Magic: The Gathering is a vast and intricate game with a multitude of cards, each with its unique abilities and playstyles. Among the many legendary creatures in the game, one stands out for its sheer versatility and adaptability: Orvar, the All-Form. This enigmatic creature has been a topic of interest for many players, and in this article, we will delve into its history, abilities, and impact on the game.
What is Orvar, the All-Form?
Orvar, the All-Form is a legendary creature card from the Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths set, released in 2020. Its mana cost is 2 colorless and 1 generic mana, making it relatively affordable for a legendary creature. Orvar's ability allows it to copy the shape and form of any creature on the battlefield, essentially becoming a perfect replica of that creature.
How Does Orvar's Ability Work?
Orvar's ability is a triggered ability that occurs when it enters the battlefield or when a creature is cast. When this happens, Orvar can copy the shape and form of any creature on the battlefield, including its power, toughness, abilities, and even its name. This means that Orvar can become a 10/10 trampling behemoth or a 1/1 flying creature, depending on the creature it copies.
Orvar's ability also allows it to copy the creature's abilities, including its activated and triggered abilities. However, Orvar does not copy the creature's loyalty abilities, making it an excellent choice for copying planeswalkers.
Benefits of Playing Orvar, the All-Form
Orvar's versatility and adaptability make it an excellent addition to any deck. Here are some benefits of playing Orvar:
- Flexibility: Orvar can copy any creature on the battlefield, making it an excellent choice for adapting to different board states.
- Surprise Factor: Orvar's ability to copy creatures can catch opponents off guard, allowing for unexpected plays and counter-plays.
- Card Advantage: Orvar can copy creatures with powerful abilities, effectively giving you access to additional cards and abilities.
- Value: Orvar's ability to copy creatures makes it an excellent value play, especially in longer games.
Deck-Building Strategies for Orvar, the All-Form
When building a deck around Orvar, it's essential to consider the following strategies:
- Creature Selection: Choose creatures with powerful abilities and high power/toughness ratios to maximize Orvar's potential.
- Synergy: Look for creatures that synergize well with Orvar, such as creatures with abilities that trigger when a creature is cast.
- Ramp: Include ramp spells and creatures to accelerate Orvar's mana cost and get it onto the battlefield quickly.
- Protection: Include protection spells and creatures to safeguard Orvar from removal and counter-magic.
Common Playstyles for Orvar, the All-Form
Orvar can be played in various deck archetypes, including:
- Combo Decks: Orvar can be paired with combo pieces to create a powerful and explosive combo.
- Control Decks: Orvar can be used to copy creatures with removal abilities, allowing for more effective control and removal.
- Midrange Decks: Orvar can be used to copy creatures with moderate power and toughness, allowing for a balanced midrange strategy.
- Pioneer Decks: Orvar can be used to copy creatures with powerful abilities, allowing for a more aggressive and explosive pioneer strategy.
Notable Interactions with Orvar, the All-Form
Orvar interacts with several cards in Magic: The Gathering, including:
- Vorinclex, Voice of Hunger: Orvar can copy Vorinclex's ability, effectively giving you access to additional food tokens.
- Etali, Primal Storm: Orvar can copy Etali's ability, effectively giving you access to additional card draw and damage.
- Hydra Omnivore: Orvar can copy Hydra Omnivore's ability, effectively giving you access to additional trample and power.
Conclusion
Orvar, the All-Form is a powerful and versatile legendary creature that can be played in various deck archetypes. Its ability to copy creatures makes it an excellent choice for adapting to different board states and creating unexpected plays. By understanding Orvar's abilities and interactions, players can unlock its full potential and create powerful and competitive decks.
What do you think about Orvar, the All-Form? Share your thoughts and experiences with this legendary creature in the comments below! Don't forget to like and share this article with your fellow Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts!
What is Orvar, the All-Form's mana cost?
+Orvar, the All-Form's mana cost is 2 colorless and 1 generic mana.
Can Orvar copy a planeswalker's loyalty abilities?
+No, Orvar does not copy a planeswalker's loyalty abilities.
Can Orvar be played in a Pioneer deck?
+