Sharktocrab MTG Card


Sharktocrab’s adapt ability provides a dual benefit of creature growth and opponent disruption. Playing Sharktocrab strategically at instant speed enhances both defense and offense on the field. Its distinct control abilities offer lingering battlefield influence, crucial in creature-centric metas.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Shark Octopus Crab
Abilities Adapt
Power 4
Toughness 4

Text of card

: Adapt 1. (If this creature has no +1/+1 counters on it, put a +1/+1 counter on it.) Whenever one or more +1/+1 counters are put on Sharktocrab, tap target creature an opponent controls. That creature doesn't untap during its controller's next untap step.


Cards like Sharktocrab

Sharktocrab stands out in the realm of creature control within Magic: The Gathering. It draws a parallel to cards like Merfolk Trickster, which also has the ability to disrupt opponents by tapping target creatures. However, Sharktocrab uniquely advances its control by not only tapping an opponent’s creature but also preventing it from untapping during the next untap step, and bolstering this effect each time a +1/+1 counter is placed on it.

In comparison, Frost Lynx, another formidable card, shares the tap-down strategy upon entering the battlefield, yet lacks the potential for repeated application present in Sharktocrab. On the other end, Ice-Fang Coatl provides a multifaceted defense with its flash ability and deathtouch, though it doesn’t impact the board as significantly in terms of creature control.

In essence, Sharktocrab provides a sustainable and escalating threat, making it a compelling choice within its category. Its ability to consistently neutralize opponents’ creatures offers a tactical advantage that is matched by few, signifying its distinct place among MTG cards tailored for maintaining control of the game’s pace.

Merfolk Trickster - MTG Card versions
Frost Lynx - MTG Card versions
Ice-Fang Coatl - MTG Card versions
Merfolk Trickster - MTG Card versions
Frost Lynx - MTG Card versions
Ice-Fang Coatl - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: When Sharktocrab adapts, it triggers its ability to put a +1/+1 counter on itself and tap target creature an opponent controls. That creature doesn’t untap during its controller’s next untap step. This two-step process can potentially remove an opponent’s creature from combat for multiple turns, effectively providing a form of card advantage by neutralizing an opponent’s asset without expending additional resources.

Resource Acceleration: While Sharktocrab itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, it can effectively slow down your opponent’s resource acceleration. By keeping their potential blockers or mana creatures tapped, you enhance your board position and pressure on your opponent’s life total, indirectly contributing to your own resource advancement by keeping the way clear for your attacks.

Instant Speed: Although the creature itself doesn’t have flash, Sharktocrab’s adapt ability can be activated at instant speed if not yet adapted. This allows for strategic timing, particularly during your opponent’s turn, to tap down an important creature they control just before they would declare attackers or use that creature’s abilities, thus maximizing your defensive strategies while opening a window for offensive maneuvers during your next turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Sharktocrab doesn’t require a discard upon casting, it demands a steady stream of adapt triggers to unlock its full potential. Sustaining this can be taxing on card resources, occasionally necessitating discards to fuel the adapt mechanic.

Specific Mana Cost: Sharktocrab’s casting cost is not overly restrictive but does demand a precise blend of blue and green mana. This serves to limit the card’s integration into multi-color decks and may deter players with a less consistent mana base from including it in their deck strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The initial investment of four mana, which includes specific colors, is a significant commitment. This can be challenging when compared to other cards with similar or better effects requiring less mana, impacting the tempo of gameplay for those who choose to run it in their decks.


Reasons to Include Sharktocrab in Your Collection

Versatility: Sharktocrab offers a unique fusion of offensive and defensive capabilities. Its adapt ability can turn it into a formidable creature, while its capability to tap and freeze opponent creatures upon adapting makes it a flexible asset in both aggressive and controlling blue-green decks.

Combo Potential: In combination with cards that allow for proliferate or additional +1/+1 counters, Sharktocrab becomes a recurring source of control, consistently dominating the battlefield by hindering the opponent’s board presence.

Meta-Relevance: With metas that emphasize creature-based strategies, Sharktocrab stands out as a powerful option. It’s not only a formidable threat on its own, but it also neutralizes key creatures of an opposing setup, giving players the upper hand in maintaining board control.


How to beat

Sharktocrab presents a unique challenge on the battlefield with its ability to adapt and lock down opposing creatures. Encountering this card in Magic: The Gathering can disrupt your tempo, as it keeps your threats at bay. To combat this formidable sea amalgamation, you’ll need to employ removal spells effectively. As Sharktocrab is vulnerable to instant-speed removal, keeping up mana for spells like Murder or Cast Down can help you respond to the adapt trigger and remove the threat before it can incapacitate your creatures.

Another strategy to consider is playing around Sharktocrab’s activated abilities. This might involve timing your plays to avoid giving Sharktocrab a chance to adapt and therefore preventing it from tapping down your important creatures. Lastly, counter spells remain an ever-reliable method for ensuring Sharktocrab doesn’t hit the board in the first place. By preparing the right mix of answers and adopting a reactive playstyle, you can ensure Sharktocrab doesn’t sink your game plan.

Remember, the key to success against Sharktocrab in Magic: The Gathering lies in preparedness and timing, ensuring that your high-value creatures remain active and unimpeded on the path to victory.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dipping into the depths of Magic: The Gathering can uncover creatures like Sharktocrab that combine adaptability and control to dominate the battlefield. Mastering such a card can be the key to maintaining superior board presence. As you reflect on Sharktocrab’s unique capabilities and how it functions within your strategy, consider the surrounding ecosystem of cards that enhance and support it. Lever your deck’s power by incorporating cards that synergize with Sharktocrab’s strengths and mitigate its weaknesses. For insights on optimizing your gameplay and further integrating Sharktocrab’s prowess into your aquatic arsenal, dive deeper with us and chart new routes to victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Sharktocrab MTG card by a specific set like Ravnica Allegiance and Commander Legends, 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 Sharktocrab and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Sharktocrab Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2019-01-25 and 2024-01-12. Illustrated by Jehan Choo.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12019-01-25Ravnica AllegianceRNA 2062015NormalBlackJehan Choo
22020-11-20Commander LegendsCMR 4502015NormalBlackJehan Choo
32024-01-12Ravnica RemasteredRVR 2222015NormalBlackJehan Choo

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Sharktocrab has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Sharktocrab card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2019-01-25 An ability that triggers when counters are put on a permanent will trigger if that permanent somehow enters the battlefield with those counters.
2019-01-25 If a creature somehow loses all of its +1/+1 counters, it can adapt again and get more +1/+1 counters.
2019-01-25 Sharktocrab's triggered ability can target a creature that's already tapped. That creature won't untap during its controller's next untap step.
2019-01-25 You can always activate an ability that will cause a creature to adapt. As that ability resolves, if the creature has a +1/+1 counter on it for any reason, you simply won't put any +1/+1 counters on it.