Kataki, War's Wage MTG Card


Kataki, War’s Wage leverages a taxing effect that translates into a potent form of card advantage against artifact decks. Through resource disruption, it can indirectly accelerate your game plan by decelerating your opponent’s artifact-based strategies. Kataki’s constant upkeep-triggered ability imposes relentless pressure, demanding immediate responses from adversaries.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Spirit
Power 2
Toughness 1

Text of card

All artifacts have "At the beginning of your upkeep, sacrifice this artifact unless you pay ."

"Before the war, we prayed to Kataki to sharpen our swords and harden our armor. Without his blessing our weapons are all but useless against the kami hordes." —Kenzo the Hardhearted


Cards like Kataki, War's Wage

Kataki, War’s Wage presents a unique challenge to opponents in Magic: The Gathering. This spirit card enforces a tax on artifacts, requiring each artifact’s controller to pay or watch their assets be sacrificed. A similar pressure is applied by Stony Silence, which outright disables artifact abilities, preventing their activation. While Stony Silence doesn’t destroy artifacts directly, it effectively neutralizes them, which can be a crippling move against artifact-heavy decks.

Another analogue is Vandalblast, which offers a one-sided artifact sweep, clearing the way by destroying artifacts your opponents control. Though it doesn’t create a persistent threat like Kataki, it serves as a surprise removal spell. Then, there is Aura of Silence, which increases the cost of opponent’s artifacts and enchantments and can be sacrificed to destroy one, allowing players to hinder and remove key pieces strategically.

In comparing these options, Kataki, War’s Wage stands out for its continuous artifact policing, forcing opponents to carefully consider their resource allocation. While alternatives like Stony Silence and Vandalblast can be more immediately disruptive, Kataki’s consistent demand for upkeep payments can steadily drain an opponent’s resources, potentially swaying the game in your favor.

Stony Silence - MTG Card versions
Vandalblast - MTG Card versions
Aura of Silence - MTG Card versions
Stony Silence - MTG Card versions
Vandalblast - MTG Card versions
Aura of Silence - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Kataki, War's Wage by color, type and mana cost

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Kor Firewalker - MTG Card versions
White Knight - MTG Card versions
Soul Shepherd - MTG Card versions
Soltari Monk - MTG Card versions
Talon Sliver - MTG Card versions
Keeper of the Light - MTG Card versions
Faith Healer - MTG Card versions
Angelic Page - MTG Card versions
Avenger en-Dal - MTG Card versions
Spirit Weaver - MTG Card versions
Voice of the Blessed - MTG Card versions
Stoneforge Mystic - MTG Card versions
Drannith Magistrate - MTG Card versions
Leonin Lightscribe - MTG Card versions
Silver Knight - MTG Card versions
Longbow Archer - MTG Card versions
Silverflame Squire // On Alert - MTG Card versions
Flumph - MTG Card versions
Cloudreach Cavalry - MTG Card versions
Samite Healer - MTG Card versions
Kor Firewalker - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Kataki, War’s Wage may not draw cards, its presence demands an answer from players relying heavily on artifacts. The pressure it puts on their resources can equate to card advantage as they’re forced to sacrifice assets or allocate resources, effectively diminishing their hand advantage and battlefield presence.

Resource Acceleration: Kataki, War’s Wage doesn’t directly accelerate your mana, yet its ability to potentially reduce opponents’ mana artifacts can indirectly speed up your game plan by slowing theirs. This asymmetric effect can be a significant boon in matches where maintaining the tempo is key.

Instant Speed: Although Kataki itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, its static ability triggers during each player’s upkeep. This ensures a persistent, round-the-clock impact that can catch players off guard, similar to the strategic flexibility provided by instant speed interactions. By threatening to dismantle artifact-based strategies during each upkeep, Kataki demands immediate answers and maintains a constant level of pressure.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Kataki, War’s Wage doesn’t make you discard cards, but it puts a burden on players who use a lot of artifacts. Each upkeep, those players must either pay {1} for each artifact they control or sacrifice it, potentially leading to tough decisions about resource allocation.

Specific Mana Cost: This card requires white mana, which may restrict its presence to decks that run white or have a good mana base to accommodate off-color spells. Players without a strong multicolor land setup may find it challenging to integrate into their strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value of two, Kataki, War’s Wage may seem low, yet when considering other available hate cards in the format, there are more mana-efficient alternatives for managing artifacts. Its impact is somewhat niche, targeting primarily heavy artifact strategies, which can be limiting in its utility across various matchups.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Kataki War’s Wage is a powerful addition to decks that aim to control artifacts. Its ability to tax opponents for their non-creature artifacts during their upkeep can slow down or even halt their strategies, making it an adaptable tool for a variety of matchups.

Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with artifact-heavy strategies that might already be a part of your setup. In decks designed around sacrifice effects or where artifacts are a liability for your opponent, Kataki can be a strategic fulcrum, often swinging the game in your favor when combined with other disruptive elements.

Meta-Relevance: In game environments where artifacts are prevalent, Kataki War’s Wage gains substantial value. It serves as a counter to artifact-centric decks and as a deterrent, giving it a significant role in the current competitive landscape. Including it in your collection could give you an edge, offering a tool that’s particularly effective against certain popular archetypes.


How to Beat

Kataki, War’s Wage presents a unique challenge on the battlefield for players who heavily rely on artifacts. At first glance, the card appears intimidating with its potential to disrupt artifact strategies by imposing a constant upkeep tax. This creates a situation where players must either pay the cost or sacrifice their valuable artifacts. It is paramount to implement a game plan promptly to neutralize this threat.

To effectively counter Kataki, War’s Wage, considering removal spells is crucial. Direct damage spells or targeted removal such as Path to Exile are efficient options to eliminate Kataki from the board. Alternatively, adjusting your deck to include fewer artifacts or opting for artifact-free strategies will inherently reduce Kataki’s impact on your game plan. Additionally, it’s beneficial to deploy instant-speed spells or abilities that can handle Kataki before your upkeep begins, minimizing the tax’s potential strain on your resources.

Strategically, it’s important to recognize Kataki, War’s Wage as a signal to prioritize resource management and ensure that you maintain the tempo of the game. Addressing Kataki quickly allows artifact-centric decks to regain their full potential without the hindrance of its taxing ability. Consequently, addressing the threat of Kataki effectively demonstrates the importance of flexibility and preparedness in a player’s deck construction and in-game decision-making.


BurnMana Recommendations

Kataki, War’s Wage is not just another card in MTG; it’s a strategic must-have for any player looking to impact artifact-heavy matchups. Sense the power of resource control as you wield this card to tax your opponent’s moves each upkeep. Whether you’re seeking to build a resilient white deck or need that meta-relevant trump card to sway the balance, Kataki can be a game-changer. Understanding its strengths and limitations will fortify your gameplay. Ready for a deeper dive into strategies that can turn the tide of battle? Join our community of seasoned players and unlock the full potential of your collection with insights on cards like Kataki, War’s Wage.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Kataki, War's Wage MTG card by a specific set like Saviors of Kamigawa and Modern Masters, 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 Kataki, War's Wage and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Kataki, War's Wage Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2005-06-03 and 2014-05-30. Illustrated by Matt Thompson.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12005-06-03Saviors of KamigawaSOK 142003NormalBlackMatt Thompson
22013-06-07Modern MastersMMA 202003NormalBlackMatt Thompson
32014-05-30Modern Event Deck 2014MD1 242003NormalBlackMatt Thompson
42020-09-26The ListPLST SOK-142003NormalBlackMatt Thompson

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Kataki, War's Wage has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal