Lorthos, the Tidemaker MTG Card


Lorthos can significantly shift game dynamics by tapping crucial opponent’s permanents, dictating play tempo. Its high mana cost demands strategic play but rewards players with powerful late-game board control. Despite specific mana requirements, Lorthos offers versatility and combo potential in blue-centric decks.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost8
RarityMythic
TypeLegendary Creature — Octopus
Power 8
Toughness 8

Text of card

Whenever Lorthos, the Tidemaker attacks, you may pay . If you do, tap up to eight target permanents. Those permanents don't untap during their controllers' next untap steps.

When Lorthos emerges from his deepwater realm, the tides bow to his will and the coastline cowers in his presence.


Cards like Lorthos, the Tidemaker

Lorthos the Tidemaker stands tall as a leviathan of the deep in the realm of Magic: The Gathering. This colossal octopus compares intriguingly with other high-impact sea creatures, such as Stormtide Leviathan. Both establish a strong board presence with their substantial power and toughness. However, Lorthos has a unique ability to lock down up to eight target permanents, a commanding control feature that Stormtide Leviathan lacks, despite its ability to restrict land creatures from attacking.

Another sea behemoth, Inkwell Leviathan, shares the aquatic theme but emphasizes evasion with its islandwalk and shroud abilities, unlike the direct control offered by Lorthos’s activated ability. Moreover, while Lorthos demands active mana investment to utilize its power fully, Inkwell Leviathan provides a sturdy threat without additional mana requirements post-casting.

Within this ocean of choices, Lorthos the Tidemaker serves a unique role. Its blend of colossal creature status and formidable control ability allows for strategic depth, augmenting the controlling player’s dominion over the battlefield. Players weighing options among the titans of the sea will find Lorthos a noteworthy contender for a spot in decks that celebrate might and manipulation alike.

Stormtide Leviathan - MTG Card versions
Inkwell Leviathan - MTG Card versions
Stormtide Leviathan - MTG Card versions
Inkwell Leviathan - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Lorthos, the Tidemaker by color, type and mana cost

Deep Spawn - MTG Card versions
Benthic Behemoth - MTG Card versions
Denizen of the Deep - MTG Card versions
Tidal Kraken - MTG Card versions
Avatar of Will - MTG Card versions
Cognivore - MTG Card versions
Brinelin, the Moon Kraken - MTG Card versions
Sphinx of the Second Sun - MTG Card versions
Scornful Egotist - MTG Card versions
Qumulox - MTG Card versions
Hoverguard Sweepers - MTG Card versions
Greater Morphling - MTG Card versions
Tidespout Tyrant - MTG Card versions
Slipstream Serpent - MTG Card versions
Maelstrom Djinn - MTG Card versions
Kederekt Leviathan - MTG Card versions
Stormtide Leviathan - MTG Card versions
Trench Gorger - MTG Card versions
Tidal Force - MTG Card versions
Elder Deep-Fiend - MTG Card versions
Deep Spawn - MTG Card versions
Benthic Behemoth - MTG Card versions
Denizen of the Deep - MTG Card versions
Tidal Kraken - MTG Card versions
Avatar of Will - MTG Card versions
Cognivore - MTG Card versions
Brinelin, the Moon Kraken - MTG Card versions
Sphinx of the Second Sun - MTG Card versions
Scornful Egotist - MTG Card versions
Qumulox - MTG Card versions
Hoverguard Sweepers - MTG Card versions
Greater Morphling - MTG Card versions
Tidespout Tyrant - MTG Card versions
Slipstream Serpent - MTG Card versions
Maelstrom Djinn - MTG Card versions
Kederekt Leviathan - MTG Card versions
Stormtide Leviathan - MTG Card versions
Trench Gorger - MTG Card versions
Tidal Force - MTG Card versions
Elder Deep-Fiend - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: When Lorthos the Tidemaker swings into play, it demands immediate attention. If it connects with an opponent, Lorthos has the potential to take control of the game by seizing their lands or key permanents, preventing them from executing their strategy effectively. This tactical advantage often translates into card advantage, as neutralizing your opponent’s resources can be just as powerful as drawing cards.

Resource Acceleration: Although Lorthos does not directly provide resource acceleration, its presence can indirectly affect resource dynamics on the board. By locking down an opponent’s lands or mana-producing creatures, Lorthos can effectively accelerate your advantage by slowing down others. Controlling the pace of the game allows for strategic setup, forcing opponents to deal with your threats instead of developing their own.

