Out Cold MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
| Abilities | Investigate |
| Released | 2024-02-09 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Murders at Karlov Manor |
| Set code | MKM |
| Number | 66 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Tuan Duong Chu |
Text of card
This spell can't be countered. (This includes by the ward ability.) Tap up to two target creatures and put a stun counter on each of them. Investigate. (If a permanent with a stun counter would become untapped, remove one from it instead.)
"We'll get their statements after they defrost." —Dvika of the Foundway Associates
Exploring the Wintry Depths: Out Cold
Out Cold is an alluring control-enchantment in Magic: The Gathering, slotting into the lineage of icy crowd-control spells. It stakes its claim in the realm of tap-down cards similar to Frost Breath, which also taps two creatures and keeps them from untapping during their controller’s next untap step. By comparison, Out Cold additionally dooms a single creature to an indefinite frosty slumber, unless its controller pays the extra cost to set it free.
Cards like Out Cold
Out Cold’s chilling effect is reminiscent of other MTG cards like Encase in Ice. However, Encase in Ice has a narrower focus, able to target only red or green creatures but permanently locking them down without the option for the opponent to break free. Ice Over, another card in this frosty category, applies similar rules but can impact any tapped creature. The key difference with Out Cold is the opponent’s ability to pay mana to untap the creature, offering a strategic choice on when to allocate resources.
In the grand tapestry of MTG control spells, Out Cold presents a unique tactical advantage by freezing your opponent’s key piece—potentially at a critical moment. This utility positions it not just as a mere obstacle but as a formidable tool for controlling the battlefield tempo.
Cards similar to Out Cold by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Out Cold. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Out Cold lets you temporarily remove an opposing creature from combat and neutralize it until your next turn, denying your opponent cards that could be used for attacks or blocks.
Resource Acceleration: By tapping a potential blocker or a creature that could be leveraged for effects or resources on the opponent’s side, you effectively slow down their resource acceleration, giving you a strategic edge.
Instant Speed: The beauty of this card lies in its ability to be played at instant speed. This allows for surprise maneuvers in the heat of combat, making it incredibly versatile whether you’re looking to protect your life total or secure your board position without losing tempo.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Out Cold insists that a player discards a card to unearth its capability; a sure setback when the hand is already gasping for more cards.
Specific Mana Cost: Out Cold demands a snowy commitment, requiring snow mana that not every deck can provide, potentially narrowing its playability.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Its mana cost weighs in heavier than some alternatives; decks might struggle to allocate resources efficiently, especially in the early game.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Out Cold can be seamlessly integrated into numerous blue-based control or tempo decks. Its ability to potentially lock down an opponent’s key creature adds a tactical edge across various match-ups.
Combo Potential: It possesses the capability to complement decks that capitalize on tapping and untapping mechanics or those that benefit from denying resources to the opponent, enhancing strategic depth.
Meta-Relevance: In a format where creatures are pivotal for victory, Out Cold serves as an effective tool to shift the tide in your favor by neutralizing major threats on the battlefield without expending multiple resources.
How to beat
The Out Cold card, known for its icy grip on opponents’ creatures, can be a tough obstacle in the realm of MTG. This enchantment card freezes a foe’s creature in place, keeping it tapped and preventing its usual onslaught. To thaw the situation, the removal of Out Cold is key – casting spells that can destroy or negate enchantments can quickly turn the tide of battle. Consider deploying spells like Naturalize or Disenchant which directly target problematic enchantments.
Moreover, strategically including cards in your deck that protect against such control mechanisms can be a game-changer. Cards with the hexproof ability prevent opponents from singling them out with spells like Out Cold, thus keeping your most valuable creatures safe and ready for action. Fluid deck management and tactical play are paramount in maintaining an advantage, even in the frosty presence of Out Cold.
Ultimately, while Out Cold can superficially lock down a game, a well-prepared strategy and appropriate countermeasures can ensure that your creatures shake off the chill and charge forward to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Out Cold 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 Out Cold 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Out Cold has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Standardbrawl | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |