Kor Castigator MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Kor Wizard Ally
Released	2015-10-02
Set symbol
Set name	Battle for Zendikar
Set code	BFZ
Power	3
Toughness	1
Number	35
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Greg Opalinski

Key Takeaways

Kor Castigator enhances board presence with evasion, applying early pressure to opponents.
Its low casting cost can notably accelerate your battle tempo without taxing resources.
Complementary to decks using instant speed spells, favoring aggressive, reactive strategies.

Text of card

Kor Castigator can't be blocked by Eldrazi Scions.

"He told us not to worry, and he walked into the cavern. The swirling mass of Eldrazi parted to admit him, then closed in his wake." —Akiri, kor line-slinger

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Though the Kor Castigator itself may not directly grant card advantage, it seamlessly fits into decks that aim for a quick and overwhelming board presence. With its ability to dodge many common ground blockers, it can apply pressure, forcing opponents to deal with it and sometimes expend more resources than they’d prefer.

Resource Acceleration: While Kor Castigator doesn’t directly accelerate resources in the traditional sense of ramping mana, its low casting cost can indirectly lead to a sort of tempo acceleration. Deploying a 3/1 on turn two could accelerate your game plan by keeping mana open for other plays or putting a clock on your opponent early on.

Instant Speed: Although not an instant, the Kor Castigator complements a strategy that uses instant speed spells. By committing an aggressive creature early, you are free to keep mana open for instants and other reactive spells without foregoing early game board development.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Kor Castigator doesn’t have a discard mechanic itself, competing cards in a deck may force strategic discards, potentially leaving this Ally without the necessary support or combo pieces it needs to excel.

Specific Mana Cost: The Kor Castigator calls for a specific mana alignment—white—which might not blend smoothly into decks that are not focused on or compatible with white mana strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: There is an expectation for two mana creatures to have impactful abilities or higher stats. With other two-mana creatures offering more utility or power, the Kor Castigator might be overlooked when building a tightly optimized deck.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Kor Castigator boasts an ability to be unblockable by creatures with power 2 or less, making it a reliable player on the battlefield that can slip past an array of early blockers and fit into decks focused on aggressive tactics.

Combo Potential: This card works exceptionally well with equipment and auras that can boost its power, making it a threat that’s difficult to block effectively. In decks that capitalize on equipment synergies, Kor Castigator can become a formidable piece of your strategy.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where many decks rely on smaller creatures for early game control, Kor Castigator has the potential to outmaneuver opponents’ defenses. This gives it an edge in the current play environment where evasive threats can prove to be game-changers.

How to beat

Kor Castigator emerges as a notable ally creature in the landscape of MTG, grabbing attention with its ability to be unblockable by creatures with power 2 or less. This unique trait can create challenges for players attempting to fortify their defenses. Still, overcoming this agile Kor requires strategic planning and well-chosen card interactions.

Effective countermeasures include utilizing creatures or spells that can affect or bypass power restrictions. Removal spells that don’t rely on blocking, such as “Murder,” can swiftly deal with the Castigator. Other cards to consider using are those that increase a creature’s power, surpassing the Kor’s immunity to smaller creatures, or enchantments that can pacify it, circumventing the need to block entirely.

Moreover, playing sweepers or damage spells that don’t target, like “Blasphemous Act” or “Radiant Flames,” can clear the board regardless of the Kor Castigator’s evasive ability. Adaptability, potent removal, and taking advantage of timing to disrupt your opponent’s battle plan are vital in claiming victory against this agile adversary.

Cards like Kor Castigator

Kor Castigator is a powerful ally creature to consider in Magic: The Gathering, standing out in the realm of aggressive two mana value creatures. Its similarities with cards such as Makindi Patrol, highlight its inherent strength and specialty. Like Kor Castigator, Makindi Patrol belongs to the ally tribe and offers additional utility by granting vigilance. Nonetheless, Kor Castigator’s chief advantage lies in its inability to be blocked by Eldrazi Scions, giving it a niche in games where such tokens are prevalent.

Exploring the tactical arena further, Expedition Envoy is another comparable card, albeit with a simpler structure. Although it lacks the special blocking condition of Kor Castigator, it boasts the same mana cost and ally synergy potential. And let’s not overlook Cliffside Lookout, another ally that, despite its one mana cost, can become an even more formidable force with its pump ability.

In the grand tapestry of MTG, Kor Castigator blends adeptly into decks that value quick, efficient creatures and is particularly situational against a field rife with Eldrazi tokens. For players leaning towards ally-themed decks or needing a strategic two-drop, it’s certainly a card worth considering.

Cards similar to Kor Castigator by color, type and mana cost

Voice of the Blessed - MTG Card versions

Silverflame Squire // On Alert - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Kor Castigator MTG card by a specific set like Battle for Zendikar, 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 Kor Castigator and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Kor Castigator has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Penny	Legal

Rules and information

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