Ashiok's Skulker MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Nightmare |
| Released | 2019-05-03 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | War of the Spark |
| Set code | WAR |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 5 |
| Number | 40 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Livia Prima |
Text of card
: Ashiok's Skulker can't be blocked this turn.
"Fear writhes and whispers in the shadows of your mind. It is the enemy you always knew would come." —Ashiok
Cards like Ashiok's Skulker
Ashiok’s Skulker from the Magic: The Gathering universe isn’t the only creature with the ability to become unblockable. It shares this elusive quality with Mist-Cloaked Herald, though the latter does so innately and at a lower mana cost. The Skulker, on the other hand, requires three mana to activate its ability, but it’s also a more substantial body on the battlefield with a 3/5 stat line.
Another creature with similarities is Aether Tunnel, an enchantment that makes any creature it’s attached to unblockable. While it doesn’t provide an additional creature like Ashiok’s Skulker, it gives a power boost and permanent unblockability for a one-time cost. Invisimancer serves a similar function, granting unblockability to itself upon entering the battlefield without the need for further mana investment.
Examining Ashiok’s Skulker in the context of these alternatives, one can see its unique place in MTG. It offers a repeatable unblockability option that, albeit mana-intensive, ensures it can fulfill a role as both an evasive attacker and a considerable blocker—a flexible option for deck builders looking for a multifaceted creature card.
Cards similar to Ashiok's Skulker by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Ashiok’s Skulker’s invisibility cloak ability empowers you with board presence while preserving cards in hand. Being able to repeatedly make Ashiok’s Skulker unblockable ensures consistent hits on your opponent, paving the way for a steady path towards victory.
Resource Acceleration: Though Ashiok’s Skulker doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its ability to become unblockable for a mere two mana allows for strategic resource management. This leaves you with more mana available for playing additional threats or holding up responses during critical turns.
Instant Speed: Ashiok’s Skulker thrives in a game where tactics and timing are pivotal. While its invisibility activation isn’t at instant speed, it synergizes well with instant-speed spells. This combination forces your opponents to make difficult decisions without full knowledge of what threats they need to manage, which can lead to misplays in your favor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Ashiok’s Skulker necessitates a discard action to unlock its full potential. This can present a challenge when your hand is already depleted or if you’re trying to maintain card advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring two blue mana to cast, this card imposes a color commitment that might restrict its integration in multi-color decks or those running on a tight mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of five mana, Ashiok’s Skulker can be considered mana-intensive relative to its abilities. Players may find more cost-effective creatures or spells that provide similar or enhanced effects.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Ashiok’s Skulker is a fantastic flexible piece for any blue-based deck, fitting seamlessly into a variety of strategies from control to evasion-centric builds. Its ability to become unblockable ensures it can be a consistent threat regardless of your opponent’s board state.
Combo Potential: This creature can be the lynchpin in combos focusing on hit-and-run tactics. Coupled with cards that benefit from dealing combat damage to a player, Ashiok’s Skulker can be part of a powerful engine, churning out value turn after turn.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where ground stalls are common, having an easily unblockable creature can give you the edge. Its sheer presence can pressure opponents, making it a relevant choice in metas where the ability to slip past defenses is crucial.
How to beat
Ashiok’s Skulker from Magic: The Gathering introduces a formidable challenge with its ability to become unblockable for a cost. This stealthy ability can make it a persistent threat on the board, particularly in limited formats where evasion is key. Overcoming this creature often requires a strategy that doesn’t rely on blocking.
Removal is the clearest route to take when dealing with the Skulker. Instant-speed removal like Murder or Doom Blade can efficiently handle the threat at a relatively low mana cost before the Skulker’s ability is activated. Board wipes are also effective and often unavoidable for the opponent, making cards like Wrath of God or Damnation perfect answers.
Another tactic is to deploy your own threats that demand an answer. Deploying imposing creatures can shift the focus away from your adversary working on their Skulker strategy. Alternatively, utilizing cards that restrict your opponent’s mana can hinder their ability to make Ashiok’s Skulker unblockable, providing a window to push through your own strategy and claim victory on the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ashiok's Skulker MTG card by a specific set like War of the Spark, 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 Ashiok's Skulker and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Ashiok's Skulker has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Ashiok's Skulker card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2019-05-03 | Once this creature has been blocked, activating its ability won’t change or undo that block. |