Grasping Shadows // Shadows' Lair MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Enchantment |
| Abilities | Transform |
| Released | 2023-11-17 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | The Lost Caverns of Ixalan |
| Set code | LCI |
| Number | 108 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Transform |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Sam Wolfe Connelly |
Text of card
Whenever a creature you control attacks alone, it gains deathtouch and lifelink until end of turn. Put a dread counter on Grasping Shadows. Then if there are three or more dread counters on it, transform it.
Cards like Grasping Shadows // Shadows' Lair
Grasping Shadows is a distinct card that stands its ground within the realm of MTG’s creature control cards. Delving into the mechanics of cards such as Murder, which also destroys a target creature, Grasping Shadows does not lag far behind, offering a removal option with a twist. While Murder straightforwardly eliminates creatures from the game, Grasping Shadows exiles the creature and replaces it with a creature token under your command, adding strategy to its use.
Comparing it further, we encounter Unmake, another exile-based removal. Unmake is efficient, costing no mana but three hybrid black/white mana, making it flexible in multicolor decks. It does not, however, provide the token creature benefit which might be crucial in specific gameplay scenarios. Then there is Oblivion Strike, delivering the same exile effect at sorcery speed, along with a higher mana cost, which may hinder your tempo in fast-paced games unlike the versatility offered by Grasping Shadows.
In sum, while there are several comparable removal cards in the MTG universe, Grasping Shadows // Shadows’ Lair nestles into a niche of offering both exile-based control and creature advantage, proving its merit in tactical deck building and gameplay situations.
Cards similar to Grasping Shadows // Shadows' Lair by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Grasping Shadows // Shadows’ Lair offers a unique dual utility that can significantly bolster your hand. The front side can return creature cards from your graveyard to your hand, potentially leading to a sizeable card advantage that keeps your resources flowing and applies continuous pressure to your opponent.
Resource Acceleration: When transformed into Shadows’ Lair, this card serves as an engine for resource acceleration. It taps for black mana, crucial for powering up subsequent plays. This trait is particularly valuable in decks that thrive on having ample mana to deploy multiple spells or activate abilities in quick succession.
Instant Speed: The flexibility of Grasping Shadows as an instant speed card cannot be understated. This lets you adapt to the battlefield conditions, resurrecting key creatures at the most opportune moment, potentially turning the tide of a match in your favor. The ability to act during your opponent’s turn adds a layer of strategic depth and surprise to your playstyle.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One key drawback of Grasping Shadows is the requirement for the player to discard a card in addition to its other costs. This condition can prove to be a setback, especially when your hand is already depleted or you’re holding onto key pieces for your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a specific combination of mana types, which can make it less flexible for deck-building. While the colors may align with certain deck archetypes, it could be a hindrance for players who want to include it in a diverse mana base setup.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When examining the mana cost of Grasping Shadows in relation to its effect, it’s evident that the cost is on the higher side. For the mana expended to play this card, players might anticipate a more impactful board presence or an additional benefit. Consequently, there may be alternative cards that achieve similar effects with lower mana investments, making them potentially more attractive choices.
Reasons to Include Grasping Shadows // Shadows’ Lair in Your Collection
Versatility: Grasping Shadows // Shadows’ Lair offers dual utility. Grasping Shadows can disrupt opponents by forcing them to discard, while Shadows’ Lair provides a sanctuary for your own spells, making it adaptable to various playstyles and situations.
Combo Potential: The transformable nature of this card, from an enchantment to a land, leads to unique synergies. As Grasping Shadows, it enables reanimator strategies by filling graveyards, and as Shadows’ Lair, it ensures you have the mana for crucial late-game plays.
Meta-Relevance: Given the fluctuating landscape of competitive play, the ability to answer a wide range of threats makes Grasping Shadows // Shadows’ Lair a smart pickup. It can be particularly potent if the meta is rife with strategies that rely on specific cards in hand or benefit from cemetery recursion.
How to beat
Grasping Shadows // Shadows’ Lair is a unique card for its ability to manipulate the battlefield from the shadows. For players encountering this card, it’s essential to understand its mechanics and strategize accordingly. This dual-faced card allows for sneaky maneuvers and can be a formidable opponent when played deftly. To effectively counter it, consider using graveyard hate cards that can remove key components from play or prevent graveyard interaction, which is central to the card’s utility.
In addition, swift removal spells can disrupt the card’s momentum, denying the advantages it can accrue over time. Counterspells also serve as a reliable line of defense, directly addressing the spell before it has the chance to influence the board. It’s vital to recognize the specific timing and conditions that make Grasping Shadows // Shadows’ Lair most effective, and then plan counterplays that mitigate these scenarios. By staying proactive and limiting the opportunities for this card to exert its influence, players can maintain control of the game.
Overall, preparation and strategic planning are key in overcoming the challenges presented by Grasping Shadows // Shadows’ Lair. Keeping a close eye on your graveyard and hand, and knowing when to apply pressure or hold back, will make all the difference in besting this versatile card on the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Grasping Shadows // Shadows' Lair MTG card by a specific set like The Lost Caverns of Ixalan, 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 Grasping Shadows // Shadows' Lair and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Grasping Shadows // Shadows' Lair has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Grasping Shadows // Shadows' Lair card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2023-11-10 | A creature attacks alone if it's the only creature declared as an attacker during the declare attackers step. For example, the triggered ability of Grasping Shadows won't trigger if you attack with multiple creatures and all but one of them are removed from combat. |
| 2023-11-10 | Grasping Shadows keeps its dread counters as it transforms into Shadows' Lair. |
| 2023-11-10 | Once the ability of Grasping Shadows has triggered, creatures entering the battlefield attacking won't affect that ability. |