Overview
Omnath Locus of Eternity is a legendary creature card featured in the Zendikar Rising set of Magic: The Gathering. This iteration is the fourth in the Omnath series, renowned for its formidable elemental powers and transformative effects in gameplay. A central character within the Zendikar block, Omnath has solidified its place in both competitive and casual decks alike.
Significance in Magic: The Gathering
What sets Omnath Locus of Eternity apart is its unique ability to leverage the presence of all five mana colors. This card represents the elemental forces at play and highlights the complex design principles of the Magic: The Gathering multiverse. Its flexibility and impact make it a top choice for players who appreciate intricate and 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 significant investment of mana but rewards players with powerful abilities that draw from all five colors. This diverse color identity offers a wide range of possibilities while necessitating careful deck construction for reliable access to all colors.
Card Type and Attributes
- Card Type: Legendary Creature — Elemental
- Power/Toughness: 4/4
As a legendary creature, only one copy of Omnath can exist on the battlefield at any given time. Its elemental classification ties it closely to the rich mana landscape of Zendikar.
Abilities and Effects
Omnath Locus of Eternity possesses several key abilities:
- Landfall: Each time 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: Omnath can generate Elemental creature tokens, each possessing unique traits.
- Life Gain and Damage: It grants life and can inflict damage on opponents proportional to the number of different colored mana sources utilized.
Lore and Background
Origin and Mythology
Omnath Locus of Eternity belongs to a cycle of cards that delve into elemental power and the raw energies of Zendikar. In the lore, Omnath is described as a primordial embodiment of nature, representing the essence of all elements. Its existence profoundly affects Zendikar’s landscape and its inhabitants, often leading to dramatic transformations.
Role in the Multiverse
Omnath holds a prominent position within the Magic multiverse, recognized for its colossal power and sway over elemental forces. It frequently embodies the tension between balance and chaos, making it a crucial player in numerous story arcs related to Zendikar.
Gameplay Impact
Standard Format
In Standard, Omnath Locus of Eternity has made a notable impact, thanks to its ability to create value through landfall triggers. Its capacity for life gain and damage output renders it a strong contender in both aggressive and control-oriented decks. Decks featuring Omnath typically prioritize ramp strategies to cast it early and exploit its formidable landfall effects.
Commander Format
Omnath is a favored commander in Commander decks, particularly those built around five-color strategies. Its ability to harness all five colors of mana, along with its powerful landfall abilities, makes it a versatile and fearsome commander. Players often focus on maximizing landfall triggers and extracting value from each land played.
Other Formats
While less prevalent in formats like Modern and Pioneer, Omnath Locus of Eternity can still shine in the right deck configurations, especially those centered on ramping and board control.
Deck-Building Strategies
Best Synergies
Omnath’s abilities harmonize well with cards that trigger landfall or enhance mana production. Key synergies include:
- Landfall Triggers: Cards such as Scute Swarm and Lotus Cobra benefit significantly from Omnath’s effects.
- Mana Ramp: Cards that accelerate mana generation, like Cultivate and Kodama’s Reach, are essential for casting Omnath and supporting spells.
- Elemental Support: Cards that interact with Elementals, such as Elemental Bond, boost Omnath’s effectiveness.
Popular Deck Archetypes
- Five-Color Control: This archetype focuses on board control while leveraging Omnath’s abilities for advantage.
- Ramp Decks: These decks aim to accelerate their mana production to cast Omnath early, maximizing its landfall potential.
- Elemental Aggro: This aggressive archetype combines Elemental creatures with Omnath for a fast-paced gameplay experience.
Sample Deck Lists
Here are a couple of deck examples featuring 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: Various 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 potential.
- Landfall Triggers: Play lands wisely to activate Omnath’s abilities, maximizing the benefits of each landfall trigger.
- Card Advantage: Utilize cards that facilitate additional draws or land drops to maintain pressure on opponents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mana Fixing: Don’t underestimate the need for reliable mana fixing to access all five colors.
- Overcommitting: Avoid overextending on the board, as Omnath can be susceptible to board wipes. Always have backup plans in place.
Countering Omnath
Effective Strategies
- Mana Denial: Disrupt Omnath’s mana base using cards that destroy lands or counter land-fetching spells.
- Board Wipes: Employ board wipes to manage Omnath and its Elemental tokens, especially when facing aggressive decks.
Cards and Decks that Counter Omnath
- Cards: Path to Exile, Blood Moon, Angrath’s Rampage
- Decks: Mono-Red Aggro, control decks featuring board wipes and counterspells
Omnath in Competitive Play
Tournament Performance
Omnath Locus of Eternity has experienced success in various tournament formats, particularly in Standard and Commander. Its adaptable nature and potent abilities make it a sought-after choice among competitive players.
Meta Analysis
In the competitive landscape, Omnath decks are perceived as significant threats due to their capacity to generate substantial value from landfall triggers. Players must prepare counter-strategies and adapt to the evolving meta.
