A key card in the Magic: The Gathering universe, Omnath Locus of Eternity captivates players with its intricate powers and fascinating backstory. This guide will cover every facet of Omnath, including a thorough synopsis that encompasses its background, effects on gameplay, and techniques for creating a deck. Regardless of your level of experience with Magic, this article seeks to provide insightful analysis and useful guidance on Omnath Locus of Eternity.
Introduction to Omnath Locus of Eternity
Overview
Omnath Locus of Eternity is a legendary creature card from the Magic: The Gathering set Zendikar Rising. It is the fourth iteration of the Omnath series, known for its powerful elemental abilities and game-changing effects. As a central figure in the Zendikar block, Omnath has become a staple in many competitive and casual decks.
Importance in Magic: The Gathering
Omnath Locus of Eternity stands out due to its unique ability to capitalize on the presence of all four mana colors. This card embodies the power of the elements and is a testament to the intricate design of Magic: The Gathering’s multiverse. Its versatility and impact make it a favorite among players who enjoy complex, synergistic deck-building.
Card Details
Mana Cost and Color Identity
- Mana Cost: {1}{W}{U}{B}{R}{G}
- Color Identity: White, Blue, Black, Red, Green
Omnath requires a substantial mana investment, but it rewards players with powerful effects that leverage all five colors. This color identity makes it versatile but also requires careful deck construction to ensure consistent access to all necessary colors.
Card Type and Attributes
- Card Type: Legendary Creature — Elemental
- Power/Toughness: 4/4
As a legendary creature, Omnath can only have one copy on the battlefield at a time, and its elemental nature ties it to the thematic elements of Zendikar’s mana-rich environment.
Abilities and Effects
Omnath Locus of Eternity has several key abilities:
- Landfall: Whenever a land enters the battlefield under your control, Omnath triggers various effects based on the number of different colors of mana spent to cast it.
- Elemental Tokens: It creates Elemental creature tokens, each with their own abilities and characteristics.
- Life Gain and Damage: Omnath provides life gain and can deal damage to opponents based on the number of different colored mana sources used.
Lore and Background
Origin and Mythology
Omnath Locus of Eternity is part of a cycle of Omnath cards that explore the themes of elemental power and the raw energy of Zendikar. In the lore, Omnath is a primordial force of nature, embodying the essence of all elements. Its presence on Zendikar influences the land and its inhabitants, often causing dramatic and transformative effects.
Role in the Multiverse
Omnath is a significant entity in the Magic multiverse, known for its immense power and influence over elemental forces. Its role is often tied to the balance and chaos of elemental energy, making it a pivotal figure in many of Zendikar’s major storylines.
Gameplay Impact
Standard Format
In Standard, Omnath Locus of Eternity has made a substantial impact due to its ability to generate value from landfall triggers. Its ability to gain life and deal damage makes it a powerful card in both aggressive and control decks. Standard decks that include Omnath often focus on ramping into it quickly and utilizing its powerful landfall effects to dominate the battlefield.
Commander Format
Omnath is a popular choice for Commander decks, especially those built around a five-color strategy. Its ability to leverage all five colors of mana and its powerful landfall triggers make it a versatile and formidable commander. Decks built around Omnath in Commander often focus on maximizing landfall triggers and generating value from every land played.
Other Formats
In formats like Modern and Pioneer, Omnath Locus of Eternity is less commonly seen but can still make an impact in the right deck. Its powerful abilities can fit into various strategies, particularly those that focus on ramping and controlling the board.
Deck-Building Strategies
Best Synergies
Omnath’s abilities synergize well with cards that trigger landfall effects or provide additional mana. Here are some key synergies:
- Landfall Triggers: Cards like Scute Swarm and Lotus Cobra benefit greatly from Omnath’s landfall abilities.
- Mana Ramp: Cards that provide additional mana, such as Cultivate and Kodama’s Reach, help ensure that you can cast Omnath and its accompanying spells.
- Elemental Support: Cards that interact with Elementals, like Elemental Bond, enhance Omnath’s effectiveness.
Popular Deck Archetypes
- Five-Color Control: This deck focuses on controlling the board and using Omnath’s powerful abilities to gain an advantage.
- Ramp Decks: These decks aim to ramp up quickly and play Omnath early, leveraging its powerful landfall effects.
- Elemental Aggro: This archetype uses a combination of Elemental creatures and Omnath to create a fast-paced, aggressive deck.
