Mystery Booster 2, the surprise convention-exclusive set for Magic: The Gathering, contains a mix of valuable reprints and experimental playtest cards. One of these cards is Kozilek, Compleated, which introduces a powerful new ability by combining two of Magic’s most punishing mechanics.
Kozliek, Compleated merges the menacing dangers of both the Eldrazi and Phyrexians, incorporating their distinct abilities to create a terrifying entity.
The information within these Boosters was provided by fans who attended GenCon, and there has been no official confirmation from Wizards of the Coast regarding the cards included in the set. We will continue to provide updates on the validity of these cards as more information becomes available.
Kozilek, Compleated presents a dystopian reality where the Phyrexian invasion results in a devastating defeat for the united forces of Magic’s multiverse. Previously, Kozilek, the Eldrazi Titan of Distortion, had been vanquished by the members of MTG’s Gatewatch while on the plane of Zendikar.
Despite this, the card still depicts Kozilek being corrupted and controlled by the forces of Phyrexia, experiencing a similar downfall to the gods of Theros and other influential figures during the March of the Machines.
Kozilek, Compleated combines the greatest attributes of both the Eldrazi and the Phyrexians. This card maintains the traditional high mana cost of the Eldrazi, but also includes a portion of Phyrexian mana that could potentially lessen the burden of that cost.
Furthermore, when Kozilek, Compleated is cast, it creates chaos for opponents by causing them to discard down to two cards and receive 2 Poison counters.
The addition of Poison to the game creates a sense of urgency and heightens the tension. The discard effect associated with it is one of the most severe in the entire game, reminiscent of the hand-limiting abilities possessed by Phyrexian Jin-Gitaxias, Core Augur.
Kozilek, Compleated is a punishing what-if Eldrazi
Despite its unquestionably powerful other abilities, the true highlight of Kozilek, Compleated, lies in its newly introduced mechanic: Annihinfect.
The act of being Infected by the Phyrexians results in receiving Poison counters, and reaching a total of ten will result in an automatic loss, regardless of your current life total.
In the meantime, players of Modern Horizons 3 have experienced firsthand the devastating effects of being targeted with Annihilator, as it forces them to sacrifice a majority of their permanents and drastically weakens their board.
Annihinfect brings together the most powerful (or some may argue, the most detrimental) traits from these two archetypes, compelling adversaries to give up a quantity of permanents matching the sum of Poison counters they possess whenever Kozilek, Compleated launches an attack.
Despite the frustration many players faced when dealing with the powerful Eldrazi in Modern Horizons 3, the excitement surrounding Kozilek, Compleated and its devastating abilities remains unabated. As one Reddit user aptly stated: “Annihinfect is truly amazing.”
Another commentator expressed their desire for Annihinfect to be featured in future Magic releases, stating, “I truly enjoy the last ability. Please, Gavin, make it a reality.”
Ever since Modern Horizons 3, the Eldrazi have continued to gain momentum, and this card is evidence that MTG’s designers are still fully invested in the Eldritch theme.
Despite the current absence of the Phyrexian threat in Magic: The Gathering, dedicated MTG enthusiasts are well aware that it is difficult to permanently suppress the influence of this corruptive plane.
Despite the conclusion of March of the Machine, Modern Horizons 3 has introduced new support for Phyrexians and this trend continues in Mystery Booster 2, albeit with a slightly more serious approach.
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