Kaervek the Merciless MTG Card


Kaervek the Merciless offers a persistent threat, punishing opponents and controlling game tempo with each spell they cast. While potent, its specific mana requirements and high casting cost require strategic deck building and planning during play. This versatile powerhouse fits into many strategies making it relevant in various metagames and a combo enabler in Rakdos decks.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost7
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Human Shaman
Power 5
Toughness 4

Text of card

Whenever an opponent plays a spell, Kaervek the Merciless deals damage to target creature or player equal to that spell's converted mana cost.

"Rats and jackals feast in his swath, but even they will not walk with him." —Mangara


Cards like Kaervek the Merciless

Kaervek the Merciless is a commanding presence in Magic: The Gathering, sharing traits with a select group of cards that inflict damage based on spells played. Looking at the likes of Heartless Hidetsugu, we see a card capable of lightning-quick damage, halving each player’s life total with its tap ability. Kaervek, though, waits for opponents to cast spells, thereby turning their actions into a double-edged sword.

Forgeborn Oreads from the Theros block offers another parallel with its ping ability, dealing damage whenever a player plays an enchantment. However, Kaervek’s scope is wider, impacting any type of spell and therefore presenting a more universal threat. Yet, Kaervek’s higher mana cost compared to Forgeborn Oreads is an essential factor to consider in deck building. Lastly, Erebos, God of the Dead, stands out with the similar punishing theme, denying life gain and offering consistent card draw, though not directly dealing damage like Kaervek does.

Each card has its niche, but for MTG enthusiasts who relish the idea of a strategy that turns every spell their opponent casts into a potential hazard, Kaervek the Merciless emerges as a uniquely imposing option.

Heartless Hidetsugu - MTG Card versions
Forgeborn Oreads - MTG Card versions
Erebos, God of the Dead - MTG Card versions
Heartless Hidetsugu - MTG Card versions
Forgeborn Oreads - MTG Card versions
Erebos, God of the Dead - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Kaervek the Merciless by color, type and mana cost

Lady Orca - MTG Card versions
Barktooth Warbeard - MTG Card versions
Tsabo Tavoc - MTG Card versions
Bladewing the Risen - MTG Card versions
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The Balrog, Durin's Bane - MTG Card versions
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Witch-king, Sky Scourge - MTG Card versions
Lady Orca - MTG Card versions
Barktooth Warbeard - MTG Card versions
Tsabo Tavoc - MTG Card versions
Bladewing the Risen - MTG Card versions
Kazarov, Sengir Pureblood - MTG Card versions
Gut, Brutal Fanatic - MTG Card versions
Bladewing, Deathless Tyrant - MTG Card versions
Orca, Siege Demon - MTG Card versions
The Balrog, Durin's Bane - MTG Card versions
The Balrog of Moria - MTG Card versions
Witch-king, Sky Scourge - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Kaervek the Merciless can directly impact the board state by dealing damage to any target whenever an opponent casts a spell. This ability not only deters opponents from playing multiple spells per turn but also provides a continuous form of card advantage by potentially removing their creatures or targeting them directly, whittling away their resources and life total.

Resource Acceleration: Even though Kaervek himself doesn’t directly provide resource acceleration, his intimidating presence can slow down opponents’ gameplay. This indirect form of resource acceleration allows you to capitalize on the extra time by building up your board and resources while opponents are hesitant to cast spells and trigger his damaging ability.

Instant Speed: While Kaervek the Merciless is not an instant, his ability functions at instant speed. This means that any spells your opponents cast on their turn can be immediately punished with Kaervek’s damage, giving you the flexibility to affect the game state even when it’s not your turn. It’s an excellent way to disrupt opponents’ strategies at any moment they act.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While not having a direct discard requirement, Kaervek the Merciless can indirectly pressure your own hand. Each spell you cast effectively becomes a trigger for opponents to eliminate resources to minimize damage, potentially depleting your options quickly.

Specific Mana Cost: Kaervek demands a specific array of mana, with a steep requirement of three generic, one black, and one red. This can be a significant hurdle in multicolored decks that don’t consistently produce both colors.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing seven mana to cast puts Kaervek on the higher end of the curve. In the fast-paced environment of modern MTG, deploying a seven-mana investment requires careful planning and may be too slow against more agile decks with lower curves.


Reasons to Include Kaervek the Merciless in Your Collection

Versatility: Kaervek the Merciless enforces flexibility in gameplay, granting power to any commander deck that aims to wield control over opponents. Its ability to damage opponents whenever they cast a spell makes it useful in a diverse array of deck strategies.

Combo Potential: Known for its synergy within Rakdos builds, Kaervek can amplify strategies focused on punishing players for casting spells. When combined with cards that restrict or tax opponents’ resources, it can be part of devastating combos, tipping the scales in your favor.

Meta-Relevance: With ever-shifting deck archetypes, Kaervek the Merciless maintains relevance by acting as a deterrent against spell-heavy opponents. In a meta saturated with instant and sorcery spells, the damage inflicted can quickly become a gamechanger, making it a desirable addition to any collection aiming to stay competitive.


How to beat

Kaervek the Merciless is a formidable presence in the multiverse of Magic: The Gathering. This terrifying card makes an opponent think twice before casting a spell, as it inflicts pain equal to that spell’s mana value. It turns their own spells into a double-edged sword – one that cuts into their life total with each cast.

However, every card has its Achilles’ heel, and in Kaervek’s case, speed is of the essence. Dealing with Kaervek involves keeping his effect at bay or never letting him take the field. Using efficient removal spells like Murder or Path to Exile can swiftly take him out once he’s on the board. You might also consider countering him before he even has a chance to cause chaos, with spells like Cancel or Mana Leak serving this purpose effectively.

Alternatively, playing a strategy with fewer spells and more creature-based actions can mitigate Kaervek’s punishing ability. Using these methods, you ensure that the Merciless one’s reign is short-lived, and your MTG experience remains enjoyable. To adapt and overcome such a powerful card is a true test of a player’s ingenuity and deck-building skills.


BurnMana Recommendations

Exploring MTG’s vast universe sometimes uncovers a gem like Kaervek the Merciless, a card that can reshape the game with every spell your opponent casts. Whether it’s leveraging card advantage, seizing the moment for resource acceleration, or pinpointing the best moment to disrupt with instant speed damage, Kaervek presents countless opportunities for adept players to capitalize on. As you consider including this formidable card in your collection, weigh its versatility and combo potential against the challenges of its specific mana needs and casting cost. Overcome these obstacles and Kaervek may very well become the cornerstone of a strategy that defines your next match. Step into our space to enhance your understanding and experience the full potential of Kaervek the Merciless in your MTG deck.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Kaervek the Merciless MTG card by a specific set like Time Spiral and Archenemy, 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 Kaervek the Merciless and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Kaervek the Merciless Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2006-10-06 and 2022-07-08. Illustrated by rk post.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12006-10-06Time SpiralTSP 2422003NormalBlackrk post
22010-06-18ArchenemyARC 882003NormalBlackrk post
32021-03-19Time Spiral RemasteredTSR 2572015NormalBlackrk post
42022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 5122015NormalBlackrk post
52022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 2362015NormalBlackrk post

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Kaervek the Merciless has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2021-03-19 Alternative costs, additional costs, and cost reductions don’t change a spell’s mana value. Its mana value is still based on its mana cost.
2021-03-19 An ability that triggers when a player casts a spell resolves before the spell that caused it to trigger. It resolves even if that spell is countered.
2021-03-19 For spells with in their mana costs, use the value chosen for X to determine the spell’s mana value.