Fain, the Broker MTG Card


Fain the Broker generates card advantage by transforming expendable creatures into new opportunities for victory. Casting Fain provides resource acceleration with treasure tokens, offering strategic mana boosts when needed. Despite requiring black mana and a four-mana investment, its versatility justifies its inclusion in many decks.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Human Warlock
Abilities Treasure
Power 3
Toughness 3

Text of card

, Sacrifice a creature: Put two +1/+1 counters on target creature. , Remove a counter from a creature you control: Create a Treasure token. , Sacrifice an artifact: Create a 2/1 white and black Inkling creature token with flying. : Untap Fain, the Broker.


Cards like Fain, the Broker

Fain the Broker introduces unique versatility to the realm of creature cards in Magic: The Gathering. This card can be compared to trading post-like engines such as Trading Post itself and Phyrexian Arena. With Fain, players access multiple abilities on a single creature, enabling them to sacrifice other creatures or treasure tokens to draw cards, or to put counters on creatures to build up for later turns. Trading Post offers similar flexibility, with the ability to exchange artifacts and creatures for card draw or life gain, though it doesn’t enhance other creatures as Fain does.

Meanwhile, Phyrexian Arena provides a steady card advantage by drawing an additional card each turn at the cost of life, lacking the board interaction and versatility found in Fain. Yahenni, Undying Partisan, is another creature card offering a sacrifice outlet, gaining strength each time another creature dies, yet without the multi-mode utility of Fain. Fain the Broker stands out among its peers with the ability to act as a multifaceted engine within a deck, which can leverage the various currencies of the game – counters, creatures, and cards – making it highly adaptable in various strategies.

Ultimately, Fain the Broker’s inclusion in a deck can lead to intricate play patterns that, while sharing similarities with other cards, possesses a unique dynamism that complements a wide range of MTG strategies.

Trading Post - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Arena - MTG Card versions
Yahenni, Undying Partisan - MTG Card versions
Trading Post - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Arena - MTG Card versions
Yahenni, Undying Partisan - MTG Card versions

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El-Hajjâj - MTG Card versions
Plague Rats - MTG Card versions
Frozen Shade - MTG Card versions
Scathe Zombies - MTG Card versions
Sorceress Queen - MTG Card versions
Wall of Bone - MTG Card versions
Lost Soul - MTG Card versions
Mindstab Thrull - MTG Card versions
Mischievous Poltergeist - MTG Card versions
Strongarm Thug - MTG Card versions
Razortooth Rats - MTG Card versions
Ghastly Remains - MTG Card versions
Lord of the Undead - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Fain the Broker shines in its ability to efficiently generate card advantage. By allowing you to sacrifice creatures you no longer need, it turns those resources into fresh opportunities, potentially drawing you into more powerful cards to dominate the game.

Resource Acceleration: This card also excels in resource acceleration. Fain offers the unique flexibility of creating treasure tokens. These tokens are not just a commodity; they’re a versatile form of currency in the game, providing extra mana that can be crucial for casting game-changing spells ahead of schedule.

Instant Speed: Although Fain the Broker doesn’t operate at instant speed, its tap abilities effectively work at the speed of your game plan. This allows you to adapt to the evolving battlefield, maximizing the efficiency of your turns, and keeping opponents guessing.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Fain the Broker necessitates a card sacrifice to activate one of its abilities. This stipulation can be a double-edged sword, especially if you find your hand depleting faster than anticipated, leaving you with fewer options for future plays.

Specific Mana Cost: Fain the Broker’s casting requires black mana, which may not seamlessly fit into all deck builds. As this singular color requirement can be limiting, it may exclude Fain from various multi-colored decks that cannot afford or do not wish to focus on black mana sources.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At a total of four mana to bring Fain the Broker onto the battlefield, it’s a commitment to your mana pool. In the current meta, players often seek lower-cost creatures that provide value more quickly, or higher-cost creatures that have a more immediate and impactful presence on the game state.


Reasons to Include Fain the Broker in Your Collection

Versatility: Fain the Broker works well in diverse strategies and can enhance various decks types with its ability to manipulate counters, tokens, and the graveyard. Its modular nature allows you to customize your approach mid-game, making it adaptable and unpredictable.

Combo Potential: With abilities that synergize with sacrificial mechanics and token generation, Fain the Broker is a linchpin in decks that exploit these aspects. This card becomes a powerful tool when combined with other cards that capitalize on death triggers or undying creatures.

Meta-Relevance: Given the popular strategies that hinge on the management of resources like counters and tokens, Fain the Broker holds a significant place in the current environment. Its potential to disrupt opponents’ plans or to accrue value over time makes it a force to be reckoned with across various formats.


How to beat

Fain the Broker is a versatile card in MTG, offering a suite of abilities that can manipulate the battlefield to your advantage. Despite its potential, there are effective strategies to counter this powerful card. Removal spells are a straightforward approach, with options like Murder, which can eliminate Fain before its abilities become too much of a menace. You could also consider using board wipes like Wrath of God to clear Fain along with other threats.

Counterspells are another line of defense, with the likes of Counterspell or Mana Leak providing a way to prevent Fain from hitting the field in the first place. For a more nuanced strategy, employ cards that limit the use of activated abilities, such as Pithing Needle or Linvala, Keeper of Silence, which can nullify Fain’s influence without removing it from the board.

Ultimately, the key to beating Fain the Broker lies in timely disruption of your opponent’s plans. Keeping pressure with your own threats while dismantling their ability to use Fain effectively can tilt the game in your favor. Always stay alert to the shifting game state and be ready to adapt your tactics accordingly to neutralize Fain’s bargaining power.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the nuances of Fain the Broker can significantly impact your MTG gameplay. Its ability to convert one resource into another offers unparalleled flexibility and strategic depth. If this multifaceted card has piqued your interest, we invite you to learn more about the innovative ways it can be used to enhance your deck and overall strategy. Whether it’s crafting intricate token combos or simply gaining value over your opponents, Fain the Broker is a card that can add a new layer of complexity to your plays. Embark on the journey to master its potential and integrate it into your MTG collection for a game-changing experience.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Fain, the Broker MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Commander 2021, 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 Fain, the Broker and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Fain, the Broker Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2021-04-23 and 2024-04-19. Illustrated by Lius Lasahido.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 900542015NormalBlackLius Lasahido
22021-04-23Commander 2021C21 402015NormalBlackLius Lasahido
32021-04-23Commander 2021C21 3672015NormalBlackLius Lasahido
42022-11-18The Brothers' War CommanderBRC 1051997NormalBlackLius Lasahido
52024-04-19Outlaws of Thunder Junction CommanderOTC 1332015NormalBlackLius Lasahido

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Fain, the Broker has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal