Courtesy of Wizards of the Coast (WotC), one of Magic’s most recognizable Elementals returns in Zendikar Rising sporting a fourth color — Omnath, Locus of Creation!
Over the years, we’ve watched Omnath steadily grow and gain more colors — from mono-green (Omnath, Locus of Mana) to Gruul (Omnath, Locus of Rage) and finally to Temur in its latest version in Core Set 2020 (Omnath, Locus of Creation). In Zendikar Rising, we welcome back the fan-favorite Elemental, who has once again acquired another color — white.
A four mana 4/4, Omnath, Locus of Creation has normal stats for a four-mana creature in 2020 and even draws a card upon entering the battlefield. But where the magic really happens, however, is with its landfall trigger.
Landfall – Whenever a land enters the battlefield under your control, you gain 4 life if this is the first time this ability has resolved this turn. If it’s the second time, add RGWU. If it’s the third time, Omnath deals 4 damage to each opponent and each planeswalker you don’t control.
Whew, there’s a lot going on here.
Gaining four life is a nice bonus for making your normal land drop, but Omnath really shines when you’re able to get two and three lands on the battlefield in the same turn. Cards like Uro, Titan of Nature’s Wrath, Growth Spiral, Explore, Hour of Promise, and other popular ramp spells make getting those extra landfall triggers especially easy.
Also important to note, Omnath’s landfall ability can be triggered on the opponents turn as well. While much more situational, instant-speed ramp spells such as Growth Spiral, or even a forced Settle the Wreckage, allow you to take even further advantage of Omnath’s ability outside of your turn.
