Why Did Oko Get Banned? A Deep Dive into Magic’s Most Infamous Planeswalker
Oko, Thief of Crowns, is arguably one of the most controversial and quickly-banned cards in the history of Magic: The Gathering. The short answer to why Oko was banned is that it was simply too powerful and disruptive for the formats it was legal in. Its combination of flexibility, efficiency, and ability to dominate games led to its swift removal from multiple formats. Oko’s presence consistently warped metagames, homogenizing gameplay and stifling deck diversity.
The Core Issues
Oko’s power was multifaceted. Its low mana cost of three, combined with an extremely strong +1 loyalty ability that could turn any target into a 3/3 Elk, made it incredibly efficient for its casting cost. This ability not only eliminated threats but also created a potent attacker, creating an engine for both board control and aggression that no other card could match.
Power Level Concerns
Oko’s +1 ability alone would be strong, but it also boasted a +2 loyalty ability that could create a Food token which gains a life. This could make the player extremely resilient to aggro strategies by offering early-game life gain and later game fuel for card draw. His final ultimate ability that made any of the opposing players targets into 10/10 creatures, which while not as commonly used as his first two abilities, presented a threat if left unchecked. This combination of board control, life gain, and potential finishing power made him a powerhouse in any stage of the game.
Impact on Metagames
The problem with Oko was not just his individual power, but his homogenizing effect on the metagame. Decks that relied on creatures to win were particularly vulnerable, as Oko could simply turn those creatures into Elks. This effectively removed those decks from viable competition, forcing players to adapt to his dominance or be left behind. Oko also diminished the effectiveness of many forms of threat assessment and protection because of his ability to target any type of card on the battlefield with his +1 ability, including artifacts and planeswalkers.
Distorted Gameplay
In various formats, Oko generated repetitive game patterns where whoever resolved Oko first generally had a substantial advantage, leading to a less dynamic and less engaging play experience. Games became predictable, less about strategic diversity and more about simply drawing and resolving Oko as quickly as possible. This issue led to its ban in various formats.
The Banning Spree
Oko’s dominance was so apparent that he was banned in multiple formats in short order. He was first banned from Brawl in early November 2019, quickly followed by a Standard ban. He was then “suspended” from Historic and banned in Pioneer in December of the same year and then also banned in Modern. His impact was far-reaching and his presence was consistently considered detrimental to the formats in which he was legal.
Oko’s Legacy
Oko’s ban serves as a stark reminder of the importance of balance in card design. He represents one of the clearest examples of a card that was simply too powerful for the environment it was introduced into. This led to a ripple effect and the quick removal of Oko from play, which at the time was one of the most rapid card bannings to ever occur in Magic. He remains a symbol of extreme card power and a cautionary tale for future card designs. While he might appear in Commander, his immense power and tendency to dominate formats has kept him out of the rest of Magic for the time being.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly made Oko, Thief of Crowns so powerful?
Oko’s power came from a trifecta of strong abilities: a +1 loyalty ability that turned targets into 3/3 Elks, a +2 loyalty ability that created Food tokens, and a game-ending ultimate. His low cost of three mana combined with his versatility made him incredibly effective in multiple scenarios. He had answers to almost every form of threat at a low cost.
2. In which formats was Oko banned?
Oko, Thief of Crowns is banned in Brawl, Standard, Pioneer, Historic, and Modern. He remains legal in Commander as one of the format’s “broken” cards.
3. Was Oko banned in Legacy?
The article mentions that Wrenn and Six is banned in Legacy, not Oko. However, it should be noted that Oko was initially banned from Legacy due to his over-powered design and his oppressive presence in the format.
4. Was Oko banned in Vintage?
No, Oko is not banned in Vintage. Vintage is the format where most banned cards are legal due to the abundance of powerful cards already present in the format. It is usually a format that tolerates “broken” cards more easily than other formats.
5. When was Oko initially banned?
Oko was first banned from Brawl in early November 2019, marking the beginning of a quick succession of bans across various formats.
6. Why was Oko banned in Pioneer specifically?
In Pioneer, Oko had an approximately 60% win rate with virtually no poor matchups. He was simply too powerful for the format to handle, dominating every meta and stifling different archetypes. His ability to shut down creature-based strategies, combined with his general value and resilience, made him almost unbeatable.
7. Why was Oko banned in Modern?
Oko was banned in Modern because he reduced metagame diversity and diversity of gameplay patterns. He was homogenizing the metagame, forcing most decks to adapt around playing and dealing with Oko. This directly led to him being banned due to creating a stale and overly-reliant metagame.
8. Is Oko still banned in Magic The Gathering?
Yes, Oko remains banned in all the formats listed previously. His power was simply too overwhelming, and his presence was detrimental to healthy gameplay.
9. Was Oko banned in Brawl Stars?
No, Oko is a card in Magic the Gathering and not a character in Brawl Stars. The text references the banning of players from Russia and Belarus from entering Brawl Stars due to the invasion of Ukraine. There is also an unrelated reference to Meta Knight being banned in Super Smash Bros Brawl, not Oko.
10. Can Oko be your Commander?
Oko, Thief of Crowns cannot be your commander in Commander but Oko, the Trickster can. Oko, the Trickster offers a flavorful alternative for those who want to play with the Oko character. While Oko, Thief of Crowns is far more powerful, Oko, the Trickster has his own unique strengths and strategies.
11. Is Oko an Elf?
No, Oko is a Shapeshifter fey planeswalker from an unknown plane. He is also the father of the half-fae Kellan. The lore is very clear that he is not an elf.
12. What set did Oko come from?
Oko first appeared in the Throne of Eldraine set. He was the main antagonist of the set’s storyline, as well as the associated novel.
13. Why is Oko still expensive despite being banned?
Oko remains expensive because he is a highly desirable card in Commander and is also collected by many Magic players due to his popularity. The demand is still high despite his ban status in many formats.
14. Is Oko a villain in Magic’s storyline?
Yes, Oko is a villain in the Magic: The Gathering narrative. He served as the primary antagonist during the Eldraine block, manipulating the plane’s royalty and other Planeswalkers. He was well-known for his tricks and manipulations.
15. Was Oko a Faerie?
Yes, Oko is a shapeshifting Fey. He is known for his charisma, conceitedness, and his mysterious and clever nature. He is not technically an elf, but a Fey who is a shapeshifter.