Offender at Large MTG Card


Offender at Large allows strategic hand disruption, offering insight into opponents’ plans for better in-game decisions. Despite its power, the discard requirement and specific mana cost may limit its use in multicolored decks. Its unique position in the MTG card universe provides tangible advantages in the right meta environments.
Offender at Large - Murders at Karlov Manor
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Giant Rogue
Abilities Disguise
Released2024-02-09
Set symbol
Set nameMurders at Karlov Manor
Set codeMKM
Power 5
Toughness 4
Number138
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byMike Bierek

Text of card

Disguise (You may cast this card face down for as a 2/2 creature with ward . Turn it face up any time for its disguise cost.) When Offender at Large enters the battlefield or is turned face up, up to one target creature gets +2/+0 until end of turn.

"In a city this big, anyone can blend in." —Imel of the Foundway Associates


Cards like Offender at Large

In the vast array of MTG cards, Offender at Large offers an intriguing game dynamic. Comparable to it is the card Delinquent Duo, which disrupts the opponent’s hand by forcing card discards. However, Delinquent Duo requires the user to forfeit life points, whereas Offender at Large does not impose such a drawback.

Looking at how it measures up to other similar spells, we find Appetite for Brains, which permits players to peer into an opponent’s hand and exile a card with a high mana cost, though it’s restricted to those with a converted mana cost of four or greater. Offender at Large does not have this limitation, allowing for a broader scope of impact. Lastly, Coercion is another spell that mirrors the intention of making an opponent discard a card, but it targets a single card, giving the player less control over the opponent’s hand compared to the unpredictability of Offender at Large’s effect.

With this analysis, it’s evident that Offender at Large holds a unique position in the MTG realm, presenting players with both strategic advantage and the joy of chance, as it varies the discard component, shaping both the player’s and the opponent’s game plan.

Appetite for Brains - MTG Card versions
Coercion - MTG Card versions
Appetite for Brains - MTG Card versions
Coercion - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Offender at Large by color, type and mana cost

Fire Elemental - MTG Card versions
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Eron the Relentless - MTG Card versions
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Volatile Arsonist // Dire-Strain Anarchist - MTG Card versions
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Avarax - MTG Card versions
Bonethorn Valesk - MTG Card versions
Frost Ogre - MTG Card versions
Heartless Hidetsugu - MTG Card versions
Fire Elemental - MTG Card versions
Earth Elemental - MTG Card versions
Eron the Relentless - MTG Card versions
Balduvian War-Makers - MTG Card versions
Hivis of the Scale - MTG Card versions
Hulking Cyclops - MTG Card versions
Flame Spirit - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Salamander - MTG Card versions
Ma Chao, Western Warrior - MTG Card versions
Ravaging Horde - MTG Card versions
Covetous Dragon - MTG Card versions
Thundering Giant - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Strike Force - MTG Card versions
Savage Firecat - MTG Card versions
Volatile Arsonist // Dire-Strain Anarchist - MTG Card versions
Tephraderm - MTG Card versions
Avarax - MTG Card versions
Bonethorn Valesk - MTG Card versions
Frost Ogre - MTG Card versions
Heartless Hidetsugu - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
DecklistDecklist Free form86#CS
Sealed DeckSealed Deck LimitedMurders At Karlov Mansion Pre-release

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Offender at Large presents players the opportunity to peek into their opponent’s strategy by revealing their hand. This can potentially offer a significant advantage as it equips players with the information needed to disrupt the opponent’s future plays.

Resource Acceleration: This card doesn’t provide direct resource acceleration in the traditional sense of generating mana or Treasure tokens. However, the strategic advantage gained can lead to more efficient use of available resources by targeting and eliminating key threats revealed from the opponent’s hand beforehand.

Instant Speed: The ability to cast Offender at Large at instant speed adds a layer of versatility to your gameplay. It allows you to adapt to the changing battlefield, using the card at the most opportune moment, potentially at the end of your opponent’s turn to preserve the element of surprise and maintain optimal tempo.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Offender at Large comes with a caveat; when casting this spell, you are compelled to discard a card. In the realm of strategy, this can be a drawback, especially when your hand is already dwindling and every card counts. It’s a trade-off that requires careful timing to ensure the discard does not hinder your game plan.

Specific Mana Cost: This card necessitates a specific blend of mana to come into play. Its casting cost is not only color-specific but also requires a proper mana base, which may not always be feasible in decks that run three or more colors. This could limit its inclusivity across diverse deck types, potentially valuing color flexibility over card potency.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While it can be a game-changer, the casting cost of Offender at Large is on the higher side when compared to other options available in the card pool. Deck builders need to consider the balance between the effect and the mana investment, as there may be alternatives that offer more immediate board impact or less intensive mana demands.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Offender at Large offers a range of strategic utilities, as it can seamlessly fit into various deck archetypes that capitalize on hand disruption and player punishment mechanics.

Combo Potential: This card can synergize with other cards that thrive on opponents discarding cards or taking damage from specific actions — amplifying both its and other cards’ effects.

Meta-Relevance: Given its capacity to disrupt opponents’ hand, Offender at Large has potential to perform well in meta environments where hand control and denial strategies are effective or prevalent.


How to Beat

Offender at Large may seem overwhelming with its potential to disrupt gameplay in Magic: The Gathering, notably in decks that hinge on creature strategies. Understanding how to outmaneuver this card is essential for MTG players looking to maintain the upper hand. It’s pivotal to incorporate cards that mitigate or prevent theft effects, including those that grant hexproof to your creatures or those that can quickly recover them from your opponent’s control.

Additionally, instant-speed removal spells are valuable tools to have on hand. They allow you to respond to the Offender at Large’s activated abilities by eliminating the threat before it can make a significant impact. Counter spells also play a crucial role, especially when timed correctly to prevent Offender at Large from hitting the battlefield altogether.

Strategic deck building and keen awareness during gameplay can help in rendering this card less of an issue. You can craft your game plan to either swiftly remove the Offender at Large from play or circumvent the situation where the card’s abilities become problematic. By being prepared and adaptable, MTG players can confidently face Offender at Large as just another hurdle to overcome.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Offender at Large MTG card by a specific set like Murders at Karlov Manor, 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 Offender at Large and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Offender at Large has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
StandardbrawlLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal