Gatstaf Shepherd // Gatstaf Howler MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Werewolf |
| Abilities | Transform |
| Released | 2011-09-30 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Innistrad |
| Set code | ISD |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 182 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Transform |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Mark Evans |
Key Takeaways
- Gatstaf Shepherd // Gatstaf Howler offers a strategic two-for-one card slot advantage, optimizing deck versatility.
- Its Howler form provides a significant power boost at night, accelerating creature-based gameplay strategies.
- Transformation at instant speed can surprise opponents, shifting the board state unexpectedly in your favor.
Text of card
At the beginning of each upkeep, if no spells were cast last turn, transform Gatstaf Shepherd.
"What is worse than a wolf in sheep's clothing?" —Wolfhunter's riddle
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Gatstaf Shepherd’s transformation into Gatstaf Howler enables you to maintain board presence without spending additional cards from your hand. This dual-faced card effectively offers you two creature options in one card slot, optimizing your deck’s versatility and giving you an edge during gameplay.
Resource Acceleration: The Howler form of the card grants a static power boost to your other creatures at night, which can significantly speed up your aggressive strategies. By enhancing creatures on the board, you optimize your available resources to exert pressure and potentially close out games quicker.
Instant Speed: Although Gatstaf Shepherd itself does not directly operate at instant speed, its transformation condition is intrinsically tied to the timing of spell casting on previous turns. A strategic pass of the turn with no spells cast can quickly flip the Shepherd into the Howler at instant speed, surprising an opponent with a sudden shift in board state right before your turn begins.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing Gatstaf Shepherd demands strategic hand management due to its transformation into Gatstaf Howler. A full moon phase isn’t always guaranteed, and failing to transform due to a hand full of cards can hinder its potential on your battlefield.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both generic and green mana, Gatstaf Shepherd is predominantly suited for green-based or multicolor decks. Those who operate decks without green may find this card a bit restrictive, limiting its flexibility across various deck archetypes.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While not excessively costly, its mana value may be seen as high relative to other two-drops in the game, given its initial form is a mere 2/2 without additional abilities. Players may elect to include other creatures or spells that provide immediate value or have a stronger presence for the same or a lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Gatstaf Shepherd is a flexible addition to any deck requiring both a solid early-game creature and a formidable late-game threat. It transitions easily between the roles thanks to its transform ability, adapting to the board state as needed.
Combo Potential: Gatstaf Howler works well in strategies that capitalize on werewolf synergies or that benefit from creatures with high power. Its transformation can be leveraged in decks designed around flipping mechanics for additional benefits.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where creatures can be key, Gatstaf Shepherd // Gatstaf Howler offers an efficient cost to stats ratio, making it relevant in both aggressive and midrange decks. The card’s duality ensures it remains useful across various game stages.
How to beat
Gatstaf Shepherd is a versatile creature card in Magic: The Gathering, transforming into Gatstaf Howler under the right conditions. Its innate ability to flip into a more powerful werewolf, while costing no additional mana, makes it a challenging card to face. However, overcoming this adaptable adversary is possible with strategic gameplay.
To begin with, timing is crucial. One way to prevent this transformation is by playing spells on your own turn. Since werewolves transform if no spells were cast last turn, consistency in casting can keep Gatstaf Shepherd in its less threatening human form. Additionally, utilizing instant-speed removals when the creature transforms in your opponent’s turn can be a disincentive to flipping it back, extending an opportunity to strike against the now vulnerable Howler.
Board control also plays a pivotal role. Sweepers that clear multiple creatures in one go can reset the board, independently of Gatstaf Shepherd’s form. This tactic can help manage the werewolf’s threat level and maintain pressure on your opponent. In summary, understanding the transformation mechanics and maintaining board control strategies are key to defeating the wild nature of Gatstaf Shepherd // Gatstaf Howler in the game.
Cards like Gatstaf Shepherd // Gatstaf Howler
Gatstaf Shepherd stands as a versatile creature within the expansive library of Magic: The Gathering cards. It echoes the transformative abilities noted in cards like Civilized Scholar // Homicidal Brute. Both are double-faced cards that flip under specific conditions during the game, providing dual utility and strategic depth. However, while Civilized Scholar focuses on card filtering, Gatstaf Shepherd emphasizes a more aggressive approach, as it transforms into Gatstaf Howler, which carries the intimidation of an increased power.
Another transformative card, Delver of Secrets // Insectile Aberration, also finds relevance in side-by-side analysis. Delver of Secrets excels in decks built around instant and sorcery spells, offering an early aggressive edge. On the flip side, Gatstaf Shepherd leans towards a mid-game power play, with its easy-to-meet transformation criteria and ability to assert board presence.
Conclusively, while both cards introduce an element of surprise and adaptability, Gatstaf Shepherd // Gatstaf Howler offers a balanced blend of offense and presence, making it a formidable card to include in creature-focused MTG decks that capitalize on morphing tactics and board control.
Cards similar to Gatstaf Shepherd // Gatstaf Howler by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Gatstaf Shepherd // Gatstaf Howler MTG card by a specific set like Innistrad, 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 Gatstaf Shepherd // Gatstaf Howler and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Gatstaf Shepherd // Gatstaf Howler has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Gatstaf Shepherd // Gatstaf Howler card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2016-07-13 | For more information on double-faced cards, see the Shadows over Innistrad mechanics article (http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/shadows-over-innistrad-mechanics). |
