Sunder Shaman MTG Card


Destroys opponent’s enchantments or artifacts on successful combat damage, leveraging card advantage. Presence forces resource diversion, stifling opponent’s game development and pacing. Has a four-color mana requirement, making inclusion in decks a strategic choice.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Giant Shaman
Power 5
Toughness 5

Text of card

Sunder Shaman can't be blocked by more than one creature. Whenever Sunder Shaman deals combat damage to a player, destroy target artifact or enchantment that player controls.

"You take our wilds, we take your city."


Cards like Sunder Shaman

In the realm of Magic: The Gathering, Sunder Shaman stands out with its unique blend of abilities that make it a formidable force on the battlefield. Its closest analog may be seen in cards like Gruul Spellbreaker, another Gruul clan member that provides significant value. Both offer a creature with the power to significantly influence the game, yet Sunder Shaman differentiates itself by its ability to destroy an opponent’s artifact or enchantment upon dealing combat damage.

Comparatively, Reclamation Sage enters as a potential rival with its ability to destroy artifacts and enchantments as well, but without the condition of dealing combat damage. Additionally, though its stats are more modest, the Sage’s effect occurs immediately when it enters the battlefield. We also see the likes of Thrashing Brontodon, as a creature that flexes a similar effect to Sunder Shaman’s. However, Thrashing Brontodon requires self-sacrifice for the removal, unlike Sunder Shaman which remains on the field to continue exerting pressure.

Through this lens, it becomes evident that while there are parallels in card functionality, Sunder Shaman provides a unique asset to any player aiming to combine creature combat with targeted removal, setting itself apart from other cards in this MTG strategic niche.

Gruul Spellbreaker - MTG Card versions
Reclamation Sage - MTG Card versions
Thrashing Brontodon - MTG Card versions
Gruul Spellbreaker - MTG Card versions
Reclamation Sage - MTG Card versions
Thrashing Brontodon - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Sunder Shaman. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Gruul ControlGruul Control GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 14 2024

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Sunder Shaman stands out by enabling you to consistently destroy an opponent’s enchantment or artifact each time it connects with them, thereby potentially stripping them of crucial resources and tilting the balance in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing mana acceleration, Sunder Shaman’s presence on the board may force opponents to use resources on removal attempts instead of developing their own game plan, indirectly benefiting your resource economy and pacing.

Instant Speed: Although Sunder Shaman doesn’t operate at instant speed, its built-in deterrence against single-target removal with its four-toughness ensures it often sticks around on the board long enough to cause disruption at crucial moments in the match.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Sunder Shaman holds the potential to be a game-changer in MTG, its discard requirement poses a significant roadblock for players. By forcing a discard when it becomes a target of a spell, its value on the battlefield can be undermined, particularly if you’re holding crucial cards in your hand.

Specific Mana Cost: Deploying the Sunder Shaman into play demands a specific combination of mana: one red and one green, plus two of any color. This requirement can be a stumbling block in decks that are not finely tuned to generate both these mana colors reliably, potentially leaving the card stranded in your hand when you need it most.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The four mana necessary to cast Sunder Shaman is steep, especially when you compare it to other creatures in MTG. In a format where speed and efficiency are key, the cost may deter players from including it in their decks, as they might prefer creatures that offer a stronger immediate board presence or have lower casting costs.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Sunder Shaman excels in decks where multiple colors are embraced, making it an excellent choice for Ravnica allegiance-themed decks or those requiring robust creature removal options.

Combo Potential: This card can be an integral part of an aggressive deck strategy, contributing substantial board presence. Its ability to destroy enchantments or artifacts when dealing combat damage invites combinations with effects that enable unblockable attacks, further enhancing its utility.

Meta-Relevance: As decks often rely on enchantments or artifacts, Sunder Shaman’s potential for targeted disruption makes it relevant. Its ability to effortlessly dispatch key non-creature permanents could upset opponent strategies, securing its place in a shifting meta where adaptability is crucial.


How to Beat Sunder Shaman

Sunder Shaman presents itself as a formidable figure on the battlefield within Magic: The Gathering. With its imposing power and the unique ability to destroy an opponent’s artifact or enchantment upon dealing combat damage, overcoming this creature can be a strategic hurdle. It’s essential to understand that its four-color mana cost of red and green might make it slightly vulnerable in the early game, where it cannot yet be deployed or where decking is less stable.

One effective tactic to handle Sunder Shaman is to prevent it from hitting the board in the first place by utilizing counterspells or by employing targeted removal when it’s on the stack. If it’s already in play, instant-speed removal becomes key. Cards that can sidestep its protection from multicolored by being monocolored, such as “Doom Blade” or “Go for the Throat,” can prove invaluable. In addition, tapping it down or using enchantments that prevent it from attacking or blocking can neutralize the threat without having to remove it, bypassing its potential to take out key enchantments or artifacts on your side of the field.

Properly managing the pace of the game and maintaining removal options for key threats like Sunder Shaman is crucial for any player aiming to secure victory. It showcases the importance of having a versatile deck with answers to various situations in MTG.


BurnMana Recommendations

When building your MTG deck, it’s essential to consider the unique benefits that Sunder Shaman brings to the table. Its enchantment and artifact removal capabilities tied with combat damage open up strategic advantage against decks that leverage these card types. Remember, this shaman shines in multi-colored decks, specifically those that can accommodate its red and green mana needs. If you’re crafting a strategy that emphasizes robust creature plays and targeted disruption, incorporating Sunder Shaman could be the edge you need. Enhance your MTG prowess with us as we dive into card synergies, meta plays, and winning strategies that feature Sunder Shaman at their core. Keep advancing your deck-building skills and secure your next win with us.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Sunder Shaman MTG card by a specific set like Ravnica Allegiance and Ravnica Remastered, 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 Sunder Shaman and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Sunder Shaman Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2019-01-25 and 2024-01-12. Illustrated by Jason Rainville.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12019-01-25Ravnica AllegianceRNA 2102015NormalBlackJason Rainville
22024-01-12Ravnica RemasteredRVR 2302015NormalBlackJason Rainville

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Sunder Shaman 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 Sunder Shaman 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 If Sunder Shaman gains menace, it can’t be blocked at all.