Ochran Assassin MTG Card


Forces multiple blockers, acting like a removal spell during combat. Can enable aggressive strategies by clearing opponents’ creatures. Flexible in combat and beneficial with instant spells for control.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Elf Assassin
Abilities Deathtouch
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

Deathtouch All creatures able to block Ochran Assassin do so.

"The dagger is just the distraction. I carry the real killer in a vial at my side."


Cards like Ochran Assassin

Ochran Assassin is a distinctive card that brings its own flair to the board in MTG. It holds similarities with other creatures that force an opponent to block, such as Taunting Elf. Where Ochran Assassin stands out is in its deathtouch ability, ensuring that any creature blocking it is destroyed. In contrast, Taunting Elf lacks that deadly feature but still ensures that creatures can’t avoid blocking it.

Engaging with another analogue, we encounter Lure. This card, when attached to a creature, compels all opposing creatures to block it, akin to Ochran Assassin’s effect. However, Lure is an aura that can be placed on any creature, offering strategic flexibility, unlike our assassin which is a creature itself. Deathtouch isn’t an inherent trait of Lure, so the comparison hinges on the creatures it’s paired with.

When evaluating utility and tactical advantages, Ochran Assassin presents a unique package. It effectively neutralizes a multitude of threats with one fell swoop, all while providing an avenue for your other creatures to attack unimpeded. This assassin is not just about laying traps; it’s about seizing control of the battlefield in MTG with cunning precision.

Taunting Elf - MTG Card versions
Lure - MTG Card versions
Taunting Elf - MTG Card versions
Lure - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Ochran Assassin by color, type and mana cost

Harald, King of Skemfar - MTG Card versions
Grakmaw, Skyclave Ravager - MTG Card versions
Chatterfang, Squirrel General - MTG Card versions
Shambling Shell - MTG Card versions
Wormwood Dryad - MTG Card versions
Stalker Hag - MTG Card versions
Hag Hedge-Mage - MTG Card versions
Quillspike - MTG Card versions
Glissa, the Traitor - MTG Card versions
Stonefare Crocodile - MTG Card versions
Dreg Mangler - MTG Card versions
Varolz, the Scar-Striped - MTG Card versions
Quagmire Druid - MTG Card versions
Catacomb Sifter - MTG Card versions
Autumnal Gloom // Ancient of the Equinox - MTG Card versions
Shaman of the Pack - MTG Card versions
Mournwillow - MTG Card versions
Reyhan, Last of the Abzan - MTG Card versions
Charnel Troll - MTG Card versions
Pitiless Gorgon - MTG Card versions
Harald, King of Skemfar - MTG Card versions
Grakmaw, Skyclave Ravager - MTG Card versions
Chatterfang, Squirrel General - MTG Card versions
Shambling Shell - MTG Card versions
Wormwood Dryad - MTG Card versions
Stalker Hag - MTG Card versions
Hag Hedge-Mage - MTG Card versions
Quillspike - MTG Card versions
Glissa, the Traitor - MTG Card versions
Stonefare Crocodile - MTG Card versions
Dreg Mangler - MTG Card versions
Varolz, the Scar-Striped - MTG Card versions
Quagmire Druid - MTG Card versions
Catacomb Sifter - MTG Card versions
Autumnal Gloom // Ancient of the Equinox - MTG Card versions
Shaman of the Pack - MTG Card versions
Mournwillow - MTG Card versions
Reyhan, Last of the Abzan - MTG Card versions
Charnel Troll - MTG Card versions
Pitiless Gorgon - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Deploying Ochran Assassin onto the battlefield can offer a unique form of card advantage. With its ability to force multiple creatures to block it, the Ochran Assassin often creates favorable combat scenarios, effectively acting as a removal spell that can potentially clear out several of an opponent’s creatures with a single combat phase.

Resource Acceleration: Although Ochran Assassin doesn’t directly accelerate your mana resources, it serves as a strategic play that can disrupt your opponent’s board presence. By attacking with the Assassin and triggering its ability, the path is cleared for your other creatures to attack with less fear of reprisal, allowing for more aggressive resource deployment in subsequent turns.

