Though functional errata remain relatively rare in current Magic, we do still see them from time to time. These allow Wizards to correct mistakes in card wording and remove unintended abilities as well. Today we got to see a prime example of the latter errata category in action, as Killmonger, Ruthless Usurper received a significant change.
The Killmonger, Ruthless Usurper MTG Errata
Upon its reveal yesterday in the Doom Prevails precon, MTG players immediately noticed the strange wording on Killmonger, Ruthless Usurper. Rather than receiving its attack trigger buff for one turn, it appeared to keep it permanently, which is incredibly unusual. As expected, this turned out to be a mistake on Wizards’ part.
Earlier today, MTG Head Designer Mark Rosewater confirmed that Killmonger will receive an errata to add “until end of turn” before launch. While currently unconfirmed, it’s highly unlikely that this errata will be seen on paper, since sets are printed long in advance. While this may make playing the Doom Prevails precon slightly more confusing, it’s definitely a positive change.
Not only has paper MTG kept well clear of Alchemy-esque Perpetual effects, but pre-errata, Killmonger was a monster. So long as it wasn’t hit by removal, Killmonger could scale incredibly quickly, turning into a massive threat, especially as a Commander. Now, post errata, this card is just okay, though it could do real work against artifact-focused decks.
Notably, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen an errata add this phrase, as Bloodvial Purveyor got it as well back in 2021. It’s also not the only errata we’ve seen in recent times, with Secrets of Strixhaven featuring several, including a major functional change to Slumbering Trudge. Whether this spate of recent errata is a byproduct of the ramped-up release cycle is impossible to say, but it is a definite possibility.
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