Cytospawn Shambler MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 7 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Elemental Mutant |
| Abilities | Graft |
| Released | 2006-05-05 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Dissension |
| Set code | DIS |
| Power | 0 |
| Toughness | 0 |
| Number | 82 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Anthony S. Waters |
Text of card
Graft 6 (This creature comes into play with six +1/+1 counters on it. Whenever another creature comes into play, you may move a +1/+1 counter from this creature onto it.) : Target creature with a +1/+1 counter on it gains trample until end of turn.
Cards like Cytospawn Shambler
Cytospawn Shambler holds a unique position among creature cards in MTG. It’s often compared to other graft creatures like Aquastrand Spider. Both cards carry the graft ability, allowing them to transfer +1/+1 counters to newly summoned creatures. However, what sets Cytospawn Shambler apart is its sheer size, starting with a more substantial number of counters, and the added trample ability, enabling it to deal excess combat damage to an opponent even when blocked.
Looking at Plaxcaster Frogling, another creature with the graft ability, we notice it offers more control by granting the ability to protect other creatures. It’s a smaller creature but compensates with a more defensive approach while Cytospawn Shambler opts for an aggressive stance. Novijen Sages presents a more utilitarian option, allowing you to draw cards by removing +1/+1 counters.
In sum, Cytospawn Shambler showcases not just a straightforward power play in creature battles but also synergizes with strategies built around +1/+1 counters. Its trample ability used together with its significant size can indeed become a significant threat on the board, marking its distinct presence among graft creatures.
Cards similar to Cytospawn Shambler by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Cytospawn Shambler brings not just a formidable body to the battlefield but also packs a punch with its graft ability. As soon as it enters the game, it sets you up for card advantage by allowing you to dispense +1/+1 counters among your creatures, effectively spreading its value across multiple threats.
Resource Acceleration: While this creature itself does not directly accelerate your resources, its graft ability indirectly promotes resource acceleration by enhancing your board presence without the need to invest in additional cards. Every counter represents additional power you didn’t have to pay mana for, which is a subtle form of efficiency and acceleration.
Instant Speed: Although the Cytospawn Shambler operates at sorcery speed, it interacts well with instant speed tricks in your arsenal. With +1/+1 counters at the ready, you can respond to your opponent’s moves by fortifying other creatures unexpectedly during combat or in response to spells, making the Cytospawn Shambler a versatile ally in any matchup.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Players do not have to worry about this for Cytospawn Shambler, as it does not pose a discard condition, allowing you to maintain hand advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: Cytospawn Shambler enters the battlefield at a steep cost of six mana, with a specific requirement of one green mana, potentially limiting its inclusion to decks that heavily feature or can accommodate green mana production.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The creature’s cost is relatively high when examined alongside the landscape of creatures in MTG. For six mana, players might expect more impactful abilities or a larger creature in some cases, making Cytospawn Shambler a potential trade-off in terms of mana efficiency.
Reasons to Include Cytospawn Shambler in Your Collection
Versatility: Cytospawn Shambler offers a flexible role in decks that capitalize on +1/+1 counters and creature synergies. Its graft ability allows you to spread counters among your creatures, making it a useful addition to a variety of strategies that aim to enhance creature performance on the battlefield.
Combo Potential: This creature is well-suited for combos with cards that benefit from counters being placed or moved, such as increasing the power of other creatures or triggering proliferate mechanics to further multiply its impact.
Meta-Relevance: With the evolving game where +1/+1 counters and creature-based tactics are prevalent, having Cytospawn Shambler in your arsenal means you’re well-equipped to bolster your forces and adapt to a meta that rewards strategic creature enhancements.
How to Beat Cytospawn Shambler
Encountering Cytospawn Shambler on the battlefield can be a daunting task for many players. This creature card from the Dissension set brings a unique graft mechanic to the table, allowing you to move +1/+1 counters onto other creatures. The Shambler starts with six of these counters, so it has the potential to either be a formidable attacker or a valuable support for growing an army of enhanced creatures.
To effectively neutralize this threat, players should consider removal spells that bypass the +1/+1 counters, such as Path to Exile or Go for the Throat, which can exile or destroy the creature regardless of its size. Control decks can rely on counterspells like Negate or Essence Scatter to prevent it from ever hitting the field. Additionally, since Cytospawn Shambler requires a significant mana investment, aggressive decks can race against it, aiming to deplete the opponent’s life total before they can fully utilize the Shambler’s abilities. It’s also vital to disrupt any synergy with other graft creatures or proliferate effects that may make the Shambler even more of a menace on the board.
Ultimately, the key to overcoming Cytospawn Shambler lies in timing your removal efficiently, maintaining board presence, and cutting off any synergistic interactions that amplify its threat. Practice these strategies, and you’ll be well-equipped to handle whatever this creature may graft onto the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Cytospawn Shambler MTG card by a specific set like Dissension, 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 Cytospawn Shambler 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
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Cytospawn Shambler has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |