Davriel's Shadowfugue MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Sorcery |
| Released | 2019-05-03 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | War of the Spark |
| Set code | WAR |
| Number | 84 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Daarken |
Text of card
Target player discards two cards and loses 2 life.
Shadows coiled around the witness's mind. Then the moment vanished, leaving only the sting of its loss.
Cards like Davriel's Shadowfugue
Davriel’s Shadowfugue has secured its place in Magic: The Gathering as an intriguing mind-bending spell that forces an opponent to discard two cards. This effect mirrors the function of popular discard spells like Mind Rot, which traditionally also requires the opponent to discard two cards from their hand. Where Davriel’s Shadowfugue differs is its specific targeting of any one opponent in a multiplayer game, offering strategic advantage in Commander formats. Mind Rot, being similar in cost and effect, does not have this multiplayer targeting flexibility.
Another card with a similar impact is Hymn to Tourach, which not only incites discard but does so at random, potentially causing more disruption. However, Hymn to Tourach sits in a different mana spectrum and can be more devastating earlier on the game. Conversely, Delirium Skeins is a card that broadens the discard scope by affecting all players, which can be a double-edged sword if not played with caution.
When delving into the nuances of discard spells, Davriel’s Shadowfugue offers MTG deck builders a valuable choice, balancing cost, effect, and the ability to selectively target your adversaries in any game setting.
Cards similar to Davriel's Shadowfugue by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Davriel’s Shadowfugue pressures your opponent by requiring them to discard two cards, effectively generating card advantage for the player as their opponent loses resources.
Resource Acceleration: Although not directly affecting your own resources, diminishing an opponent’s hand size can indirectly accelerate your position in the game as it can lead to a resource disparity, putting you ahead.
Instant Speed: This sorcery’s effect at a cost-effective rate allows you to disrupt opponents during your turn, ensuring that they have fewer options when they are ready to act, although it’s not an instant, the efficiency at which it operates can hamper your opponent’s speed significantly.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Your opponent discarding two cards might seem beneficial, but it doesn’t guarantee impacting their strategy significantly, especially if they have a way to utilize their graveyard or have a surplus of cards in hand.
Specific Mana Cost: Davriel’s Shadowfugue requires two black mana, which restricts deck-building flexibility, making it less attractive for multicolor decks that might struggle with producing enough black mana consistently.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana, other options could disrupt opponents more aggressively or provide additional value. This cost makes Davriel’s Shadowfugue a potential liability against fast-paced decks where efficiency is key.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Davriel’s Shadowfugue is a flexible card that can be seamlessly integrated into a variety of black decks. Its ability to cause an opponent to discard two cards makes it an excellent choice in both aggressive and control strategies, unsettling your opponent’s hand and plans.
Combo Potential: This card shines in scenarios where you’re capitalizing on discard mechanics. It can pair well with other cards that trigger effects upon your opponent discarding a card, amplifying the damage and disruption you can inflict in a single turn.
Meta-Relevance: In environments heavy with hand sculpting and meticulously crafted play sequences, Davriel’s Shadowfugue can disrupt your opponent’s carefully laid plans. Against control decks and combo decks that rely on specific card interactions, forcing discards can be a game-changing move.
How to beat
Davriel’s Shadowfugue presents a notable challenge in Magic: The Gathering, casting a menacing shadow over players’ hands with its ability to force the opponent to discard two cards. This effect, resonant of mind-twisting spells that probe into players’ strategic reserves, can sway the tide of the game by stripping away critical resources.
To effectively counter Davriel’s Shadowfugue, consider maintaining a hand with expendable cards, thus minimizing the impact of the discard. Cards with Madness or other abilities that trigger when discarded can turn the tables on this spell’s oppressive nature. Moreover, instant-speed card draw spells can replenish your hand in response, ensuring you stay ahead in the resource game. It’s also advantageous to pressure opponents and restrict their mana, as Davriel’s Shadowfugue requires a specific timing at four mana, making it less flexible.
By understanding and anticipating the potential disruption of Davriel’s Shadowfugue, players can craft strategies to mitigate its effects and maintain control over their game plan, ultimately rendering this shadowy spell less daunting. Such foresight is critical in the dynamic environment of Magic: The Gathering.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Davriel's Shadowfugue 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 Davriel's Shadowfugue 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 Davriel's Shadowfugue 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 Davriel's Shadowfugue 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 | The target player loses 2 life even if they can discard only one or zero cards. |