Instant Speed: While Ochran Assassin itself isn’t an instant, the flexibility it offers in combat pairs well with instant speed spells. The mere presence of an Ochran Assassin can deter opponents from attacking or incentivize them to overcommit on their turn, which an astute player can capitalize on using instant speed removal or combat tricks to further tilt the combat phase in their favor.


Card Cons

Specific Mana Cost: Ochran Assassin’s casting cost requires both green and black mana which ties it closely to Golgari decks. This specificity can be constraining for players seeking to integrate it into multicolored or other two-color combinations that don’t include these colors.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For its abilities, Ochran Assassin may be considered to have a high mana cost. Three mana, one of which is multicolored, might be too steep for the effect it provides, especially when there are other creatures that might perform similar battlefield roles for less mana.

Discard Requirement: While not a direct discard requirement, Ochran Assassin can put players in a situation where they might have to choose between keeping it on the field or playing more impactful cards in the early game—contributing to a form of indirect discard dilemma due to mana constraints.


Reasons to Include Ochran Assassin in Your Collection

Versatility: Ochran Assassin is a flexible card that can be slotted into various decks. Its ability to force each creature your opponent controls to block it if able makes it a versatile tool for disrupting enemy formations and creating favorable combat scenarios.

Combo Potential: This card works wonders in combinations, pairing well with effects that trigger upon creatures dying or dealing damage. It can single-handedly enable mass removal-like conditions when used with deathtouch boosters or board-wiping spells, clearing the way for a decisive victory.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment that’s creature-heavy or where board states become cluttered, Ochran Assassin shines by opening paths for your larger threats. It holds its ground, especially when the game’s pace slows, and setting up a board advantage becomes critical for winning.


How to beat

Ochran Assassin stands out in Magic: The Gathering as an unassuming yet potent creature card capable of forcing a player’s entire army into unwanted combat. With its deathtouch ability, it can become a pesky obstacle, taking down any number of blockers if not handled correctly. This can shift the board state drastically in your opponent’s favor and lead to potential game-winning scenarios.

Countering this card requires strategic planning, prioritizing removal spells or abilities that can bypass its lethal combat engagement. Using instant-speed spells like Path to Exile or Murder can eliminate the Ochran Assassin without entering the combat phase. From the green spectrum, a card such as Prey Upon can have your creature tackle the Assassin before it declares an attack, thus preserving your army. Additionally, employing creatures with hexproof or shroud denies the possibility for the Assassin to lock in combat, maintaining a line of defense against its forceful attack strategy.

Understanding the threat of Ochran Assassin helps players prepare accordingly. With appropriate measures in place, this crafty creature becomes less daunting to handle, ensuring the momentum of the game stays within your grasp.


BurnMana Recommendations

Delving into the strategic nuances of MTG can significantly enhance your gameplay, especially with cards like Ochran Assassin. Its ability to skew combat in your favor brings a tactical edge, demanding smart deck synergy and battlefield awareness. Should you aim to exploit its disruptiveness or seek ways to counter its threats, there’s much to learn and employ. Join our community where we share insights, strategy breakdowns, and deck-building tips to refine your plays. Master the plays of Ochran Assassin and other unique cards—take your MTG experience to new heights with BurnMana.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ochran Assassin MTG card by a specific set like Guilds of Ravnica and Mystery Booster, 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 Ochran Assassin and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Ochran Assassin Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2018-10-05 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Anna Steinbauer.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12018-10-05Guilds of RavnicaGRN 1942015NormalBlackAnna Steinbauer
22019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 14622015NormalBlackAnna Steinbauer
32020-09-26The ListPLST GRN-1942015NormalBlackAnna Steinbauer

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Ochran Assassin has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2018-10-05 If a creature the defending player controls can’t block Ochran Assassin for any reason (such as being tapped), then it doesn’t block Ochran Assassin. If there’s a cost associated with having a creature block Ochran Assassin, the defending player isn’t forced to pay that cost, so it doesn’t have to block in that case either.
2018-10-05 Remember that a source with deathtouch must deal damage to a creature for that creature to be destroyed. If five creatures block Ochran Assassin while its power is still 1, only one of them (of Ochran Assassin’s controller’s choice) will be the one dealt damage and destroyed. You’ll have to raise Ochran Assassin’s power to destroy more than one creature.