Omarthis, Ghostfire Initiate MTG Card
2023-08-04 - Number 748
2023-08-04 - Number 708
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Rarity | Mythic |
| Type | Legendary Creature — Spirit Naga |
| Abilities | Manifest |
| Power | 0 |
| Toughness | 0 |
Key Takeaways
- Omarthis enables card advantage and resource acceleration, vital for advancing game strategies earlier.
- Its instant speed activation offers flexibility and bluffing potential, enhancing mana utilization.
- Omarthis requires careful hand management due to its discard activation condition and specific mana costs.
Text of card
Omarthis, Ghostfire Initiate enters the battlefield with X +1/+1 counters on it. Whenever you put one or more +1/+1 counters on another colorless creature, you may put a +1/+1 counter on Omarthis. When Omarthis dies, manifest a number of cards from the top of your library equal to the number of counters on it.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Omarthis, Ghostfire Initiate’s abilities can be an essential source of card advantage. Each instance of damage dealt by the card not only impacts the board but potentially replaces itself by converting into a drawn card.
Resource Acceleration: As a mana dork, Omarthis provides a slight edge in resource acceleration. The ability to add one mana of any color can expedite your game plan, allowing you to cast more impactful spells ahead of schedule.
Instant Speed: Omarthis’s second ability can be activated at instant speed, granting you the flexibility to use its mana ability whenever needed. This can be particularly useful for bluffing interactions or simply maximizing your mana usage efficiency during your opponent’s end step.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Omarthis, Ghostfire Initiate commands you to discard a card in order to activate its prowess. This could be a setback, especially when your hand is nearly empty or when you’re holding onto key cards for your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: Conjuring Omarthis’s ability requires a precise blend of mana, including one red. This can be restrictive for decks that are not closely tied to red mana sources or multicolored strategies that depend on a broader mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: To enlist Omarthis’s services, you’re expending three mana, a commitment that may seem hefty compared to other creatures in its class. When considering its capabilities against its mana valuation, players might be inclined to seek alternatives with similar or elevated impact for a lesser mana investment.
Reasons to Include Omarthis, Ghostfire Initiate in Your Collection
Versatility: Omarthis, Ghostfire Initiate brings adaptability to any deck, much like the shapeshifting flames it wields. This card can seamlessly fit into various strategies and decks that thrive on spellcasting or prowess.
Combo Potential: The card’s ability to reduce the cost of instants and sorcery spells opens up avenues for combining with high-cost, high-impact spells, enabling game-changing plays earlier than your opponents expect.
Meta-Relevance: As the game’s dynamics continuously evolve, Omarthis’ capability to enhance spell-based strategies ensures it remains a relevant and potent choice for players looking to stay ahead of the curve in competitive play.
How to beat
Omarthis, Ghostfire Initiate presents a unique challenge on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. This card allows players to channel spells, tapping into a powerful ability that can swing the game. To effectively counter this card, one must understand timing and resource management. Interrupting the channeling process is key. Consider using instant-speed removal when the user commits mana to Omarthis’ ability, thus rendering the investment useless. Having counterspells at the ready can also thwart this strategy.
Moreover, Omarthis isn’t overly resilient. It can be subdued by conventional removal spells without the need for excessive force. Utilize efficient removal options like Fatal Push or Shock to dispatch of Omarthis before the channeling process begins. Board wipes are effective too; clear the field before Omarthis’ channeling accusations result in a substantial lead. Always keep an eye out for your mana availability – being prepared to act during your opponent’s turn could prove decisive.
In summation, while Omarthis, Ghostfire Initiate might look daunting with its channeling powers, a well-timed response is usually sufficient to deal with it. Quick removal and strategic counterspells will be your best allies in ensuring Omarthis doesn’t become an insurmountable obstacle on your path to victory.
Cards like Omarthis, Ghostfire Initiate
Omarthis, Ghostfire Initiate introduces a unique dynamic as a creature card within the MTG arena. Its closest counterparts are creatures like Kiln Fiend and Wee Dragonauts, both of which benefit from playing noncreature spells. Yet, Omarthis, Ghostfire Initiate stands out with its inherent ability to ward against damage – an ability not typically found in creatures that synergize with instant and sorcery spells.
Looking at Guttersnipe, another spell-slinging creature, there’s a notable difference in board impact. While Guttersnipe deals damage to each opponent whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell, Omarthis offers a more defensive utility by protecting itself or other key creatures. Meanwhile, Monastery Swiftspear gains prowess, increasing its power whenever you cast a noncreature spell, providing an aggressive playstyle that differs from Omarthis’ protective nature.
To sum up, Omarthis, Ghostfire Initiate might not be the most aggressive option but provides a unique combination of protective abilities and spell synergy. Its role in your deck would differ greatly from the likes of Kiln Fiend and Monastery Swiftspear, leaning towards a strategy that values resilience alongside spell casting.
Cards similar to Omarthis, Ghostfire Initiate by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Omarthis, Ghostfire Initiate MTG card by a specific set like Commander Masters and Commander Masters, 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 Omarthis, Ghostfire Initiate and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Omarthis, Ghostfire Initiate Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-08-04 and 2023-08-04. Illustrated by Brent Hollowell.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2023-08-04 | Commander Masters | CMM | 748 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Brent Hollowell | |
| 2 | 2023-08-04 | Commander Masters | CMM | 708 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Brent Hollowell |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Omarthis, Ghostfire Initiate has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |