Dungeon Shade MTG Card

Land drops amplify Dungeon Shade’s power, making each land play more threatening. Instant speed ability allows for tactical surprises during combat. Requires careful management due to its specific mana and discard costs.

Stronghold (STH)
1998-03-02 - Number 58

Dungeon Shade - Tempest Remastered (TPR)

Tempest Remastered (TPR)
2015-05-06 - Number 103

The List (PLST)
2020-09-26 - Number STH-58

Card sets	Released in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Shade Spirit
Abilities	Flying
Power	1
Toughness	1

Text of card

Flying oo B Dungeon Shade gets +1/+1 until end of turn.

A sickness stirs in its eyes, a nightmare born in darkened wails.

Cards like Dungeon Shade

Dungeon Shade is a unique creature card that brings a blend of abilities to the dark corners of a Magic: The Gathering match. When compared to other creatures, like Nantuko Shade, we notice parallels in the mana-boosted power increase potential. Dungeon Shade, however, has flying as an intrinsic ability, enabling evasion tactics that Nantuko Shade lacks. This makes it a versatile threat, able to swoop over ground-based defenses.

Shade creatures have been a staple in black-based strategies for tapping into vast mana reserves to overpower opponents. Another example is the iconic Nightshade Stinger, which, while lacking the scaling power ability, offers a low-cost alternative with evasion capabilities. Contrasting with Dungeon Shade’s flexibility, Nightshade Stinger is unable to grow in strength, thereby having a more limited impact on the game as it progresses.

Overall, while cards like Nantuko Shade and Nightshade Stinger offer their unique strategic advantages, Dungeon Shade stands out due to its blend of power growth and evasion. It can be a pivotal asset for players who can skillfully manage their mana pool to maximize Dungeon Shade’s potential on the battlefield.

Cards similar to Dungeon Shade by color, type and mana cost

Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed - MTG Card versions

Demon of Catastrophes - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Dungeon Shade provides a strategic edge by enhancing itself each time a land enters the battlefield under your control. This synergistic effect maintains pressure on your opponent by continuously strengthening your position without expending additional cards from your hand.

Resource Acceleration: Dungeon Shade benefits from your deck’s natural land plays. While it doesn’t create resources directly, it turns each land drop into a potential threat multiplier, encouraging decks focused on land ramp and resource acceleration to include it for its scaling power.

Instant Speed: Its ability to pump up its power and toughness at instant speed is a critical tactical tool. It enables surprise combat tricks and unpredictable blocks, allowing you to outmaneuver opponents during the heat of battle without telegraphing your moves too early.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the drawbacks for players using Dungeon Shade is the discard element it introduces into gameplay. While powering up this creature, you are required to pitch another card from your hand, which could be a setback when your hand size is already dwindling.

Specific Mana Cost: Dungeon Shade commands a specific mana allocation to make the most of its abilities. For decks not deeply entrenched in the swamp’s murky mana, integrating Dungeon Shade smoothly can be a cumbersome task, potentially clashing with a deck’s mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The inflexibility in Dungeon Shade’s mana cost can pose a challenge for many decks. With a casting cost demanding two black mana, it narrows the field of decks that can efficiently accommodate it, especially in a mana-hungry game with players looking to optimize every drop of mana.

Reasons to Include Dungeon Shade in Your Collection

Versatility: Dungeon Shade offers a flexible role in any black-aligned deck, serving as a scalable threat that grows stronger with each dungeon you complete.

Combo Potential: Its ability to gain a +1/+1 counter whenever you venture into the dungeon synergizes with deck strategies focused on dungeon mechanics, enabling it to become a formidable force alongside cards that allow repeated dungeon ventures.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where the dungeon mechanic is prominent, Dungeon Shade stands out as a key player. Its potential to become a major threat in the late game ensures its relevance in various match-ups and can turn the tide in your favor when navigating through complex board states.

How to Beat Dungeon Shade

Overcoming Dungeon Shade in your Magic: The Gathering matches requires a strategic approach. This eerie creature benefits from each dungeon you’ve completed, growing stronger with each room explored. Key to defeating it is disrupting this synergy—prevent your opponent from venturing into dungeons. Tools like graveyard exile spells can also weaken Dungeon Shade’s power, as it relies on managed dungeon completions for its strength.

Consider employing removal spells that can handle this creature, regardless of its size. Instant speed spells like Murder or Path to Exile are reliable choices as they can be used before the Shade becomes a significant threat. Board wipe spells can also reset the Creature’s progress, clearing the path for your victory. Counter it early or contain it with consistent removal. Whichever strategy you choose, keep their dungeon delving in check and Dungeon Shade will lose its intimidating presence on the battlefield.

It’s important to adapt your game plan to the evolving dynamics of the match. By executing these tactics, managing your resources efficiently, and keeping pressure on your opponent, you can navigate around the cryptic danger of Dungeon Shade and secure your triumph in the game.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Dungeon Shade MTG card by a specific set like Stronghold and Tempest Remastered, 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 Dungeon Shade and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Dungeon Shade Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1998-03-02 and 2015-05-06. Illustrated by Jason Alexander Behnke.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	1998-03-02	Stronghold	STH	58	1997	Normal	Black	Jason Alexander Behnke
2	2015-05-06	Tempest Remastered	TPR	103	2015	Normal	Black	Jason Alexander Behnke
3	~~2020-09-26~~	The List	PLST	STH-58	1997	Normal	Black	Jason Alexander Behnke

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Dungeon Shade has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal