Sarkhan's CatharsisHow it works & interactions with other cards

Direct Impact

This spell allows you to deal exactly 5 damage to one target player or planeswalker. Unlike many red damage spells that can target creatures, Sarkhan's Catharsis is strictly limited to players and their loyal companions on the battlefield. Because it is an instant, you can cast it during any player's turn, provided you have the mana available.

Resolving the Spell

When you cast Sarkhan's Catharsis, you must choose a legal target immediately. Upon resolution, the game checks if the target is still legal; if the player has gained hexproof or the planeswalker has left the battlefield, the spell will fail to resolve. If the target is legal, 5 damage is dealt. Note that this damage is dealt all at once, which is particularly effective for removing planeswalkers with 5 or fewer loyalty counters.

Strategic Timing

Common mistakes involve miscalculating mana or targeting. Remember that you cannot target a creature with this spell. Because it costs 5 mana, it is often best used as a 'finisher' when your opponent is low on life or when a planeswalker is about to use a powerful 'ultimate' ability. Holding the mana open allows you to react to your opponent's actions before deciding where the damage is most needed.

Interaction examples

Fueling the Fire with Big Score

Big Score

If you are short on the five mana required for Sarkhan's Catharsis, you can cast Big Score first. By discarding a card and paying two mana, you draw two new cards and create two Treasure tokens. On a later turn, or even the same turn if you have one red mana available, you can sacrifice those two Treasures plus three other mana sources to cast Sarkhan's Catharsis for the win.

Digging for the Finisher

Unexpected Windfall

During your opponent's end step, you can cast Unexpected Windfall to discard an unnecessary land and draw two cards. If you draw into Sarkhan's Catharsis, the two Treasure tokens created by Unexpected Windfall provide 40 percent of the mana needed to cast it. This interaction helps you find the damage you need while providing the ramp to execute the play immediately on your next turn.