Gutter Skulker // Gutter Shortcut MTG Card
2021-11-19 - Number 62
2022-01-28 - Number 329
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Spirit |
| Abilities | Disturb,Transform |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Gutter Skulker can't be blocked as long as it's attacking alone. Disturb (You may cast this card from your graveyard transformed for its disturb cost.)
Geists have a knack for showing up wherever they're least expected.
Cards like Gutter Skulker // Gutter Shortcut
Gutter Skulker enters the fray as an intriguing creature option in the MTG rogue archetype. It finds kinship with similar cards such as Thieves’ Guild Enforcer, which is another rogue that also thrives on turning the opponent’s deck into your asset. However, where Gutter Skulker shines is in its versatility, thanks to its daybound and nightbound mechanic. This allows it to transform into Gutter Shortcut, offering a cunning evasion ability not seen in the Enforcer.
Moreover, when compared to Soaring Thought-Thief, another rogue with a penchant for manipulating the opponent’s library, Gutter Skulker stands out. Although Thought-Thief bolsters your rogues and mills the opponent, Skulker, and its alternate incarnation, Shortcut, bring a unique ability to phase out one of your creatures, keeping your key players safe from removal.
While both the Enforcer and Thought-Thief have their own merits in an aggressive strategy, the Gutter Skulker’s transformative nature and protective ability mark it as a card that can adapt to the ever-changing battlefield states that define MTG’s dynamic gameplay.
Cards similar to Gutter Skulker // Gutter Shortcut by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Gutter Skulker presents a two-for-one deal, offering both a creature and a means to circumvent blockers with its Gutter Shortcut side. This can provide a significant edge, potentially drawing out removals or enabling key creature interactions, thereby maintaining pressure on the opponent.
Resource Acceleration: As Gutter Skulker transforms into Gutter Shortcut, it facilitates a swifter game pace for you, with resource acceleration manifesting through the unblockable status it grants another creature. This ramp in tempo can be particularly disruptive, presenting a conduit to expedite damage and apply consistent pressure in the mid to late game.
Instant Speed: The flexibility to cast Gutter Shortcut at instant speed is a tactical asset. It allows you to navigate the battlefield with precision, utilizing mana efficiently, and capitalizing on the perfect moment to evade your opponent’s defenses. Moreover, activating this effect in response to an attack not only protects your creatures but also sets the stage for a swift counter-assault.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Gutter Skulker // Gutter Shortcut necessitates discarding a card, which could be a hurdle when your hand is already depleted or when you’re striving to maintain card advantage against your opponent.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting cost demands a mix of blue and black mana, potentially complicating its inclusion in multi-colored decks that vie for a diverse mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: As a three-cost creature with modest stats, the investment in mana might not align with the tempo of aggressive strategies, especially when there are other options that offer swifter board impact.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Gutter Skulker works well in various deck styles, particularly those seeking to outmaneuver opponents with sneaky tactics or strengthen rogue-themed synergies.
Combo Potential: This creature’s transformation into Gutter Shortcut can enable surprising plays, synergizing well with strategies that revolve around unblockable creatures or direct player effects.
Meta-Relevance: With a shifting landscape in the MTG arena, a card like Gutter Skulker, which offers flexibility and surprising board presence, finds its relevance in its ability to adapt and confront various popular strategies.
How to beat
Gutter Skulker // Gutter Shortcut, with its ability to become unblockable, poses a unique challenge on the battleground. To effectively counter this elusive creature, focus on removal spells that don’t require targeting an individual creature, such as board wipes Languish or Day of Judgment, which circumvent the need for direct interaction. Utilizing such spells will allow you to clear the field of Gutter Skulker regardless of its unblockable status.
Another strategy is employing spells that force your opponent to sacrifice a creature. Examples include Crackling Doom or Liliana’s Triumph, as these do not target Gutter Skulker directly and thus bypass its elusive nature. Keeping your mana open to react with instant speed interaction can be a key tactic in maintaining control over the game and ultimately leading you to victory against decks that capitalize on the cover of darkness with creatures such as Gutter Skulker.
Understanding these mechanics is crucial in strategizing your defense and maintaining dominance over your opponent. It’s not just about playing the cards right but also playing the right cards, especially when dealing with such sneaky adversaries.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Gutter Skulker // Gutter Shortcut MTG card by a specific set like Innistrad: Crimson Vow and Innistrad: Double Feature, 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 Gutter Skulker // Gutter Shortcut 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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Printings
The Gutter Skulker // Gutter Shortcut Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2021-11-19 and 2022-01-28. Illustrated by Viko Menezes.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2021-11-19 | Innistrad: Crimson Vow | VOW | 62 | 2015 | Transform | Black | Viko Menezes | |
| 2 | 2022-01-28 | Innistrad: Double Feature | DBL | 329 | 2015 | Transform | Black | Viko Menezes |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Gutter Skulker // Gutter Shortcut has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Gutter Skulker // Gutter Shortcut card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2021-11-19 | If Gutter Skulker or the creature enchanted by Gutter Shortcut is attacking with another creature and becomes blocked, removing the other creature from combat doesn't cause it to become unblocked. |