Korlash, Heir to Blackblade MTG Card


Korlash provides card advantage and accelerates resources via its Grandeur ability and Swamp-based power. Its suitability for instant-speed interactions complements strategies that revolve around reactionary plays. However, Korlash’s specific mana requirements and potential hand disadvantage must be carefully managed.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Zombie Warrior
Abilities Grandeur
Power *
Toughness *

Text of card

Korlash, Heir to Blackblade's power and toughness are each equal to the number of Swamps you control. : Regenerate Korlash. Grandeur — Discard another card named Korlash, Heir to Blackblade: Search your library for up to two Swamp cards, put them onto the battlefield tapped, then shuffle.


Cards like Korlash, Heir to Blackblade

Korlash, Heir to Blackblade carves a unique niche in Magic: The Gathering as a formidable creature that powers up with the number of Swamps you control. Its strength mimics that of Nightmare, a card that also gains might from the number of Swamps on your battlefield. However, Korlash offers the added advantage of Grandeur, allowing you to discard another card named Korlash to massively swell your land base.

Another comparable card is Lashwrithe, a living weapon with a power boost tied to Swamp count. Lashwrithe is versatile, as it can be attached to any creature, though without the Grandeur effect. Next in line is Squelching Leeches, which has no activation cost and gains power and toughness equal to the Swamps you possess. Despite that, it lacks Korlash’s ability to generate additional Swamps and does not offer the implicit resilience embedded in the legendary status that Korlash holds.

In scrutinizing these similar options, Korlash, Heir to Blackblade exhibits a balance of aggressive potential and strategic depth, setting it apart in its category. Its dual capacity to be a fast-growing threat and a late-game utility solidifies its standing amongst black mana-dependent powerhouses.

Nightmare - MTG Card versions
Lashwrithe - MTG Card versions
Squelching Leeches - MTG Card versions
Nightmare - MTG Card versions
Lashwrithe - MTG Card versions
Squelching Leeches - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Korlash, Heir to Blackblade provides reliable card advantage with its grandeur ability, allowing you to discard another card named Korlash to ramp up your land drops significantly. This land-based card advantage not only strengthens your board position but also solidifies your mana base for future turns.

Resource Acceleration: This formidable creature’s power and toughness are each equal to the number of Swamps you control, promoting an aggressive resource acceleration strategy. As your Swamp count grows, so does Korlash’s imposing presence on the battlefield, converting land resources directly into offensive and defensive power.

Instant Speed: Although not an instant itself, Korlash synergizes well with instant speed removal and discard spells. By threatening to grow with each additional Swamp, it forces your opponents to deal with it immediately, thus allowing you to use your instants more effectively during their turn while they’re preoccupied with the impending threat of Korlash.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Holding Korlash, Heir to Blackblade in hand comes with a notable downside due to its Grandeur ability. To activate this feature, you need to discard another card named Korlash, potentially reducing your hand advantage and putting you at a strategic disadvantage when your resources are strained.

Specific Mana Cost: Deck construction can be a challenge with Korlash as its mana cost demands double black mana. This specificity could restrict deck versatility, especially in multicolored deck builds where ensuring the right mana at the right time is critical for a smooth gameplay experience.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At a base level, Korlash, Heir to Blackblade requires four mana to come into play. This is comparatively high, particularly when evaluated against other creatures that might hit the board faster or offer immediate impact without the need for additional card sacrifices to unlock their full potential.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Korlash, Heir to Blackblade can adapt across various deck builds, providing a reliable creature that grows in power with each Swamp you control, making it an excellent addition for mono-black or multi-color decks seeking a solid beatstick.

Combo Potential: Its Grandeur ability allows you to discard another card named Korlash to ramp up your mana base, synergizing with reanimation tactics or “land matters” strategies, offering multiple avenues for creative deckbuilding.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where consistent mana access is crucial, Korlash can play a significant role. It excels in a meta filled with grindy matches or where having a substantial single threat is advantageous.


How to beat

Korlash, Heir to Blackblade represents a potent force on the battlefield in MTG, offering players a unique blend of power and land synergy. This card becomes a more formidable threat as you accumulate more Swamps, increasing its strength and toughness. To counteract Korlash’s influence, smart play involves limiting your opponent’s Swamp count. Land destruction spells or utilising cards that change land types can impede Korlash’s growth. Furthermore, Korlash’s Grandeur ability is nullified if you prevent your opponent from holding multiple copies of the card, either by imposing hand size limits or through discard-enforcing spells.

Control strategies can also shine against Korlash. Employing removal spells that exile or keeping ample removal spells in your hand for when Korlash hits the field can be effective. Edict effects, which force a player to sacrifice a creature, are particularly useful since they bypass any potential protection from colors Korlash may have. Moreover, due to Korlash’s reliance on the graveyard for its regeneration ability, incorporating graveyard hate into your deck is a subtle yet powerful way to ensure it stays off the battlefield for good. In essence, staying one step ahead of the opponent’s strategy when facing down Korlash, Heir to Blackblade can ensure victory remains in sight.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Korlash, Heir to Blackblade MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Future Sight Promos, 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 Korlash, Heir to Blackblade and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Korlash, Heir to Blackblade Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2007-05-04 and 2007-05-04. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 31961futureNormalBlackRichard Kane Ferguson
22007-05-04Future Sight PromosPFUT 87★futureNormalBlackRichard Kane Ferguson
32007-05-04Future SightFUT 87futureNormalBlackDaarken
42020-09-26The ListPLST FUT-87futureNormalBlackDaarken

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Korlash, Heir to Blackblade has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal