Shadow Kin MTG Card


Shadow Kin excels in card advantage, allowing access to more cards during key phases of gameplay. Instant speed play of Shadow Kin introduces strategic depth, enabling reactions during an opponent’s turn. Despite its strengths, Shadow Kin’s discard requirement and specific mana needs can limit its playability.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Shapeshifter
Abilities Mill, Flash
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

Flash At the beginning of your upkeep, each player mills three cards. You may exile a creature card from among the cards milled this way. If you do, Shadow Kin becomes a copy of that card, except it has this ability.


Cards like Shadow Kin

Shadow Kin emerges as an intriguing option for players crafting decks focusing on elusive and potent creatures. Its comparison with other similar cards in MTG showcases its strategic versatility. Take for instance, Vampire Nighthawk, which also boasts an impressive suite of abilities such as flying, deathtouch, and lifelink. However, Shadow Kin may edge it out with its additional synergies in tribal decks and nuanced abilities that can turn the tides of a match.

Considering other variants, Gatekeeper of Malakir presents another compelling parallel. Both creatures offer control over the board, but while Gatekeeper of Malakir provides an immediate impact by forcing an opponent to sacrifice a creature upon entering, Shadow Kin’s strength lies in its ongoing ability to disrupt opponent strategies over time. Additionally, its synergistic potential with shadow abilities creates new dynamic gameplay options.

In evaluating these creatures, it’s apparent that Shadow Kin can hold its own, providing unique advantages and strategic depth to a player’s arsenal. Whether you prioritize immediate control or persistent battlefield influence, Shadow Kin is a card that can fulfill multiple roles and deserves consideration in decks that capitalize on its distinctive traits.

Vampire Nighthawk - MTG Card versions
Gatekeeper of Malakir - MTG Card versions
Vampire Nighthawk - MTG Card versions
Gatekeeper of Malakir - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Shadow Kin by color, type and mana cost

Phantasmal Forces - MTG Card versions
Wall of Vapor - MTG Card versions
Tradewind Rider - MTG Card versions
Archivist - MTG Card versions
Thieving Magpie - MTG Card versions
Inga Rune-Eyes - MTG Card versions
Sakashima of a Thousand Faces - MTG Card versions
Laboratory Drudge - MTG Card versions
Johnny, Combo Player - MTG Card versions
Dream Prowler - MTG Card versions
Clone - MTG Card versions
Cytoplast Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Crookclaw Transmuter - MTG Card versions
Turtleshell Changeling - MTG Card versions
Glen Elendra Archmage - MTG Card versions
Fatestitcher - MTG Card versions
Argent Sphinx - MTG Card versions
Lumengrid Drake - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Infuser - MTG Card versions
Phantasmal Dragon - MTG Card versions
Phantasmal Forces - MTG Card versions
Wall of Vapor - MTG Card versions
Tradewind Rider - MTG Card versions
Archivist - MTG Card versions
Thieving Magpie - MTG Card versions
Inga Rune-Eyes - MTG Card versions
Sakashima of a Thousand Faces - MTG Card versions
Laboratory Drudge - MTG Card versions
Johnny, Combo Player - MTG Card versions
Dream Prowler - MTG Card versions
Clone - MTG Card versions
Cytoplast Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Crookclaw Transmuter - MTG Card versions
Turtleshell Changeling - MTG Card versions
Glen Elendra Archmage - MTG Card versions
Fatestitcher - MTG Card versions
Argent Sphinx - MTG Card versions
Lumengrid Drake - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Infuser - MTG Card versions
Phantasmal Dragon - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Shadow Kin card effectively provides card advantage by enabling access to additional cards under certain conditions, enhancing your in-game options.

Resource Acceleration: Offers a unique form of resource acceleration that can significantly alter the pace at which you deploy threats or respond to the state of the board.

Instant Speed: The instant speed classification of Shadow Kin permits flexible playstyle and strategic depth, allowing for responses to an opponent’s actions during their turn and optimizing timing for your advantage.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Shadow Kin demands a card be discarded to activate its key abilities. This can put you at a disadvantage, especially in tight situations where your hand size is crucial to maintaining board presence or countering an opponent’s strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost of Shadow Kin is quite particular, requiring a mix of black and colorless mana. This requirement can restrict its inclusion in decks, as it necessitates a dedicated mana base to cast it reliably—potentially complicating your deck’s mana curve and consistency.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a higher mana investment compared to other creatures in its class, Shadow Kin can be a costly drop. In a game where pace can dictate the winner, investing a substantial amount of resources for its summoning could put you at a tempo loss against decks that aim to win quickly.


Reasons to Include Shadow Kin in Your Collection

Versatility: Shadow Kin can seamlessly integrate into various deck archetypes, particularly those that capitalize on creature-based strategies and rogue synergies.

Combo Potential: This card’s unique abilities can pave the way for powerful interactions, setting the stage for game-changing plays when combined with other cards that manipulate the board state or exploit creature abilities.

Meta-Relevance: Given its aptitude for disrupting opponents and providing strategic advantage, Shadow Kin holds its ground well in a dynamic competitive scene, making it a wise pick for players aiming to keep pace with the evolving metagame.


How to beat

Shadow Kin presents an engaging challenge on the battlefield. With its elusive nature, this creature card can evade common removal spells, making it a tough contender in any MTG match. Understanding its strengths is key to developing a strategy to emerge victorious against this card.

To effectively counter Shadow Kin, one effective strategy is to use board wipes that don’t target individual creatures. This bypasses the card’s protection mechanisms, clearing the way for your victory. Alternatively, employing edict effects, which force an opponent to sacrifice a creature, can remove Shadow Kin from the game without having to target it directly. Moreover, enhancing your own deck with cards that can block multiple creatures or that have reach can also help you withstand the assault from a Shadow Kin.

Ultimately, outmaneuvering a Shadow Kin requires a blend of strategic deck building and clever in-game tactics. By focusing on non-targeted removal and versatile defense options, you can neutralize its advantages and maintain the upper hand throughout the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

Diving into the MTG realm, Shadow Kin emerges as a thought-provoking addition to any player’s collection. It offers a nuanced blend of card advantage, resource acceleration, and instant-speed play. While it does pose risks due to its specific mana needs and potential hand size reduction, its combo potential and meta relevance can’t be overlooked. For those looking to outplay their opponent with a unique creature card that thrives in various deck archetypes, Shadow Kin is a match worth considering. Ready to refine your deck with this distinctive card? Delve deeper with us and discover how Shadow Kin can be your next strategic ace.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Shadow Kin MTG card by a specific set like Midnight Hunt Commander and Midnight Hunt Commander, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Shadow Kin and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Shadow Kin Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2021-09-24 and 2021-09-24. Illustrated by Irvin Rodriguez.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12021-09-24Midnight Hunt CommanderMIC 162015NormalBlackIrvin Rodriguez
22021-09-24Midnight Hunt CommanderMIC 542015NormalBlackIrvin Rodriguez

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Shadow Kin has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
Flash card art

Guide to Flash card ability

Explore the dynamic Flash ability in Magic: The Gathering (MTG), a feature that allows you to cast spells at lightning speed, often leaving your opponents reeling and your strategy several steps ahead. This versatile ability can turn the tide of a game, providing the element of surprise and tactical advantage. It places a premium on timing and foresight, transforming an ordinary deck into a formidable arsenal of instant threats and responses.