Certainly a good card for any aggro deck, but certainly not worth the $30 price tag people seem to be throwing on it. I'd rather trade for Tezzeret or Elspeth.
Bezman
★★★☆☆ (3.3/5.0)(7 votes)
The +1 effect is incredible when on the offensive and I can't imagine many recovering from the 5 dragons, short of a board-sweeping spell.
If I had them, I'd put four in pretty much any RG deck.
Unfortunately, Magic will always have great cards at rare - making constructed at least partially a matter of having more funds. This is certainly one.
RJDroid
★★★☆☆ (3.5/5.0)(14 votes)
When I first saw this card spoiled, my train of thought went thusly:
Fires of Yavimaya for a turn, nice.
Threaten (or whatever the card is that has Sark's second effect) at least twice, not bad.
Five 4/4 dragons into play........ HOLY BEAN CURD! I believe my Timmy just had a heart attack out of sheer joy.
If I ever get my hands him during a booster draft, he stays mine! Then, when I get home, I throw him in every RG deck I have.
Eclir
★☆☆☆☆ (1.6/5.0)(8 votes)
I think that the magic of Sarkhan Vol is that him three abilitys are good, agresive and broken, the first is BANG!!!, all my creatures +1+1 and haste and gain a loyaty counter, good especialy in agroo deck's, Second is control for the oponent in any case you said "come on play your best crature and he kill you in my turn", thats good, and the last one, I just can said "lets get start the count down".
Yeah dosn't win the game alony, but he is really, really dangerous.
Bueno en mi opinion la magia de Sarkhan Vol es que sus 3 habilidades son realmente buenas, veamos la primera: por fortificar a a nuestro caminante le damos +1+1 a todas nuestras criaturas y prisa, lo cual es mortal en un buen deck Agroo, la segunda es una muy buena manera para controlar el juego de el oponete y que pues si baja algo realmente bueno terminara matandolo °-°, y la ultima habilidad, pues simple sencillamente es la cuenta regresiva para la partida.
Claro que no gana solo el juego, pero es muy, muy peligroso.
Hello to everybody!!!.
Saludos a todos!!!.
Eclir.7
Dilleux_Lepaire
★☆☆☆☆ (1.3/5.0)(3 votes)
Sarkhan is one of my favorite planeswalker, along with vengeant and elspeth. It prevents opponents from playing big creatures (unless they want to get beaten by those), acts like a glorious anthem who gives haste, and drops dragons eventually. I've got one, and no one's touching it. He's really good.
Gruul_Treefolk
★★★★☆ (4.6/5.0)(60 votes)
Sarkhan was a man, no wait he was a Dragon man!
matthew93
★☆☆☆☆ (1.8/5.0)(2 votes)
Got one in an intro pack
it is devastating along with mycoloth and other jund cards.
ALEXRyugami
★☆☆☆☆ (1.5/5.0)(2 votes)
This guy is really really awesome!
AshlingThePilgrim
★☆☆☆☆ (1.8/5.0)(2 votes)
I recently got him in a shards pack, and went crazy and I quickly put him in my Jund Shard deck. Just like Garruk all three of his abilities are handy, +1/+1 and haste for all creatures until end of turn, "borrowing" a creature for a turn and five 4/4 dragon tokens with flying make this guy fantasic in any R/G or Jund Shard deck.
FreakyM
★★★★☆ (4.1/5.0)(8 votes)
Hands down THE coolest planeswalker, especially flavor-wise. I mean, all he wants is to find the biggest, baddest dragon out there, so he can WORSHIP it.
toxicplatypus
★★☆☆☆ (2.2/5.0)(6 votes)
unequivocally the chuck norris of the plainswalkers....it would have been garruk but he went down like a punk. The beard helps this line of thought, as it proves his sheer manliness, and lest we forget he fights dragons with his bare hands.
Fire_hive
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.6/5.0)(8 votes)
soooo, so broken. I give it a five because it is an incredible card, but its not a clever card. It has no flavor its just powerful. You put it out and 3 turns later... DRAGONS. A card this broken will most likely be restricted or banned in tornament play.
mrywkoob
★★☆☆☆ (2.1/5.0)(6 votes)
Sarkhan is good, but he is not worth his price - how is he worth as much as Elspeth and more than Garruk?!?
BrimandVormay
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.7/5.0)(7 votes)
as far as planeswalkers go, this guy has no flavor, he has no taste, he's weak. his effect of bringing in red dragons is pretty cool, but take that in stride with the fact that THAT is his finisher and it's just disappointing. i mean, most planeswalkers cripple the opponent when they do their final effect, virtually giving you the game, but this guy just brings out a minor inconvenience. i mean, when i played him i just used the cumber stone to make all the fuss about him pointless, especially with the ever amazing broodstar on the field. they went wrong when they made this guy
snakeform_lol
★★☆☆☆ (2.3/5.0)(12 votes)
This guy just is BFFs with Doubling Season. for 10 4/4 dragons? You bet.
PhageRules1
★☆☆☆☆ (1.2/5.0)(3 votes)
Easily the most underrated planeswalker. I'm not sure why he never seems to see play. I mean, apart from the fact that aggro decks in Standard are virtually nonexistent at present. *sadface*
trancebam
★★☆☆☆ (2.1/5.0)(4 votes)
@mrywkoob: First off, he has the same cmc as Garruk. Secondly, he and Garruk have amazing synergy. Untap two lands to put out a fatty, then give it +1/+1 and haste? Even putting Chandra in with them won't hurt, considering she can wipe your opponents board clean in 3 turns usually. Deal 10 damage to your opponent and all of his/her creatures, give all of yours +4/+4 trample and haste? Chances are you just won the game.
Elven_planeswalker
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
sarkan is good for an offensive deck. his +1 ability doesnt keep counters on permanents though, so it has to be used continually for lasting effects. His second ability is pretty good, taking a creature to attack with it, but your opponent will still be able to use it on their turn, so if they have good defense, there isnt a point in taking a creature. His last ability is what i call "hey opponent, im gonna make this game one sided right now." Getting the dragons out will almost definately end the game, and fast. the only problem, is that his last ability takes a while to get to, which means time for your opponent to do something about sarkan, but all in all, great card.
Westin
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.5/5.0)(3 votes)
Awesome card, but as usual (and as should be) unless he's got some protection in your deck, he's just as easy to take out as that 4/4 creature you've got sitting there on the field. I'm not sure why somebody complained that he's not worth the money that Elspeth is worth, heck, you can pick up this guy for about 2 bucks on ebay for 4 of them. That's pretty darn cheap if you ask me.
WitcherRage
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.7/5.0)(5 votes)
i dont think that 5 dragons are sooo good for jund naya and bant they are nothing :) its really unnecessary first ability is ... too, -2 it can do it 2 times for 4 mana when treaten can do once for 3 thats only good thing in him
psychguy
★★★☆☆ (3.8/5.0)(6 votes)
This card relies heavily on creatures, there are other specialty planeswalkers but this one relies a deck to be built around him. He is good but I just feel like he doesn't have the versatility of the others.
Elfie
★★☆☆☆ (2.7/5.0)(3 votes)
i dont see why so many people hate this card. This is a finisher in my Jund/dragon deck. Great with crucible of fire. but its problem is that it is not a card that takes down your opponent, it just powers you up.
Ciper
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
1st ability nice for getting your strong creatures to attack on the turn they come out.
2nd ability pair it up with a Scarland Thrinax and you'll be able to hit them with their own creatures and sac it to Scar thrinax so they can't get it back and you get to buff up one of your own creatures for it. or just pair it up with any sac engine.
3rd I would have to say is fairly awesome pair it up with the crucible of fire like the post said before me and you can start swinging with some 7/7 dragons on the next turn.
You can even drop another Sarkhan after you use the last ability (assuming the last ability takes all his loyality counters) to use its first ability to have them swing on the turn you get them as 5/5's
MasterOfEtherium
★☆☆☆☆ (1.4/5.0)(5 votes)
This Guy Is Awesome Free Threaten And they I Bone Splinters LOL Plus Hes Better Then Elspeth Cuz Shes A *** You To Jace
ChaoticNature
★★★★☆ (4.2/5.0)(12 votes)
From what people seem to be saying, this is the most underrated Planeswalker. Consider this - in a format without Wrath of God, how is your opponent going to realistically deal with FIVE 4/4 flyers, should you get the ability off? Short answer: they're not. And it only has to go unscathed for TWO of your opponent's turns. That's FAR more practical than pulling Elspeth's ultimate. The point is: it won't always happen, but it most certainly CAN.
What actually makes it playable though in a R/G aggro is the second ability. Just the fact that if they don't kill him, you can do it TWICE with only a mana investment of 4. The first ability probably IS one of the weaker +1 abilities among the Planeswalkers, but it's far from useless in the R/G aggro build that this guy should ALWAYS be present in.
grundledib
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.5/5.0)(2 votes)
"Creatures you control get +1/+1 and gain haste until end of turn" Am I right in thinking that the wording makes the +1/+1 permanent?
Surely if it were meant not to be permanent it would say something along the lines of "Until end of turn, creatures you control gain haste and get +1/+1"?
Or am I just being hopelessly optimistic?
Controllerofminds
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
It is certainly a good card, but Gather Specimens will ruin your celebration of having 5 dragons.
skoll92
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
when properly combined with a certain little ouphe the "ultimate" can be utilized immediately. so frankly this is a potencially dangerous card, and if your lucky enough you can do it twice.
Danjen
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
@grundledib - If it were permanent, they would utilize +1/+1 counters.
Designer_Genes
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
If his -2 was a -1, he'd be very playable.
adamphetamine
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
@donovan, yeah you are wrong about sarkan vol chaning ajani G into ajani V. its been stated by wizards in one of their articles that ajani V is when he was young and immature and out for vengeance for his brothers death, and ajani G is once he accepts himself and is at peace. so yeah just saying your wrong.
darkfury
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
wonder if he and chandra will team up? if so, means the other planeswalker in worldwake is new crazy sarkhan
JarathWulfenstein
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
First ability + Warp World = :D
BrilliantIdiot
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
*runs screaming through the comments section* Doubling Seasons! lolololol
In all seriousness, his second ability is seriously underplayed, people always talk about his boost or mainly the dragons, but I've found borrowing a creature (especially when Devour was hot) to be surprisingly useful.
Diachronos
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
I think his second ability looks decent.
Second ability's great with Grab the Reins. Getting both effects without having to pay the Entwine cost.
Gezus82
★★★☆☆ (3.2/5.0)(5 votes)
My favorite planeswalker and favorite card. this guy is full of flavor (unlike previous comments state) with the rage he creates in others and the ability to call dragons. (that doesn't really need explaining) he is also the most badass of the planeswalkers, slightly topping Ajani V, both for flavor and because all three of his abilities are ridiculously aggressive. and because he's RG,
he is also one of the most useful planeswalkers along with garruk, as all of his abilities are useful and his final is close enough to his starting loyalty to be able to use it consistently.
One thing people have said to criticize him is that his abilities rely on creatures. well so does the game of Magic. sure there are a few decks that don't use creatures and he wouldn't be that useful in those decks, just like he wouldn't be very useful in a control deck. But don't criticize a card just because it doesn't work in every situation. I don't hear anyone complaining about tezzeret because he only works with artifacts.
Of the plneswalkers I have used (garruk, liliana, jace, Sarkhan, Nissa) only nissa compares, and though she is helpful she is nowhere near the game winner that sarkhan is. He almost always wins the game for me when he comes into play, and i don't normally get his dragons, not because he is stopped but because I win the game before I can. The only problem I have is that when I get the dragons I want to use his first ability to give them haste. the pumping isn't even necessary as their combined power is a very nice even 20.
so lets look over his abilities again.
#1: anyone who doesn't recognize how good a +1/+1 bonus is has never played with or against honor of the pure. and haste in an aggressive creature deck is incredibly helpful.
#2 act of treason on something with a CMC of 4 is already great, act of treason on something with a CMC of 4 that can be easily played alongside scarland thyranax, devour cards, or if you wana get creative, brion stoutarm is incredible.
#3 sure the dragons aren't as flashy as bringing all creatures back or destroying all your enemies lands, but they have the same effect of winning you the game. I mentioned how their combined power is a very nice 20. I also find them more useful than some others. Like take Ajani V, killing all my lands won't matter if I have my dragons out, and espath's indestructibility won't help if I can just fly over and deal lethal damage. It is also much easier to activate than any other save garruk, and I would have to go for getting a bunch of dragons over copying an uncommon overrun. and the argument that they can be mass cleared is irrelevant, it's like saying that any creature is bad because it can be terminated. You need to judge things on their merits not because they can be countered, since in the game of magic there is a solution to everything. The best way to deal with these is maelstrom pulse, yet I accept that someone who is willing to shell out $100+ on a card is going to beat me.
So overall, a great card, though not necessarily the best it's my pick for the most fun and one of the most useful. 5/5 (despite his name probably being the most difficult to spell)
can't wait for the new mad Sarkhan to come out (and hoping I can get one and they don't cost like $50)
HairlessThoctar
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
While it's almost certain this guy doesn't get played much due to his inability to protect himself properly (much better off than Liliana Vess, though), I really think this guy could make for an amazing sideboard card at the very least.
YOINK, thanks for the Baneslayer~
re4leonkennedy
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
One of my favorite planeswalkers. Starts out with 4 loyalty for 4 CMC, powers up monsters, and has an easily obtainable and devastating -6 effect. Works great with my red/green ally deck.
U-caster
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
Solid.
Donovan_Fabian
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
I rofl at the people who nay say about this card and its apparent lack of flavor. Those of you that pay no attention to the story.. sarkahn vol both summons and worships dragons, he has the power to inspire rage in others, which partially lead to ajani becomming ajani vengeant. Secondly, his abilities are of course really fantastic. Personally, I find chandra to be the best, because she can tackle other planeswalkers and her ultimate can also fry other planeswalkers and anything they put out on the field instantly within only 2 turns and she is an emergency burn spell with her x cost. Sarkhan vol's best ability on the other hand is his first one, giving haste every turn and a power boost to every creature you play.
The question of how to answer the dragons? Well we do have day of judgement now, in extended there's still wrath of god, damnation, austere command. Also, lavalanche can be played for 4 about the same time that you can put out your dragons. There's still gather specimens, and of course your opponent could also match your dragons with broodmate dragons or karrthus or etc, as well as being less helpful against decks with lots of lifelink since they will be far above 20 by that point.
@skoll, yes we are all very familiar with the gilder bairn, but frankly thats a lot more set up than a doubling season. You have to find a way to tap your gilder bairn without it dying in order to use its ability, and most people don't want to take up creature space with it since it has no other useful qualities.
@adamphetamine, umm no you're wrong, in fact you can see the whole thing at wizards.com under webcomics, ajani's first planeswalk is to jund after jazal is killed by a nicol bolas trick, where he meets sarkhan, and sarkhan introduces him to red "rage" mana at the "boiling cauldron" lava pool which is where he changes from white to red/white, he later becomes ajani goldmane after absorbing a piece of the mana from the maelstrom and he never really comes to peace with himself which is why he planeswalks away from naya after sorta killing bolas (he disappears in a flash of light battling an ethereal self anyways). There is no previous non planeswalker ajani, and thats maybe why you are getting confused, he was a white mana shaman'esque nacatl who could strengthen others before he became a planeswalker and went white/red, compared to nicol bolas who started as a creature card. If you're going to argue about it at least check your facts first.
PEVE_O
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
or Maybe he was just a Dragon, but he was still Sarkhan!
MDStrawHat
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
Gotta love the name. Sounds so badass
Catmurderer
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
He actually combos well with Bazaar Trader. Use his 2nd ability then have Bazaar Trader give control of the creature to yourself.
(Of course this also works well with mark of mutiny and act of treason...)
Selez
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
This card should really see some play in Standard. Jund is already the most common archetype, due to its power level. This card should give it yet another boost. Work out what to take out for it, but please, give Sarkhan the love he deserves.
ExDynames
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
This card is great in RG aggro decks. Giving any creature who doesn't have haste haste, and giving everyone a boost. a free act of treason, and FIVE 4/4 DRAGONS!?!?!
can i get a hell yeah?!
Although there are better walkers out there, this is still my favorite.
GooberSnotpants
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
any one else notice you can kill him to put in 20 power worth of dragons, then play his reincarnated form from WWK to nuke your opponent?
murder100
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
New Sarkhan comming out in RoE but I don't like it
da-odd-templar
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
Sarkhan the Mad doesn't have very good synergy with this guy...they both have the same type, Sarhkhan, so they would both die when they both ended up in play. Legend rule.
Scar_Pa
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
Why is he partly green, can someone explain that?
sarroth
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
@Scar_Pa: Obviously he is GR because he is Jund, but flavor-wise the +1/+1 of his first ability is more often a green ability and the ultimate could easily be green if the creatures weren't dragons. Plus Wizards probably didn't think he would fit flavorwise as a mono-red planeswalker, and I'd agree.
Sarkhan is one of my favorite planeswalkers, even more so with his unique second version. I prefer the planeswalkers that complement a deck rather than rule it, and he definitely fits that. Probably why he doesn't see play as much.
NeoSin
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
Cant wait for Sarkhan the Mad, the two will have incredibly Synergy with each other. @Da-odd-Templar Thats why you play Sarkhan Vol first, use his ultimate and kill him off, THEN use Sarkhan the Mad....duh? Im sorry to sound like an ass, but did you think before you posted that?
jund619
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
Five (4/4) dragons lose exactly 20 life to the opponent . WOW
Nate_Prawdzik
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
Curves perfectly with Siege-Gang Commander on the turn right after your opponent's Day of Judgement.
Faust-The-Desolate
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.5/5.0)(1 vote)
Pull him out turn 3, add a counter turn 3 and four, summon dragons turn 5, game turn 6.
Ha, trying recovering from 5 4/4 flyers
Jonnythekid107
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
@Gruul_Treefolk: Trogdor reference! Beautiful. And it's totally true. Love this card too, but I like his Mad version slightly more.
Test-Subject_217601
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
It'd be funny to use him in conjunction with the other version of him(Sarkhan the Mad). Use his first ability twice, then use his third ability which nets you 5 4/4 dragons and gets rid if Sarkhan so he doesn't kill his other self. Play Sarkhan the Mad and use his third ability, you win.
JaxsonBateman
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
Sarkhan's always been good, without being overly great. However, in a more casual setting he can be cause for some insane board presence changes. I was recently playing a 3 player free for all, with one opponent having a few things out, but seemingly having a fairly week position (they had a Goblin Assault, Doubling Season and Rings of Brighthearth). On their turn, they play Sarkhan Vol, coming in with 8 counters thanks to Doubling Season. They activate his ultimate, copy it, and end up putting out 20 4/4 flying dragons. Even with just the Doubling Season it would've been 10 dragons. 80 points of power that can potentially swing for 100 on the next turn is just ridiculous.
Blackworm_Bloodworm
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
@sarroth: Actually if you do a bit of research, you'll see that all of his abilites are red (Haste, Threaten, Red flying dragons), which makes sense since Jund is the red shard. I like that he is part green though, it gives me the right to say I have a PW in my colors.
I'm not a fan of dragons, but I know full well how powerful Sarkhan is. Every situation I've used his ultimate in ended in a win. I can't wait to see another planeswalker! (Hopefully someday we'll see hybrid planeswakers)
KingRusty
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
If you run an aggro Dragon deck this dude is king.
Aburaishi
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
@trancebam; If you get three planeswalkers out and manage to use even one of their ultimates, you should stop playing 5 year olds. I don't care what 3 'walkers you have, all three at once'll win you the game in almost any context.
This is the kind of planeswalker (and, in fact, mythic) I like the best anyways, in that he does largely need a deck built around him, or at least needs to be put in a certain kind of deck, to be used to his full potential. His ultimate may be less instantly devastating than Jace Beleren's, but he also gets it on turn 6 on a good day. Good card.
Anywho, this is balls with Doubling Season for the ultimate. Plus, I like the idea that you could crack this guy's ultimate, killing him, then play another copy and go +1 and rush with five 5/5 fliers with haste.
Bahamut0ne
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
Sad to see him so underused when he was in standard: i personally loved him. 1/1 and Haste replaced Bushwacker, the second ability answered Baneslayers (sorta), and as other have stated, clow out for ulti, play another one, 5 5/5 Haste Flyings :D
Tragico
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
The reason this hasn't seen widespread use at higher levels is his abilities are mostly dependent on the board state, and he doesn't protect himself very well.
The first ability wants creatures in play. You can build a RG aggro deck with this mind: +1/+1 and haste can really alter the math, but if you're swinging with multiple creatures, you're doing pretty good already - meaning it feels like a "win more" situation. Realistically, a RG aggro deck would have a hard time justifying this for the cost over another efficient creature or burn. He doesn't help you rebuild after a sweep effect, like Garruk does.
The second ability, Act of Treason, depends on your opponent having a creature in play, which you can't control. Don't get me wrong, it's great in casual Jund decks that can sacrifice creatures. I'm a fan of the effect.
His ultimate is the most intriguing, imo, because it represents lethal damage by itself and can go off two turns after Sarkhan enters play. It might seem counter-intuitive, but I'm surprised no one tried pulling off a control deck with this. Assuming you can protect him with counter-magic, he says "Suspend 3 - 2RG: Win the Game." (counting the turn for the dragons to attack). That seems pretty cool to me.
Sironos
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
Should have made him all red imo. I think planeswalkers should be mono coloured, since it kinda sux to open a booster with a planeswalker, and then having to make a certain colour schemed deck to even play it (just my personal opinion, I'm most of a mono player). Therefore, the planeswalker I hate the most is Nissa, I hate elves with a passion, I pulled her out of a booster, it was like a cruel joke. Planeswalkers should be able to fit into many different decks imo. I like that this guy is useful in most kinds of decks, but as said, I don't like the multi colour (my favourite planeswalker is Chanra nalaar, fits any deck with red). Oh well, I'm ranting, nice ælaneswalker, especially that ulti, 20 flying damage rox.
iSlapTrees
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
I believe this is a better card for Jund decks than Sarkhan the Mad
Thundergoose84
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
one time, i cast Sarkhan in my Dragon deck, because i had a large amount of dragons out already no one could touch him. After about six turns I used his big ability and brought out my 5 4/4's. Then I cast crucible of fire, this led me to doing about 40 points worth of damage to one opponent with all my dragon's combined, this is hands down my favorite planeswalker.
flare1122
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
By far one of my favorite planeswalkers. Been on the ropes a few times then this guy comes in when I have a doubling season and BAM 10 4/4 dragons next turn do his +1 and swing for 50 someone ***ed off the wrong planeswalker lol. Not to mention an act of treason was annoying enough now do it whenever you feel like it!? Have to say very badass. 5/5
JWalks82
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
Exactly what part of this is green? I like the card, but i don't see how it's Red/Green.
Creatures get +1/+1 and haste - effect similiar to Goblin Cheiftain, the red portion of Clout of the Dominus, and just the obvious Red and haste association.
Gain control of creature, gets haste, give it back - Act of Treason, and all the other similiar ones.
Put in the Dragons - obviously Red. There's 2 monogreen Dragons. There's over 40 monred Dragons.
So i like this card, i just wonder - where does the green come in??
Lyoncet
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
Anyone that can get off an ultimate that sexy after one untap of Gilder Bairn and live to do it again in a few turns is OK by me.
Silver1978
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
Forget about doubling season this card is the nuts in any deck. I think only Garruk Wildspeaker really is a better smash yo face planeswalker.
Kyzar
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
got the foil of this, it is glorious.
HPS
★★★★☆ (4.0/5.0)(2 votes)
If you're playing Legacy/Extended versions of Boros, Jund, or any decks with red in it and you still haven't used this card, then you're truly missing something.
land_comment
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
The only reason I like him is because of the flavor...
If you read the comics, this guy's abilities are totally portrayed in the card.
Plus, now he's $6. (or at least at my store)
divine_exodus
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
-6: Put 20 damage to the face on the battlefield.
Kezia
★★★★★ (5.0/5.0)(7 votes)
When all the land is in ruins
And burnination has forsaken the countryside
Only one guy will remain
My money's on
SARKHAN VOL!
TheWallinator74
★★★★★ (5.0/5.0)(3 votes)
As a player who mains a Red/Green aggro deck and love him his Dragons, this guy is a godsend. Not only is he a great card, but he is also straight up awesome as a person.
Anson409
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.5/5.0)(1 vote)
I agree he is pwn if u are using a dragon deck
Tezz
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
he is so pure red.
JungaThunda
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
This amazingly GREAT! You have 6 Mana... well you put this guy into play, -2, take control an opponent's STRONG-bad@ss creature, then use the 2 other mana to Fling him/her! It's funny, cuz you just sacrificed their monster for them and dealt damage... each time! their expressions are priceless! xD
DarthParallax
★★★★★ (5.0/5.0)(5 votes)
I used to worship dragons. Now they follow my commands. Your argument is invalid.
DragonsRCool
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
My favorite planeswalker, I pray to Nicol Bolas that this version gets reprinted or upgraded in the future. Sarkhan the Mad isn't as awesome as this version.
atemu1234
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
Since he's part green, I may as well say Parallel Lives? and another one too? You'd have 20 5/5 flyers? Of course, I daresay if you play his ability ASAP, turn 7, it may already be easy enough to win with just five, but fifteen more comes in handy.
Good card here. Can go in any deck with these colors if only for giving haste. Other two abilities are also killer with the last being awesome. Possibly five 4/4 flying tokens??? Game winner there.
wiseguy20
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
Quick question... if you activate his +1 ability then put more creatures out later in the turn, do they get the bonus as well? It would seem so based on the wording but I'm not sure...
Scatterdells
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
Without a doubt my favourite planeswalker, four out of five times whenever i drop his ultimate my oponent will just scoop. without board sweepers or a heck load of removal they have little hope against his -6, i like to drop a crucible of fire too to sweeten the deal.
I think this guy is due a reprint or new incarnation after RtR esspecially after the delighfully flavourful yet ultimatley dissapointing Sarkhan the mad.
Antsache
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
@ wiseguy20
No, creatures put down after the ability resolves will not receive its benefit. "Creatures you control," doesn't make something a static ability for a turn - if it's attached to a sorcery or instant ability, it basically means "Creatures you control when this ability resolves..."
See rule 611.2c: If a continuous effect generated by the resolution of a spell or ability modifies the characteristics or changes the controller of any objects, the set of objects it affects is determined when that continuous effect begins. After that point, the set won’t change. (Note that this works differently than a continuous effect from a static ability.) A continuous effect generated by the resolution of a spell or ability that doesn’t modify the characteristics or change the controller of any objects modifies the rules of the game, so it can affect objects that weren’t affected when that continuous effect began.
Example: An effect that reads "All white creatures get +1/+1 until end of turn" gives the bonus to all permanents that are white creatures when the spell or ability resolves——even if they change color later——and doesn’t affect those that enter the battlefield or turn white afterward.
If they wanted it to do what you've suggested, they probably would have made it something like "Until end of turn, Sarkhan Vol gains "Creatures you control gain +1/+1 and haste."
Master_Joreyen
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
In their tongue, he's Dovahkiin: Dragon Born!
(Seriously, it's been 2 years now and still no-one has made this joke.)
steinburger1109
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
Single best thing is using his ultimate, then dropping another Sarkhan Vol, and using his +1. 25 flying damage to the face.
Lifegainwithbite
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
@steinburger: That's cause it's bad and you should feel bad.
TheWrathofShane
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
You can sacrifice yourself with ultimate, and then play him again and +1 for the win.
Pyromage1222
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
He was the 5th dragonborn... 0.0
psychichobo
★★★★★ (5.0/5.0)(4 votes)
Bolas sure does pick the coolest henchmen. A guy with a metal arm and dreads and a viking who can transform into a dragon? And if you have an enemy, might as well make it a lion man.
As for Sarkhan the awesome here, he's just brilliant. Works so horribly, horribly well with Domri Rade too. Really hope he's coming back for a third round soon.
patronofthesound
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
Seems nasty with another rg fave, thebroodmother
Tiggurix
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
You know, looking at his abilities, none of them scream "Green!" to me. He could have easily been a mono-coloured Red planeswalker.
Babyjenks
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
I like the design, but mechanically he feels like he could be mono-red. Mono-red has pumping and haste ,(+1) act of treason-type abilities (-2) and dragons (-6). Nothing about him is actually green.
Snake613
☆☆☆☆☆ (0.0/5.0)
@psychichobo: Your wish has been granted! Sarkhan is made to have an appearance in the upcoming block; Khans of Tarkir. Tarkir being Sarkhan's home plane. Dragons? Dragons.
Comments (97)
If I had them, I'd put four in pretty much any RG deck.
Unfortunately, Magic will always have great cards at rare - making constructed at least partially a matter of having more funds. This is certainly one.
Fires of Yavimaya for a turn, nice.
Threaten (or whatever the card is that has Sark's second effect) at least twice, not bad.
Five 4/4 dragons into play........
HOLY BEAN CURD! I believe my Timmy just had a heart attack out of sheer joy.
If I ever get my hands him during a booster draft, he stays mine! Then, when I get home, I throw him in every RG deck I have.
Yeah dosn't win the game alony, but he is really, really dangerous.
Bueno en mi opinion la magia de Sarkhan Vol es que sus 3 habilidades son realmente buenas, veamos la primera: por fortificar a a nuestro caminante le damos +1+1 a todas nuestras criaturas y prisa, lo cual es mortal en un buen deck Agroo, la segunda es una muy buena manera para controlar el juego de el oponete y que pues si baja algo realmente bueno terminara matandolo °-°, y la ultima habilidad, pues simple sencillamente es la cuenta regresiva para la partida.
Claro que no gana solo el juego, pero es muy, muy peligroso.
Hello to everybody!!!.
Saludos a todos!!!.
Eclir.7
it is devastating along with mycoloth and other jund cards.
2nd ability pair it up with a Scarland Thrinax and you'll be able to hit them with their own creatures and sac it to Scar thrinax so they can't get it back and you get to buff up one of your own creatures for it. or just pair it up with any sac engine.
3rd I would have to say is fairly awesome pair it up with the crucible of fire like the post said before me and you can start swinging with some 7/7 dragons on the next turn.
You can even drop another Sarkhan after you use the last ability (assuming the last ability takes all his loyality counters) to use its first ability to have them swing on the turn you get them as 5/5's
What actually makes it playable though in a R/G aggro is the second ability. Just the fact that if they don't kill him, you can do it TWICE with only a mana investment of 4. The first ability probably IS one of the weaker +1 abilities among the Planeswalkers, but it's far from useless in the R/G aggro build that this guy should ALWAYS be present in.
Am I right in thinking that the wording makes the +1/+1 permanent?
Surely if it were meant not to be permanent it would say something along the lines of "Until end of turn, creatures you control gain haste and get +1/+1"?
Or am I just being hopelessly optimistic?
In all seriousness, his second ability is seriously underplayed, people always talk about his boost or mainly the dragons, but I've found borrowing a creature (especially when Devour was hot) to be surprisingly useful.
Second ability's great with Grab the Reins. Getting both effects without having to pay the Entwine cost.
he is also the most badass of the planeswalkers, slightly topping Ajani V, both for flavor and because all three of his abilities are ridiculously aggressive. and because he's RG,
he is also one of the most useful planeswalkers along with garruk, as all of his abilities are useful and his final is close enough to his starting loyalty to be able to use it consistently.
One thing people have said to criticize him is that his abilities rely on creatures. well so does the game of Magic.
sure there are a few decks that don't use creatures and he wouldn't be that useful in those decks, just like he wouldn't be very useful in a control deck. But don't criticize a card just because it doesn't work in every situation. I don't hear anyone complaining about tezzeret because he only works with artifacts.
Of the plneswalkers I have used (garruk, liliana, jace, Sarkhan, Nissa) only nissa compares, and though she is helpful she is nowhere near the game winner that sarkhan is. He almost always wins the game for me when he comes into play, and i don't normally get his dragons, not because he is stopped but because I win the game before I can. The only problem I have is that when I get the dragons I want to use his first ability to give them haste. the pumping isn't even necessary as their combined power is a very nice even 20.
so lets look over his abilities again.
#1:
anyone who doesn't recognize how good a +1/+1 bonus is has never played with or against honor of the pure. and haste in an aggressive creature deck is incredibly helpful.
#2
act of treason on something with a CMC of 4 is already great, act of treason on something with a CMC of 4 that can be easily played alongside scarland thyranax, devour cards, or if you wana get creative, brion stoutarm is incredible.
#3
sure the dragons aren't as flashy as bringing all creatures back or destroying all your enemies lands, but they have the same effect of winning you the game. I mentioned how their combined power is a very nice 20. I also find them more useful than some others. Like take Ajani V, killing all my lands won't matter if I have my dragons out, and espath's indestructibility won't help if I can just fly over and deal lethal damage. It is also much easier to activate than any other save garruk, and I would have to go for getting a bunch of dragons over copying an uncommon overrun.
and the argument that they can be mass cleared is irrelevant, it's like saying that any creature is bad because it can be terminated. You need to judge things on their merits not because they can be countered, since in the game of magic there is a solution to everything.
The best way to deal with these is maelstrom pulse, yet I accept that someone who is willing to shell out $100+ on a card is going to beat me.
So overall, a great card, though not necessarily the best it's my pick for the most fun and one of the most useful. 5/5
(despite his name probably being the most difficult to spell)
can't wait for the new mad Sarkhan to come out (and hoping I can get one and they don't cost like $50)
YOINK, thanks for the Baneslayer~
The question of how to answer the dragons? Well we do have day of judgement now, in extended there's still wrath of god, damnation, austere command. Also, lavalanche can be played for 4 about the same time that you can put out your dragons. There's still gather specimens, and of course your opponent could also match your dragons with broodmate dragons or karrthus or etc, as well as being less helpful against decks with lots of lifelink since they will be far above 20 by that point.
@skoll, yes we are all very familiar with the gilder bairn, but frankly thats a lot more set up than a doubling season. You have to find a way to tap your gilder bairn without it dying in order to use its ability, and most people don't want to take up creature space with it since it has no other useful qualities.