Sample Deck Lists
Here are examples of deck lists that feature Omnath Locus of Eternity:
Five-Color Omnath Control
- Creatures: Omnath Locus of Eternity, Scute Swarm, Lotus Cobra
- Spells: Cultivate, Kodama’s Reach, Supreme Verdict
- Lands: All five-color lands, dual lands, and fetch lands
Elemental Ramp
- Creatures: Omnath Locus of Eternity, Firecarver’s Blade, Cragsmasher
- Spells: Rampant Growth, Hour of Promise, Elemental Bond
- Lands: Basic lands and land-fetching spells
Tips for Playing Omnath
Strategic Considerations
- Timing: Ensure you have the necessary colors of mana before casting Omnath to maximize its effectiveness.
- Landfall Triggers: Play lands strategically to trigger Omnath’s abilities and gain the most value from each landfall trigger.
- Card Advantage: Utilize cards that draw additional cards or provide extra land drops to keep the pressure on your opponents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mana Fixing: Don’t overlook the importance of mana fixing. Ensure you have a reliable way to access all five colors of mana.
- Overcommitting: Be cautious about overcommitting to the board. Omnath can be vulnerable to board wipes, so keep backup plans in mind.
Countering Omnath
Effective Strategies
- Mana Denial: Disrupt Omnath’s mana base by using cards that destroy lands or counter land-fetching spells.
- Board Wipes: Use board wipes to handle Omnath and its Elemental tokens, especially when Omnath is used in an aggressive deck.
Cards and Decks that Counter Omnath
- Cards: Path to Exile, Blood Moon, Angrath’s Rampage
- Decks: Mono-Red Aggro, Control Decks with board wipes and counterspells
Omnath in Competitive Play
Tournament Performance
Omnath Locus of Eternity has seen success in various tournament formats, particularly in Standard and Commander. Its versatility and powerful abilities make it a popular choice among competitive players.
Meta Analysis
In competitive play, Omnath decks are often seen as a significant threat due to their ability to generate massive amounts of value from landfall triggers. As such, players need to prepare counter-strategies and adapt to the shifting meta.
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Conclusion
A strong and adaptable card that has had a big impact on the Magic: The Gathering community is Omnath Locus of Eternity. For many players, it is an especially good option because of its five-color commander role and its capacity to take advantage of landfall triggers. Omnath provides a multitude of options for strategic play and deck-building, regardless of whether you’re creating a new deck or trying to maximize your current tactics.
FAQs
What is Omnath Locus of Eternity in Magic: The Gathering?
Omnath Locus of Eternity is a legendary creature card from the Zendikar Rising set in Magic: The Gathering. It belongs to the Elemental cycle and requires a five-color mana investment to cast. This card is known for its powerful landfall ability, which triggers various effects whenever a land enters the battlefield under your control. Specifically, it can create Elemental tokens, gain life, and deal damage based on the number of different colored mana sources used.
What are the key abilities of Omnath Locus of Eternity?
Omnath Locus of Eternity has several notable abilities:
- Landfall: Whenever a land enters the battlefield under your control, Omnath triggers different effects based on the number of different colored mana used to cast it.
- Elemental Tokens: It creates Elemental creature tokens, enhancing its board presence.
- Life Gain and Damage: Omnath can gain life and deal damage to opponents, making it a versatile card that provides both offense and defense.
How do I build a deck around Omnath Locus of Eternity?
Building a deck around Omnath Locus of Eternity involves focusing on landfall synergies and five-color mana strategies. Here are some tips:
- Mana Fixing: Include a range of dual lands, fetch lands, and mana ramp spells like Cultivate and Kodama’s Reach to ensure access to all five colors of mana.
- Landfall Triggers: Use cards that benefit from landfall triggers, such as Scute Swarm and Lotus Cobra, to maximize Omnath’s abilities.
- Elemental Support: Incorporate Elemental-themed cards like Elemental Bond to complement Omnath and capitalize on its Elemental token creation.
What are the best strategies for playing Omnath Locus of Eternity in competitive formats?
In competitive formats, Omnath Locus of Eternity shines in both Standard and Commander formats. Here are some strategies:
- Standard Format: Focus on ramping quickly into Omnath and leveraging its powerful landfall effects to control the board and deal substantial damage.
- Commander Format: Build around Omnath as a five-color commander, utilizing its versatile abilities to generate value from every land played. Consider including cards that enhance landfall triggers and protect Omnath from removal.
How can I counter Omnath Locus of Eternity in a game?
To counter Omnath Locus of Eternity, consider the following strategies:
- Mana Disruption: Use cards that destroy lands or disrupt mana production to prevent Omnath from being cast or utilized effectively.
- Board Wipes: Deploy board wipes or other forms of mass removal to handle Omnath and its Elemental tokens, especially if Omnath is being used in an aggressive deck.
- Control Spells: Use counterspells to prevent Omnath from being cast or utilize spells that can handle its effects directly.