Boros Battleshaper MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 7 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Minotaur Soldier |
| Released | 2013-05-03 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Dragon's Maze |
| Set code | DGM |
| Power | 5 |
| Toughness | 5 |
| Number | 58 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Zoltan Boros |
Text of card
At the beginning of each combat, up to one target creature attacks or blocks this combat if able and up to one target creature can't attack or block this combat.
Leaders shape the minds of their allies. It takes a master to shape the minds of enemies.
Cards like Boros Battleshaper
Boros Battleshaper is a unique creature card that has proven to be a game-changer for player dynamics in Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to dictate combat on your turn mirrors the functionality of cards like Odric, Master Tactician. Odric, however, requires a specific number of creatures to activate its ability, while Boros Battleshaper offers more flexibility since it does not have such a requisite.
Comparing it to Master Warcraft, another card that affects combat, Boros Battleshaper gives ongoing control every combat phase, as opposed to the one-time event control granted by Master Warcraft. What’s intriguing is the ongoing tactical advantage the Battleshaper provides, whereas Master Warcraft sets the stage for a single strategic strike.
Thus, amidst its peers, Boros Battleshaper has a distinct standing. It isn’t just a combat influencer – it’s a steadfast presence that consistently shapes the battlefield. This ongoing control can be leveraged each turn, making the Boros Battleshaper a remarkable card in MTG for its ability to manipulate the flow of combat to its controller’s advantage.
Cards similar to Boros Battleshaper by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Boros Battleshaper doesn’t directly let you draw cards, but it does allow you to dictate combat each turn. This card can effectively disrupt your opponent’s strategy by taking control of which creatures attack or block, indirectly providing you with a form of card advantage by skewing combat in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: While not a source of mana acceleration on its own, the Battleshaper can pave the way for your other creatures to get through unblocked. This can lead to quicker victories, effectively accelerating your path to winning the resource battle against your opponent.
Instant Speed: The Battleshaper’s ability activates during the declare attackers step, which gives it a form of instant speed versatility. You can adapt to the changing battlefield each turn, catching your opponent off guard and optimizing your combat strategy on the fly.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Boros Battleshaper doesn’t have a discard requirement itself, but players should be aware that supporting its mana cost often requires a significant investment in specific card types that work within a Boros deck, making it a less flexible inclusion in strategies that don’t naturally maintain a large hand size or card advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: The Battleshaper’s casting cost requires both red and white mana, aligning it exclusively with the Boros guild. This cost is restrictive for multicolor decks that span beyond the Boros color identity, potentially excluding it from varied deck builds that can’t reliably produce both colors.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a demanding mana value of 4RW, it’s a significant investment on the battlefield. In competitive play, cards at this cost are expected to have an immediate impact or offer significant advantages. Though the Battleshaper’s ability to influence combat is powerful, its high cost could deter players considering more impactful creatures or spells with similar mana investments.
Reasons to Include Boros Battleshaper in Your Collection
Versatility: Boros Battleshaper is a unique card that offers flexibility on the battlefield. Its ability to control combat dynamics is invaluable in strategies that aim to dictate the pace of the game. Whether you are playing an aggressive or a defensive deck, this card can adapt to various situations by manipulating blockers and attackers.
Combo Potential: With its tactical combat influence, Boros Battleshaper can be the key element in executing combos or synergies with cards that thrive on combat tricks. It pairs well with cards that benefit from attacking unblocked or those that trigger upon dealing combat damage, enabling potential game-changing interactions.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where combat plays a significant role, Boros Battleshaper holds its ground. It’s particularly potent against creature-heavy decks, allowing you to disrupt your opponents’ strategies while forging advantageous attacks for yourself. Its relevance only grows as you tailor your deck to leverage the shaper’s unique combat manipulation.
How to beat
Boros Battleshaper is a unique creature card that can significantly influence combat decisions in a game of Magic: The Gathering. To gain the upper hand against this formidable card, consider using spot removal to eliminate it before combat, such as with Path to Exile or Doom Blade, depending on your deck’s colors. Additionally, strategies that circumvent the combat phase, such as direct damage or alternative win conditions, can effectively undermine the Battleshaper’s influence.
Board wipes also serve as a powerful counter, since cards like Wrath of God can clear the board, including this high-impact creature. If your strategy includes counter spells, having one in hand can prevent the Battleshaper from hitting the battlefield in the first place. It’s essential to plan your moves and manage your resources efficiently to deal with this card and avoid letting it take control of the game.
Relying on a diverse array of tactics can protect you against the Boros Battleshaper’s ability to manipulate combat, ensuring you maintain a strong position in the game. By considering these approaches, players can effectively counter the challenges presented by this dynamic card and secure their path to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Boros Battleshaper MTG card by a specific set like Dragon's Maze, 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 Boros Battleshaper and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Boros Battleshaper has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Boros Battleshaper card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2013-04-15 | A creature forced to attack does so only if it’s able to do so as attackers are declared. If, at that time, the creature is tapped, is affected by a spell or ability that says it can’t attack, or hasn’t been under that player’s control continuously since the turn began (and doesn’t have haste), then it doesn’t attack. If there’s a cost associated with having the creature attack, the creature’s controller isn’t forced to pay that cost, so it doesn’t attack in that case either. |
| 2013-04-15 | A creature forced to block does so only if it’s able to do so as blockers are declared. If, at that time, the creature is tapped, is affected by a spell or ability that says it can’t block, or no creatures are attacking its controller or a planeswalker controlled by that player, then it doesn’t block. If there’s a cost associated with having the creature block, its controller isn’t forced to pay that cost, so it doesn’t block in that case either. |
| 2013-04-15 | If you choose two targets for Boros Battleshaper’s ability, and only one of those targets is legal when the ability tries to resolve, only the legal target will be affected. If all targets are illegal when the ability tries to resolve, it won’t resolve and none of its effects will happen. |
| 2013-04-15 | The controller of each creature chooses which player or planeswalker it attacks or which attacking creature it blocks, as appropriate. |
| 2013-04-15 | You may choose zero targets for either or both instances of “up to one target creature.” |