Instant Speed: While Lorthos the Tidemaker itself doesn’t have abilities that function at instant speed, its threat level encourages players to keep mana open. Post-deployment of Lorthos, opponents often have to adjust their plays and hold instant-speed answers to anticipate its attacks. This reactive playstyle imposed on your adversaries can often work in your favor, allowing you to dictate the tempo of the match.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Though Lorthos the Tidemaker does not have a discard requirement itself, it does often necessitate sizable hand resources to effectively utilize its abilities. This can lead to situations where you’re forced to discard other valuable cards to maintain control of the board.

Specific Mana Cost: Lorthos comes with a specific mana requirement comprising a significant amount of blue mana symbols in its cost. This makes it a card that can only be efficiently played in mono-blue or heavily blue-focused decks, potentially limiting its versatility in a varied MTG meta.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Clocking in at eight mana, Lorthos the Tidemaker is a substantial investment in terms of resources. While its effect of tapping down potential threats can be game-changing, its high mana cost means it comes into play later in the game, and players must survive early game aggression without its presence on the board.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Lorthos the Tidemaker shines in Commander decks as it allows for control over opponents’ permanents, aligning with a variety of strategies that aim to dictate the pace of the game.

Combo Potential: When combined with cards that untap creatures or prolong turns, Lorthos’s ability can be exploited to lock down an opponent’s resources, carving a path for your victory.

Meta-Relevance: In a format where large, impactful creatures can turn the tide, Lorthos serves as a formidable threat. Its ability to neutralize potential blockers or key combo pieces of opponents makes it a valuable addition in a constantly evolving meta-game.


How to beat

Lorthos the Tidemaker presents a formidable presence in the deep-strategy game of Magic: The Gathering. This octopus legend makes waves with its potential to lock down numerous permanents, rendering an opponent’s battlefield nearly inoperative. When Lorthos swings, its eight-tentacle tap-down can quickly turn the tides in your opponent’s favor.

Defeating Lorthos requires a twofold strategy: prevention and elimination. Keeping mana open for counterspells helps disrupt its casting, while board wipes clear the path after its landing. Quick removal spells like Path to Exile or Rapid Hybridization provide a cost-effective means to address this sea monster without sinking your mana pool. In multiplayer formats, diplomacy can also be key, pooling threats with others may coerce a Lorthos controller to think twice before unleashing its oceanic onslaught.

So, while Lorthos the Tidemaker has the power to dominate the seas of MTG, strategic planning and the right mix of spells can ensure that this leviathan leads to a player’s downfall rather than their dominion. Having a game plan for robust creatures like Lorthos in your deck or strategy can very much be the difference between sinking or swimming in the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

As we submerge ourselves into the depths of MTG, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of Lorthos the Tidemaker is crucial. This sea giant can dictate the flow of battle, tapping into the power of the ocean to control the board. Its high mana cost and specific blue requirement may pose challenges, however, its ability to create an advantage through board manipulation is unmatched. For those commanding the helm of a blue-focused or Commander deck, including Lorthos could ensure you have the upper hand. Consider the potential, measure your strategy, and you might just reel in triumph with this tidal force in your deck. Dive into our full guide to master the wake of Lorthos’s power.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Lorthos, the Tidemaker MTG card by a specific set like Zendikar and Commander 2014, 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 Lorthos, the Tidemaker and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Lorthos, the Tidemaker Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2009-10-02 and 2023-08-04. Illustrated by Kekai Kotaki.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12009-10-02ZendikarZEN 532003NormalBlackKekai Kotaki
22014-11-07Commander 2014C14 1172015NormalBlackKekai Kotaki
32020-09-26The ListPLST ZEN-532003NormalBlackKekai Kotaki
42023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 1032015NormalBlackKekai Kotaki
52023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 4902015NormalBlackKekai Kotaki

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Lorthos, the Tidemaker has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2009-10-01 If a targeted permanent is untapped at the time its controller’s next untap step begins, this ability has no effect on it. It won’t apply at some later time when the targeted permanent is tapped.
2009-10-01 If an affected permanent changes controllers before its old controller’s next untap step, this ability will prevent it from being untapped during its new controller’s next untap step.
2009-10-01 You may target any eight (or fewer) permanents. It’s okay if any of them are already tapped, and it’s okay if any of them are controlled by someone other than the defending player.