Armor of Shadows MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeInstant

Key Takeaways

  1. Boosts creatures instantly at a low cost, offering tactical in-game advantages and resource efficiency.
  2. Requires careful hand resource management due to its discard effect, potentially affecting strategy.
  3. Its specificity to black mana and creatures can limit deck integration, despite instant impact potential.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Armor of Shadows MTG card by a specific set like Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate and Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate, 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 Armor of Shadows and other MTG cards:

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Text of card

Until end of turn, target creature gets +1/+0 and gains indestructible. (Damage and effects that say "destroy" don't destroy it.)

"What's softer than silk, stronger than steel, and quieter than thought?" —Warlock riddle


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Armor of Shadows provides a subtle but effective form of card advantage. While it may not directly permit you to draw more cards, its ability to potentially turn a single creature into an unwavering blocker or a more formidable attacker can be equivalent to having an additional card’s worth of resources on the battlefield. This incremental advantage ensures that your board state remains diverse and resilient.

Resource Acceleration: The inherent value of Armor of Shadows stems from its low casting cost. Unlike more expensive alternatives, Armor of Shadows can be played early in the game, allowing you to allocate your mana efficiently and accelerate your on-board impact without compromising your resource pool. This efficiency can pivot you into a position of strength as the game progresses.

Instant Speed: The capability to cast Armor of Shadows at instant speed provides a strategic edge by granting flexibility in how you manage your plays. The option to enhance a creature unexpectedly – perhaps during combat or in response to an opponent’s action – allows for tactical maneuvers that can swing the tide of a match in your favor while keeping opponents on edge.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Armor of Shadows necessitates discarding another card which might not always be economically feasible during gameplay, especially when your hand is already running low on cards. This can disrupt strategic plans and lead to a compromised board position.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Armor of Shadows requires black mana, which might not synergize well with multi-color decks lacking sufficient black mana resources. This restricts the card’s versatility across various deck types.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Armor of Shadows provides a significant boost, its mana cost may be on the higher side when compared to other enchantments or equipment that offer similar benefits. Savvy players will weigh the card’s impact against its mana investment when building their decks.


Reasons to Include Armor of Shadows in Your Collection

Versatility: Armor of Shadows proves to be a versatile card, fitting seamlessly into decks that emphasize speed and protection for your creatures. Quick equip cost allows for immediate response to on-field threats.

Combo Potential: This enchantment boosts the viability of synergies within decks that capitalize on non-tapping creatures or those that benefit from having a high armor class, enhancing your strategic maneuvers.

Meta-Relevance: Given its efficient cost and the potential for instant board impact, Armor of Shadows aligns well with meta strategies that require consistent creature defense, maintaining a strong board presence against a variety of opponent tactics.


How to beat

The Armor of Shadows card brings intrigue and strategy to the battlefield, providing players with tactical advantages in Magic: The Gathering. One effective method to overcome this card involves targeting its weak point: its reliance on creatures. By focusing on removal spells that can bypass the enchantment’s protection, such as those that force a player to sacrifice creatures or that can exile them directly, players can mitigate the card’s impact.

Another approach is to use board wipes that clear all creatures from the play area. This can effectively negate the advantages Armor of Shadows confers on an opponent’s creatures. Additionally, counter magic plays a critical role in dealing with this enchantment, allowing players to prevent the card’s resolution entirely by countering it while on the stack. It’s also pertinent to ensure that the player maintains card advantage to replace any resources spent dealing with Armor of Shadows.

Focusing on these tactics ensures that the Armor of Shadows does not dominate the game. Mastery of this card’s counterplay is a testament to a player’s depth of knowledge and strategy within the complex and rich environment of Magic: The Gathering.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dive into the strategic depths of MTG with Armor of Shadows, a card that can transform your gameplay with its swift boost in creature defense. It’s a tool for those who appreciate the finesse of instant speed plays and the benefit of efficient mana use. If you enjoy crafting strategies that keep your opponents guessing and your creatures robust, this enchantment might be the next gem in your collection. Enhance your deck’s capabilities and outmaneuver your opponents by integrating the unique advantages of Armor of Shadows. Eager to optimize your deck with expert insights and find ways to leverage this enchantment in your favor? Continue your MTG journey with us and discover how to master the game with Armor of Shadows as your clandestine ace.


Cards like Armor of Shadows

Armor of Shadows is an intriguing piece in the realm of defensive enchants in Magic the Gathering. This card echoes other protective spells like Darksteel Plate, which also provides indestructibility to a creature. Armor of Shadows, however, offers a unique edge with its ability to be cast only at the speed of a sorcery and targeting exclusively black creatures.

Meanwhile, we can consider Skeletal Grimace, that similarly grants toughness while also adding the regenerative capability. It does come with a lesser constraint than Armor of Shadows, as it can be attached to any creature, regardless of color. Mage Armor follows suit in the comparison but stands out by allowing any tapped creature to block as though it weren’t tapped, a different tactical advantage that isn’t found in Armor of Shadows.

To encapsulate, Armor of Shadows finds its niche within the depths of protective Magic the Gathering spells. While it may not have the universal application of other cards, it bolsters black creatures with a strengthened defense, as long as the conditions for its use align with your strategy on the battlefield.

Darksteel Plate - MTG Card versions
Skeletal Grimace - MTG Card versions
Darksteel Plate - MTG Card versions
Skeletal Grimace - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Armor of Shadows by color, type and mana cost

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Howl from Beyond - MTG Card versions
Dark Ritual - MTG Card versions
Sacrifice - MTG Card versions
Darkness - MTG Card versions
Marsh Gas - MTG Card versions
Deathlace - MTG Card versions
Gravebind - MTG Card versions
Misinformation - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Tutor - MTG Card versions
Dredge - MTG Card versions
Vendetta - MTG Card versions
Coffin Purge - MTG Card versions
Defile - MTG Card versions
March of Wretched Sorrow - MTG Card versions
Fatal Push - MTG Card versions
Foulmire Knight // Profane Insight - MTG Card versions
Fade from Memory - MTG Card versions
Duh - MTG Card versions
Aesthetic Consultation - MTG Card versions
Stop That - MTG Card versions

Printings

The Armor of Shadows Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2022-06-10 and 2022-07-07. Illustrated by Craig J Spearing.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 1122015NormalBlackCraig J Spearing
22022-07-07Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's GateHBG 1422015NormalBlackCraig J Spearing

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Armor of Shadows has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
GladiatorLegal
TimelessLegal