@adamphetamine, umm no you're wrong, in fact you can see the whole thing at wizards.com under webcomics, ajani's first planeswalk is to jund after jazal is killed by a nicol bolas trick, where he meets sarkhan, and sarkhan introduces him to red "rage" mana at the "boiling cauldron" lava pool which is where he changes from white to red/white, he later becomes ajani goldmane after absorbing a piece of the mana from the maelstrom and he never really comes to peace with himself which is why he planeswalks away from naya after sorta killing bolas (he disappears in a flash of light battling an ethereal self anyways). There is no previous non planeswalker ajani, and thats maybe why you are getting confused, he was a white mana shaman'esque nacatl who could strengthen others before he became a planeswalker and went white/red, compared to nicol bolas who started as a creature card. If you're going to argue about it at least check your facts first.
(Of course this also works well with mark of mutiny and act of treason...)
can i get a hell yeah?!
Although there are better walkers out there, this is still my favorite.
Obviously he is GR because he is Jund, but flavor-wise the +1/+1 of his first ability is more often a green ability and the ultimate could easily be green if the creatures weren't dragons. Plus Wizards probably didn't think he would fit flavorwise as a mono-red planeswalker, and I'd agree.
Sarkhan is one of my favorite planeswalkers, even more so with his unique second version. I prefer the planeswalkers that complement a deck rather than rule it, and he definitely fits that. Probably why he doesn't see play as much.
Ha, trying recovering from 5 4/4 flyers
I'm not a fan of dragons, but I know full well how powerful Sarkhan is. Every situation I've used his ultimate in ended in a win.
I can't wait to see another
This is the kind of planeswalker (and, in fact, mythic) I like the best anyways, in that he does largely need a deck built around him, or at least needs to be put in a certain kind of deck, to be used to his full potential. His ultimate may be less instantly devastating than Jace Beleren's, but he also gets it on turn 6 on a good day. Good card.
Anywho, this is balls with Doubling Season for the ultimate. Plus, I like the idea that you could crack this guy's ultimate, killing him, then play another copy and go +1 and rush with five 5/5 fliers with haste.
The first ability wants creatures in play. You can build a RG aggro deck with this mind: +1/+1 and haste can really alter the math, but if you're swinging with multiple creatures, you're doing pretty good already - meaning it feels like a "win more" situation. Realistically, a RG aggro deck would have a hard time justifying this for the cost over another efficient creature or burn. He doesn't help you rebuild after a sweep effect, like Garruk does.
The second ability, Act of Treason, depends on your opponent having a creature in play, which you can't control. Don't get me wrong, it's great in casual Jund decks that can sacrifice creatures. I'm a fan of the effect.
His ultimate is the most intriguing, imo, because it represents lethal damage by itself and can go off two turns after Sarkhan enters play. It might seem counter-intuitive, but I'm surprised no one tried pulling off a control deck with this. Assuming you can protect him with counter-magic, he says "Suspend 3 - 2RG: Win the Game." (counting the turn for the dragons to attack). That seems pretty cool to me.
Creatures get +1/+1 and haste - effect similiar to Goblin Cheiftain, the red portion of Clout of the Dominus, and just the obvious Red and haste association.
Gain control of creature, gets haste, give it back - Act of Treason, and all the other similiar ones.
Put in the Dragons - obviously Red. There's 2 monogreen Dragons. There's over 40 monred Dragons.
So i like this card, i just wonder - where does the green come in??
If you read the comics, this guy's abilities are totally portrayed in the card.
Plus, now he's $6. (or at least at my store)
And burnination has forsaken the countryside
Only one guy will remain
My money's on
SARKHAN VOL!
I think this guy is due a reprint or new incarnation after RtR esspecially after the delighfully flavourful yet ultimatley dissapointing Sarkhan the mad.
No, creatures put down after the ability resolves will not receive its benefit. "Creatures you control," doesn't make something a static ability for a turn - if it's attached to a sorcery or instant ability, it basically means "Creatures you control when this ability resolves..."
See rule 611.2c: If a continuous effect generated by the resolution of a spell or ability modifies the characteristics or changes the controller of any objects, the set of objects it affects is determined when that continuous effect begins. After that point, the set won’t change. (Note that this works differently than a continuous effect from a static ability.) A continuous effect generated by the resolution of a spell or ability that doesn’t modify the characteristics or change the controller of any objects modifies the rules of the game, so it can affect objects that weren’t affected when that continuous effect began.
Example: An effect that reads "All white creatures get +1/+1 until end of turn" gives the bonus to all permanents that are white creatures when the spell or ability resolves——even if they change color later——and doesn’t affect those that enter the battlefield or turn white afterward.
If they wanted it to do what you've suggested, they probably would have made it something like "Until end of turn, Sarkhan Vol gains "Creatures you control gain +1/+1 and haste."
Dragon Born!
(Seriously, it's been 2 years now and still no-one has made this joke.)
As for Sarkhan the awesome here, he's just brilliant. Works so horribly, horribly well with Domri Rade too. Really hope he's coming back for a third round soon.