Kargan Warleader MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Human Warrior
Power 3
Toughness 3

Key Takeaways

  1. Kargan Warleader augments Warrior creatures, increasing threat level and the value of each in play.
  2. This card’s specific mana cost may limit its inclusion in some decks but strengthens tribal synergy.
  3. Effective gameplay against Kargan Warleader involves removal, board control, or hand disruption strategies.

Text of card

Other Warriors you control get +1/+1.

From rebellion against the Akoum Skyclave to fighting the Eldrazi titans, the dragon-riding Kargan tribes have never missed an opportunity to defy the odds.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Kargan Warleader assists in card advantage by bolstering the power of your other Warrior creatures, potentially turning each of them into significantly greater threats. By enhancing the capabilities of multiple creatures you control, this card effectively increases the value of each warrior creature card in play.

Resource Acceleration: Although Kargan Warleader doesn’t directly increase your mana resources, it accelerates your board presence by making it possible to press the advantage with a more formidable attack force. This, in turn, can lead to a position where fewer resources are required to achieve victory.

Instant Speed: While the Kargan Warleader itself isn’t an instant, being a creature card it supports a strategy that includes instant speed interactions, allowing you to respond to your opponent’s moves by strengthening your warriors during combat or at the end of their turn before declaring your own attackers.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Kargan Warleader, as a cornerstone in certain decks, doesn’t require a player to discard cards. This downside isn’t associated with Kargan Warleader, offering a solid presence without the drawback of depleting your hand.

Specific Mana Cost: Kargan Warleader’s mana cost includes both red and white. This specific cost can pigeonhole the card into certain two-colored or multicolored decks, thus not offering flexibility for mono-colored strategies where single-color mana bases are crucial.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Sitting at three mana, this card may not be deemed as excessively costly. However, within the aggressive decks that capitalize on low-cost creatures to swarm opponents, Kargan Warleader’s investment might be seen as steep, considering the immediate board impact other creatures at similar cost could provide.


Reasons to Include Kargan Warleader in Your Collection

Versatility: Kargan Warleader seamlessly integrates into warrior-based decks across multiple formats. Its ability to boost warrior creatures gives it a natural fit within tribal strategies, enabling even small creatures to become significant threats on the battlefield.

Combo Potential: When paired with cards that generate warriors or benefit from having multiple creatures in play, Kargan Warleader can be a key piece in powerful synergistic combinations. Its static ability affects all warriors, multiplying the impact of each creature you summon.

Meta-Relevance: Given that aggro decks are consistently a force within the meta, Kargan Warleader offers a substantial power increase that can turn a board of warriors into a devastating force. This can be especially potent in an environment where tribal support is prevalent and warriors are commonly played.


How to beat

Kargan Warleader emerges as a force multiplier on the battlefield for any player adept in wielding a Warrior tribal deck in MTG. As it boosts fellow Warriors, dismantling your opponent’s strategy hinges on mitigating Kargan Warleader’s influence. The card synergizes with Warriors, so focus on removing it swiftly to weaken the collective threat. Spells that exile or provide targeted removal, such as Path to Exile or Assassin’s Trophy, prove to be effective measures.

Another cogent strategy is to gain control of the board. Deploy sweeping spells or use creatures with deathtouch to level the playing field. Cards like Wrath of God or Toxic Deluge can clear multiple threats, including Kargan Warleader, at once. If you favor a more subtle approach, hand disruption tools can preempt the Warleader’s deployment; Thoughtseize and Inquisition of Kozilek serve as excellent preemptive counters.

In essence, overcoming this hinge-pin of Warrior decks requires a blend of removal, board control, and preemptive actions. Adapt your tactics to the context of the match, and Kargan Warleader will become less of a warlord and more of a managed nuisance. Always be one step ahead, and your chances of triumphing will soar.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of Kargan Warleader is crucial for any MTG player looking to build a competitive deck. Whether it’s the card’s synergy in a Warrior tribal deck or strategizing its most opportune moment for play, knowledge is the key to leveraging its full potential. Our insights delve deep into the art of MTG, offering you the nuances of advanced play and deck optimization. If your warrior’s spirit is kindled by the thought of leading a relentless tribe to victory, we’re here to guide you. Learn more with us and master the intricate dance of strategy and synergy in MTG.


Understanding Kargan Warleader’s Role in the Meta

Kargan Warleader stands out amongst other creature cards in MTG, particularly in decks that focus on the tribe it bolsters. Likened to similarly themed lords such as Chief of the Edge or Goblin Chieftain, Kargan Warleader weaves into an array of decks, boosting the power of other Warriors you control. Chief of the Edge grants Warriors a lesser but permanent power boost without bolstering their toughness; however, it benefits from a lower casting cost, enabling an earlier play.

Cards like Kargan Warleader

Kargan Warleader cements its place within tribal Warrior decks, snapping closely to the heels of predecessors such as Lovisa Coldeyes, who also gives a hearty nod to Warriors. Unlike Lovisa, who boosts a batch of creature types, Kargan Warleader is solely focused on Warriors, potentially making it a more targeted choice in Warrior-only builds. It’s this specificity that can lead to a domineering board presence, fueling a force of Warriors. Another tribal leader in the mix is Vanquisher’s Banner. Although more costly in terms of mana investment, it goes a step further by offering an extra card draw upon casting a creature of the chosen type. While not a creature itself, Vanquisher’s Banner presents long-term gains, compared to the immediate board impact of Kargan Warleader, which could tip the scales during battle.

Every MTG tribal deck seeks its champion, and Kargan Warleader vies for this position with these similar cards. Its keen balance of mana cost and tribal allegiance make it a vital piece in the Warrior deck arsenal, charging through the ranks of available lords to take its rightful place on the battlefield.

Chief of the Edge - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chieftain - MTG Card versions
Lovisa Coldeyes - MTG Card versions
Vanquisher's Banner - MTG Card versions
Chief of the Edge - Khans of Tarkir (KTK)
Goblin Chieftain - Resale Promos (PRES)
Lovisa Coldeyes - Salvat 2005 (PSAL)
Vanquisher's Banner - Ixalan Promos (PXLN)

Cards similar to Kargan Warleader by color, type and mana cost

Mila, Crafty Companion // Lukka, Wayward Bonder - MTG Card versions
Queen Kayla bin-Kroog - MTG Card versions
Duergar Hedge-Mage - MTG Card versions
Plargg, Dean of Chaos // Augusta, Dean of Order - MTG Card versions
Lavabelly Sliver - MTG Card versions
Venerable Warsinger - MTG Card versions
Skyknight Legionnaire - MTG Card versions
Hearthfire Hobgoblin - MTG Card versions
Boros Reckoner - MTG Card versions
Anax and Cymede - MTG Card versions
Iroas's Champion - MTG Card versions
Depala, Pilot Exemplar - MTG Card versions
Resolute Survivors - MTG Card versions
Tajic, Legion's Edge - MTG Card versions
Feather, the Redeemed - MTG Card versions
Vikya, Scorching Stalwart - MTG Card versions
Aisha of Sparks and Smoke - MTG Card versions
Zirda, the Dawnwaker - MTG Card versions
Akiri, Fearless Voyager - MTG Card versions
A-Kargan Warleader - MTG Card versions
Mila, Crafty Companion // Lukka, Wayward Bonder - Strixhaven: School of Mages (STX)
Queen Kayla bin-Kroog - The Brothers' War Promos (PBRO)
Duergar Hedge-Mage - March of the Machine Commander (MOC)
Plargg, Dean of Chaos // Augusta, Dean of Order - From Cute to Brute (PCTB)
Lavabelly Sliver - Commander Masters (CMM)
Venerable Warsinger - Strixhaven: School of Mages Promos (PSTX)
Skyknight Legionnaire - Ravnica Remastered (RVR)
Hearthfire Hobgoblin - Modern Masters 2015 (MM2)
Boros Reckoner - Murders at Karlov Manor Commander (MKC)
Anax and Cymede - The List (PLST)
Iroas's Champion - The List (PLST)
Depala, Pilot Exemplar - Kaladesh Remastered (KLR)
Resolute Survivors - Hour of Devastation (HOU)
Tajic, Legion's Edge - Ravnica Remastered (RVR)
Feather, the Redeemed - Time Spiral Remastered (TSR)
Vikya, Scorching Stalwart - Secret Lair Drop (SLD)
Aisha of Sparks and Smoke - Secret Lair Drop (SLD)
Zirda, the Dawnwaker - Multiverse Legends (MUL)
Akiri, Fearless Voyager - Commander Masters (CMM)
A-Kargan Warleader - Zendikar Rising (ZNR)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Kargan Warleader MTG card by a specific set like Zendikar Rising and Zendikar Rising, 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 Kargan Warleader and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Kargan Warleader Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2020-09-25 and 2020-09-25. Illustrated by Colin Boyer.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12020-09-25Zendikar RisingZNR 2242015normalblackColin Boyer
22020-09-25Zendikar RisingZNR 3912015normalblackColin Boyer

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Kargan Warleader has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

DateText
2020-09-25 Because damage remains marked on a creature until the damage is removed as the turn ends, nonlethal damage dealt to another Warrior you control may become lethal if Kargan Warleader leaves the battlefield during that turn.

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