Swarm Shambler MTG Card


Swarm Shambler ensures continuous board presence by generating Insect tokens, proving advantageous in creature-heavy matches. Its ability to self-buff and deter targeted spells at instant speed adds strategic depth to gameplay. While mana-specific and vulnerable to discard, its versatility makes it a robust choice for counter-focused decks.
Card setsReleased in 6 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Fungus Beast
Power 0
Toughness 0

Text of card

Swarm Shambler enters the battlefield with a +1/+1 counter on it. Whenever a creature you control with a +1/+1 counter on it becomes the target of a spell an opponent controls, create a 1/1 green Insect creature token. , : Put a +1/+1 counter on Swarm Shambler.


Cards like Swarm Shambler

Swarm Shambler enters the crowded field of creature cards in Magic: The Gathering designed to grow over time and deliver value beyond their initial form. As a one-mana creature, it already stands out in its capacity to adapt and eventually overwhelm opponents if unchecked. Its closest kin in functionality would be Pelt Collector, a creature that similarly accrues strength whenever another creature you control with greater power enters the battlefield or dies.

Another card worth mentioning is Experiment One. It showcases the evolve mechanic, allowing it to gain +1/+1 counters as larger creatures come into play. Unlike Swarm Shambler, Experiment One has the regeneration ability, trading the former’s utility in generating insect tokens for greater resilience. Then there’s Scavenging Ooze, a creature that grows by metabolizing creatures from the graveyard but also serves as a form of disruption against decks that rely on graveyard strategies, something that Swarm Shambler does not directly affect.

Each of these creatures offers unique advantages, showcasing the depth and variety available to players. Swarm Shambler remains a noteworthy choice for its low cost and its synergy in decks themed around +1/+1 counters and token generation. It’s an investment in future board presence that can quietly tip the scales of a match in your favor.

Pelt Collector - MTG Card versions
Experiment One - MTG Card versions
Scavenging Ooze - MTG Card versions
Pelt Collector - MTG Card versions
Experiment One - MTG Card versions
Scavenging Ooze - MTG Card versions

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Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Abzan MidrangeAbzan Midrange GladiatorGladiator Games: We're Back

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Swarm Shambler is designed to sustain card advantage by creating 1/1 green Insect creature tokens that keep your board presence even after potential removals. This can subtly shift the tide by ensuring you seldom run out of creatures to maneuver with.

Resource Acceleration: This creature not only buffs itself with +1/+1 counters but also fluctuates your creature resources effectively. Every time it gains a counter, you can anticipate an extra Insect token, priming you for an enhanced field presence and opening up avenues for mana value plays later on in the game.

Instant Speed: While Swarm Shambler itself isn’t an instant, its inherent ability to deter opponents from targeting it with spells or abilities by threatening to generate a token adds a layer of interaction at instant speed. This can force opponents to reconsider their actions during their turns, preserving your board state and capabilities.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Swarm Shambler doesn’t inherently ask you to discard a card, it can be a liability in a meta packed with forced discard mechanics. Its value decreases if you’re compelled to lose this creature to an opposing Thoughtseize or similar effect.

Specific Mana Cost: Swarm Shambler’s requirement for green mana makes it a natural fit for mono-green or green-centric decks but can be a stumbling block in multicolored decks that struggle with mana consistency.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For decks focused on rapid development, the initial investment of one green mana seems inexpensive, yet in a fast-paced match, the additional mana needed to leverage its ability can be costly in the long run as it competes with other mana-hungry cards in your strategy.


Reasons to Include Swarm Shambler in Your Collection

Versatility: Swarm Shambler slips into a range of decks with ease, beautifully synergizing with strategies that emphasize on counter manipulation or creature-focused gameplay. Its ability to grow itself and others makes it a flexible addition to your arsenal.

Combo Potential: Leveraging its inherent capability to generate 1/1 green Insect creature tokens, Swarm Shambler sets the stage for combos with cards that thrive on creature count or the sacrifice mechanic. In the right combination, it’s a linchpin for an overwhelming board presence.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where creature-based aggro decks are prevalent, Swarm Shambler stands out as a relevant card. Its resistance to removal due to its token-generating death trigger makes it a persistent threat that adapts well to a variety of competitive environments.


How to beat

Swarm Shambler presents itself as a resilient threat on the battlefield, particularly in decks focused on +1/+1 counters. What makes this creature difficult to remove is its ability to replace itself with a 1/1 insect creature token when targeted by a spell or ability an opponent controls. Tackling this creature head-on can be a bit of a tactical puzzle – it dodges direct removal by creating more threats.

To effectively counter Swarm Shambler, consider using board wipes that don’t target individual creatures. This way, you can circumvent the token generation and clear the path for your victory without leaving any lingering threats. Mass removal spells have the edge here, cleaning the slate without discriminating between creatures. Another strategy includes taking control of the game with counterspells and removal spells when the shambler is set to grow substantially. Timing is crucial; responding before tokens or counters are created is key.

In short, leveraging non-targeted removal or seizing control of key spells at the right moment can neutralize the enduring presence of Swarm Shambler effectively. In doing so, you’ll mitigate its impact and enhance your own board position.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG is like a chess game enhanced with fantastical spells and creatures, with Swarm Shambler being a strategic piece in your green deck arsenal. Its ability to generate tokens and grow with counters makes it a multitasking powerhouse on the battlefield. Weave it into your strategy for card advantage and to bolster your presence against adversaries. With mana-efficient cards like Swarm Shambler, each move could be a subtle step towards victory. For players aiming to refine their decks and gameplay, incorporating such versatile cards is crucial. Curious about ways to maximize Swarm Shambler’s potential in your own deck? Continue your MTG journey with us for in-depth insights and strategies.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Swarm Shambler MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Zendikar Rising, 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 Swarm Shambler and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Swarm Shambler Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2020-09-25 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Nicholas Gregory.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 837402015NormalBlackNicholas Gregory
22020-09-25Zendikar RisingZNR 2072015NormalBlackNicholas Gregory
32020-09-25Zendikar Rising PromosPZNR 207s2015NormalBlackNicholas Gregory
42020-09-25Zendikar RisingZNR 3622015NormalBlackNicholas Gregory
52020-09-25Zendikar Rising PromosPZNR 207p2015NormalBlackNicholas Gregory
62022-12-02Jumpstart 2022J22 7342015NormalBlackNicholas Gregory

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Swarm Shambler has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2020-09-25 An ability that triggers when a creature becomes the target of a spell resolves before the spell that caused it to trigger. It resolves even if that spell is countered.
2020-09-25 If a creature without a +1/+1 counter on it becomes the target of a spell an opponent controls, putting a +1/+1 counter on it after that won’t cause Swarm Shambler’s middle ability to trigger.
2020-09-25 If a spell targets a creature you control with a +1/+1 counter on it more than once, Swarm Shambler’s ability triggers only once.
2020-09-25 You create just one Insect token, no matter how many +1/+1 counters the target creature has on it.