Ghostly Changeling MTG Card
2007-10-12 - Number 116
2015-05-22 - Number 83
2019-11-07 - Number 667
2020-09-26 - Number MM2-83
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Shapeshifter |
| Abilities | Changeling |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Changeling (This card is every creature type at all times.) : Ghostly Changeling gets +1/+1 until end of turn.
In desolate places, changelings may take the shape of fancies, or memories, or fears.
Cards like Ghostly Changeling
Ghostly Changeling represents a flexible choice in creature-based MTG decks, similar to other shape-shifting beings such as Changeling Outcast. Like Ghostly Changeling, Changeling Outcast benefits from being every creature type simultaneously, providing versatility in tribal decks. However, Ghostly Changeling stands out with its mana-intensive morphing ability, allowing it to become a sizable threat at any moment during gameplay.
Another card worth mentioning is Amoeboid Changeling. This card shares the all-creature-type characteristic with Ghostly Changeling but differs in utility. Instead of boosting its power, it taps to alter another creature’s types, disrupting opponents’ tribal synergies or enhancing your own. Although Ghostly Changeling lacks this level of interaction, its straightforward boosting mechanic can repeatedly reinforce your battlefield presence.
When considering these options, Ghostly Changeling’s strength lies in its inherent potential to scale with the game’s progression, making it a solid pick for players who value a continuous, on-demand power increase for their creatures.
Cards similar to Ghostly Changeling by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Ghostly Changeling presents an ongoing threat that can potentially demand multiple cards from your opponent to handle it properly. Its morph ability lets it dodge removal, potentially causing the opponent to waste their removal spells and giving you a leg up in terms of card economy.
Resource Acceleration: While Ghostly Changeling doesn’t directly generate mana, its Changeling ability allows it to count as every creature type, which can accelerate your strategy when synergizing with tribe-specific cards that might reduce costs or provide bonuses based on the number or type of creatures you control.
Instant Speed: Its ability to boost its power at instant speed gives you the flexibility to surprise an unwary opponent during combat or in response to spells or abilities, making it a versatile combat trick as well as a persistent creature-based threat on the board.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Ghostly Changeling’s ability to gain +1/+1 until end of turn comes at the price of discarding a card, which can put you at a card disadvantage especially when your hand is already depleted.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring two black mana for casting can be restrictive for multicolored decks. This can pose deck-building challenges and may not always fit into the mana curve smoothly.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While a three-mana cost for a 2/2 creature is standard, investing additional mana into its ability for an incremental benefit might not always be the most resource-efficient play in a game where tempo is vital.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Ghostly Changeling offers a dynamic role in deck building due to its Changeling ability, meaning it can serve as any creature type. This flexibility allows it to seamlessly fit into nearly any tribal-focused deck, enhancing the synergy between creatures.
Combo Potential: Its ability to boost its power and toughness through mana investment creates opportunities for combos with cards that track creature stats. This makes it a potentially crucial piece in strategies capitalizing on creature size.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where creature types are key, Ghostly Changeling stands out. It has a utility in both offensive and defensive positions, adapting to the shifting demands of competitive play while providing an edge in tribal encounters.
How to beat
Conquering Ghostly Changeling in MTG requires a strategic approach, as this shapeshifter boasts the universal creature type and morphing capabilities. To tackle this elusive adversary, consider utilizing targeted removal spells. These spells can swiftly address the Ghostly Changeling before it grows out of control, as it has the potential to become stronger with its mana-based ability to boost its power. Spells like Path to Exile or Fatal Push can be particularly effective, as they don’t discriminate based on creature type.
Moreover, playing around Ghostly Changeling’s strengths is key. Since its power lies in flexibility and incremental growth, deploying creatures with high toughness or those that offer good defense can stymie the Changeling’s effectiveness. Additionally, cards that restrict the activation of abilities can be a silver bullet, as they directly counter the Changeling’s core mechanic. Remember, it’s about timing and disrupting the opponent’s game plan by rendering the Changeling’s advantages moot through precise removal and shrewd board control.
In essence, despite Ghostly Changeling’s versatility within tribal decks, it can be bested by prompt removal, strategic creature blocking, and restricting its scalable power. Acknowledging its potential and planning accordingly will tilt the scales in your favor during a match.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ghostly Changeling MTG card by a specific set like Lorwyn and Modern Masters 2015, 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 Ghostly Changeling 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Ghostly Changeling Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2007-10-12 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Chuck Lukacs.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2007-10-12 | Lorwyn | LRW | 116 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Chuck Lukacs | |
| 2 | 2015-05-22 | Modern Masters 2015 | MM2 | 83 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chuck Lukacs | |
| 3 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 667 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chuck Lukacs | |
| 4 | The List | PLST | MM2-83 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chuck Lukacs |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Ghostly Changeling has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |