Kozilek's Shrieker MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Eldrazi Drone |
| Abilities | Devoid |
| Released | 2016-01-22 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Oath of the Gatewatch |
| Set code | OGW |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 73 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Jason Felix |
Text of card
Devoid (This card has no color.) : Kozilek's Shrieker gets +1/+0 and gains menace until end of turn. (It can't be blocked except by two or more creatures. represents colorless mana.)
Listen to the sound of defeat.
Cards like Kozilek's Shrieker
Kozilek’s Shrieker is an intriguing creature in Magic: The Gathering, reminding players of others with the Devoid trait, such as Mist Intruder. Like Mist Intruder, Kozilek’s Shrieker lacks a color identity and can slip through defenses that target specific colors. The Shrieker differs, however, in its menacing capability. When pumped with colorless mana, it becomes more than a mere blocker; it turns into a formidable threat, capable of pressuring the opponent.
Aligned with the Eldrazi theme, Eldrazi Skyspawner is another card that shares a similar role. While it also launches into the battlefield with evasion, the Skyspawner carves its niche with an additional 1/1 Scion token, offering ramp utility. Kozilek’s Shrieker, on the other hand, focuses on individual power growth rather than board expansion.
Examining these comparisons, Kozilek’s Shrieker offers MTG players a unique balance of early defense and late-game offensive scaling. Its potential for power enhancement makes it a versatile option in decks leveraging colorless mana, positioning it interestingly among its Eldrazi kin.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Enhancing your battlefield presence, Kozilek’s Shrieker can bolster your attack strategy by transforming into a stronger creature. This adaptability gives you the upper hand by effectively increasing your threats without depleting your hand.
Resource Acceleration: Kozilek’s Shrieker has the inherent ability to leverage the colorless mana you have available. This synergy with decks that generate colorless mana quickly allows you to apply pressure on your opponent sooner than they might expect.
Instant Speed: Its activated ability can be used at instant speed, providing you with the tactical flexibility to surprise your opponent during combat. This can potentially disrupt their planned blocks or attacks, turning the tide of the game in your favor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Engaging in the activation of Kozilek’s Shrieker involves setting aside a card from your hand, a move that might backfire if your hand is already nearing depletion.
Specific Mana Cost: Summoning this creature demands an exact blend of mana including colorless, potentially narrowing down its compatibility to decks with a colorless mana provision.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a conversion cost that may seem steep relative to other creatures in the same bracket, players often ponder if the power uptick justifies Kozilek’s Shrieker’s asking price.
Reasons to Include Kozilek’s Shrieker in Your Collection
Versatility: Kozilek’s Shrieker can be a flexible addition to many deck builds. Its ability to increase in power and become a menace gives it a variable role on the battlefield suiting different plays and situation.
Combo Potential: The colorless mana activation means it synergizes well with decks that capitalize on Eldrazi themes or those that utilize colorless mana for various utility abilities, enhancing its utility.
Meta-Relevance: For players in a meta filled with single-target removal or small blockers, the Shrieker’s capability to become a menacing creature makes it a relevant choice, potentially shifting the board’s dynamics. Its scaling threat ensures it remains applicable across various stages of the game.
How to Beat Kozilek’s Shrieker
Kozilek’s Shrieker poses a unique challenge on the battlefield. This creature card, with its ability to get larger and intimidate your defense through menace, often requires a thoughtful strategy to overcome. Devoid of color, it can slip past color-specific defenses, and its power to become a 5/5 creature until end of turn makes it formidable during combat phases. But not all is lost, as there are several effective methods to nullify this otherworldly threat.
One of the most reliable tactics to combat Kozilek’s Shrieker is to utilize removal spells that aren’t dependent on the creature’s color. Cards like Doom Blade might not be effective due to the devoid ability, but universal removal spells such as Path to Exile, with its ability to exile any creature, can work wonders. Control decks can also leverage counterspells to prevent it from hitting the field in the first place. Combat strategies could include using creatures with high toughness to block post-pump, or employing flyers and reach creatures to control the combat zone from above.
In summary, while Kozilek’s Shrieker can be a daunting adversary, choosing the right removal or control tools and anticipating its combat tricks can help ensure that this threat is managed before it can dominate the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Kozilek's Shrieker MTG card by a specific set like Oath of the Gatewatch, 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 Kozilek's Shrieker and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Kozilek's Shrieker has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Kozilek's Shrieker card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2016-01-22 | If Kozilek’s Shrieker gains menace after it’s been legally blocked by one creature, it will remain blocked. |
| 2016-01-22 | Multiple instances of menace on the same creature are redundant. |