacts to creatures, suddenly turning the tides of a game and creating devastating synergies.

Meta-Relevance: Given Nahiri’s abilities to disrupt opponent strategies by exiling tapped artifacts, creatures, or enchantments, she remains highly relevant in metas dominated by those permanents. Her flexibility and controlling features can pivot matches in your favor.


How to beat

Nahiri, the Unforgiving is a formidable presence on the battlefield, boasting abilities that can turn the tide of the game in favor of the controlling player. With the power to deal direct damage and potentially bring back creatures from the graveyard, Nahiri demands strategic countermeasures. To effectively overcome this Planeswalker, focus on limiting her loyalty. Direct damage spells, such as Lightning Bolt or Shock, can be valuable tools in whittling down her loyalty points. Moreover, creatures with haste or those that can avoid being blocked ensure that Nahiri doesn’t get the opportunity to establish control.

Equally important, consider disruption tactics. Discard spells like Thoughtseize or Inquisition of Kozilek can rid your opponent’s hand of Nahiri before she ever hits the field. Counterspells are another line of defense, with options like Counterspell or Mana Leak ready to stop her in her tracks. The key is to act swiftly; either by removing Nahiri from play as quickly as possible or by preemptively preventing her deployment. Staying one step ahead is crucial when facing a Planeswalker of Nahiri’s caliber.

Keep in mind that timing and patience are paramount. A well-timed removal or counterspell not only deals with Nahiri but also maintains the pace of your own game plan. With the right blend of foresight and reactive plays, Nahiri, the Unforgiving can be rendered far less threatening, allowing you to press your advantage and secure victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Nahiri, the Unforgiving MTG card by a specific set like Phyrexia: All Will Be One Promos and Phyrexia: All Will Be One, 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 Nahiri, the Unforgiving and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Nahiri, the Unforgiving Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2023-02-03 and 2023-02-03. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-02-03Phyrexia: All Will Be One PromosPONE 211p2015NormalBlackChase Stone
22023-02-03Phyrexia: All Will Be OneONE 4712015NormalBorderlessHiro Usuda
32023-02-03Phyrexia: All Will Be OneONE 3432015NormalBorderlessHiro Usuda
42023-02-03Phyrexia: All Will Be OneONE 4722015NormalBlackChase Stone
52023-02-03Phyrexia: All Will Be OneONE 3642015NormalBorderlessScott M. Fischer
62023-02-03Phyrexia: All Will Be One Art SeriesAONE 512015Art seriesBorderless
72023-02-03Phyrexia: All Will Be OneONE 2112015NormalBlackChase Stone
82023-02-03Phyrexia: All Will Be One PromosPONE 211s2015NormalBlackChase Stone
92023-02-03Phyrexia: All Will Be OneONE 3292015NormalBlackChase Stone
102023-02-03Phyrexia: All Will Be One Art SeriesAONE 802015Art seriesBorderless

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Nahiri, the Unforgiving has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2023-02-04 A hybrid Phyrexian mana symbol contributes 1 toward the mana value of a card, even if life is paid for it. Specifically, Nahiri's mana value is always 4.
2023-02-04 If the creature targeted by the first loyalty ability can't attack for any reason (such as being tapped), then it doesn't attack. If there's a cost associated with having it attack, its controller isn't forced to pay that cost. If they don't, it doesn't have to attack in that case either.
2023-02-04 Other replacement effects that would change the number of loyalty counters Nahiri enters with will apply as normal.
2023-02-04 The compleated ability looks only at whether a player chose to pay 2 life for a Phyrexian mana symbol as they were casting the spell. If a player paid life for some other reason while casting the spell, that will not reduce the number of loyalty counters the planeswalker enters the battlefield with.
2023-02-04 The last loyalty ability will check Nahiri's loyalty as the ability tries to resolve to see if the target is still legal. If it's not, the ability won't resolve and none of its effects will happen. The card won't be exiled and no token will be created.