Soulshriek MTG Card


Soulshriek - Mirage
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeInstant
Released1996-10-08
Set symbol
Set nameMirage
Set codeMIR
Number145
Frame1997
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byJohn Bolton

Key Takeaways

  1. Soulshriek provides card advantage, resurrecting creatures during unexpected phases for tactical plays.
  2. Flexibility at instant speed with Soulshriek can disrupt opponent’s strategies by outpacing their turns.
  3. Casting restrictions and the discard requirement of Soulshriek necessitate strategic hand management.

Text of card

Target creature you control gets +*/+0 until end of turn, where * is equal to the number of creature cards in your graveyard. Bury that creature at end of turn.

"The flesh is a casket for the soul." —Shauku, Endbringer


Card Pros

Card Advantage: One of the key benefits of Soulshriek is its ability to resurrect a creature from your graveyard for a surprise block or attack, effectively providing a card from an unexpected zone.

Resource Acceleration: Soulshriek can be a tactical game-changer, especially when you bring back a creature with a powerful “enter the battlefield” effect or one that can generate additional resources.

Instant Speed: The flexibility of casting Soulshriek at instant speed adds a layer of complexity to the game, allowing you to make decisive plays during your opponent’s turn or right before your own to catch them off guard.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Soulshriek requires players to discard a card, which can pose a significant setback, especially when hand size is already diminished or the discarded card is vital for upcoming strategies.

Specific Mana Cost: The card demands a precise mana arrangement to cast—black mana in this case. This requirement can be restrictive, potentially limiting the card’s inclusion to decks heavily weighted towards black mana sources.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its higher mana cost, Soulshriek may not be the optimal choice for players aiming for a lean and efficient mana curve. This can be especially relevant when alternative cards offer similar benefits with lower mana investments.


Reasons to Include Soulshriek in Your Collection

Versatility: Soulshriek is an adaptable card that can elevate various deck builds. Its ability to temporarily boost a creature’s power based on the number of cards in your graveyard makes it a powerful surprise tactic in combat.

Combo Potential: This card excels when combined with creatures that have abilities triggered by dealing damage or with high-power dependent effects, thereby unlocking a myriad of strategic plays and unexpected wins.

Meta-Relevance: With its low cost and instant speed, Soulshriek holds its ground in a meta that favors quick plays and efficient resource management, offering players a chance to turn the tides to their favor in the heat of battle.


How to beat

Soulshriek is a unique card that can be quite a challenge on the battlefield. This card has the potential to turn the tide of a game by giving a creature a quick boost in power. Understanding the mechanics and having a strategy in place is key to counteracting its effect. One of the most effective methods to overpower a deck relying on Soulshriek is by maintaining control of the creature it targets. Using instant-speed removal spells to dispatch the creature before the increased power takes effect can nullify Soulshriek’s advantage. Alternatively, counterspells can prevent Soulshriek from ever hitting the board. Employing graveyard disruption can also be an efficient way to weaken the impact of this card by hindering its ability to be played from the graveyard. Keeping a sharp eye on your opponent’s graveyard, as well as their mana resources, can give you insight into when they’re likely to play Soulshriek, allowing you to prepare your counter strategies accordingly.

Beyond instant responses, playing cards that limit the potential targets for Soulshriek can also be effective. This might include board wipes or cards which give your creatures indestructible or hexproof. Remember that the battle against Soulshriek is one of timing and anticipation, so staying one step ahead of your opponent is crucial.


Cards like Soulshriek

Soulshriek introduces a distinct twist in the realm of creature enhancement spells in Magic: The Gathering. It’s akin to cards like Giant Growth, a classic that offers a similar temporary boost to a creature’s power. Soulshriek, however, adds another layer with the ability to tie the power increase directly to the number of creature cards in your graveyard. This potential for a significant boost sets it apart from the flat bonus provided by Giant Growth.

Delving deeper into comparisons, we encounter Hatred, which also empowers a creature based on a player’s life payment. Soulshriek’s strength relies on your graveyard, making it a selective yet potentially more impactful choice without the life cost. Lastly, Berserk offers a formidable boost with the caveat of destroying the creature at end of turn. Soulshriek avoids this drawback while offering a scalable advantage based on strategic gameplay.

Assessing Soulshriek within the context of creature enhancement spells, it’s clear that its unique graveyard-dependant mechanic can swing games in your favor. Its nuanced design adds versatility and surprise, making it a valuable asset for players leveraging their graveyard as a resource.

Giant Growth - MTG Card versions
Hatred - MTG Card versions
Berserk - MTG Card versions
Giant Growth - MTG Card versions
Hatred - MTG Card versions
Berserk - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Soulshriek by color, type and mana cost

Howl from Beyond - MTG Card versions
Dark Ritual - MTG Card versions
Sacrifice - MTG Card versions
Darkness - MTG Card versions
Marsh Gas - MTG Card versions
Gravebind - MTG Card versions
Misinformation - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Tutor - MTG Card versions
Dredge - MTG Card versions
Coffin Purge - MTG Card versions
Defile - MTG Card versions
March of Wretched Sorrow - MTG Card versions
Fatal Push - MTG Card versions
Foulmire Knight // Profane Insight - MTG Card versions
Fade from Memory - MTG Card versions
Duh - MTG Card versions
Aesthetic Consultation - MTG Card versions
Stop That - MTG Card versions
Disembowel - MTG Card versions
Surgical Extraction - MTG Card versions
Howl from Beyond - MTG Card versions
Dark Ritual - MTG Card versions
Sacrifice - MTG Card versions
Darkness - MTG Card versions
Marsh Gas - MTG Card versions
Gravebind - MTG Card versions
Misinformation - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Tutor - MTG Card versions
Dredge - MTG Card versions
Coffin Purge - MTG Card versions
Defile - MTG Card versions
March of Wretched Sorrow - MTG Card versions
Fatal Push - MTG Card versions
Foulmire Knight // Profane Insight - MTG Card versions
Fade from Memory - MTG Card versions
Duh - MTG Card versions
Aesthetic Consultation - MTG Card versions
Stop That - MTG Card versions
Disembowel - MTG Card versions
Surgical Extraction - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Soulshriek MTG card by a specific set like Mirage, 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 Soulshriek and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Soulshriek has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

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