Moonblade Shinobi MTG Card


Moonblade Shinobi excels at generating card advantage with its token-creating ability after dealing combat damage. The ninja’s synergy potential is significant, with its tokens fueling various strategies and combo plays. Despite its strengths, Moonblade Shinobi’s higher mana cost and specific color requirement can limit its versatility.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Human Ninja
Abilities Ninjutsu
Power 3
Toughness 2

Text of card

Ninjutsu (, Return an unblocked attacker you control to hand: Put this card onto the battlefield from your hand tapped and attacking.) Whenever Moonblade Shinobi deals combat damage to a player, create a 1/1 blue Illusion creature token with flying.


Cards like Moonblade Shinobi

Moonblade Shinobi carves its unique niche within the pantheon of sneaky ninja cards in Magic: The Gathering. This card echoes the characteristics of other creatures with Ninjutsu, such as Mistblade Shinobi, which also returns a creature to its owner’s hand upon dealing combat damage to a player. Singling out Moonblade Shinobi, it shines by creating a 1/1 blue Illusion creature token with flying. This additional layer of board presence sets it apart from its counterparts.

Pacing the rooftops next to Moonblade Shinobi, we have Ninja of the Deep Hours that shares the same mana cost and similar abilities. While Ninja of the Deep Hours doesn’t produce tokens, it draws a card instead, offering direct card advantage over creating board presence. Then, consider the Throat Slitter, which demands the same commitment of four mana to its Ninjutsu cost. Rather than generate tokens or card draw, it destroys a target non-black creature, offering a more control-oriented approach.

In contrasting these silent assassins, Moonblade Shinobi holds a balanced position for players who favor tactical flexibility and incremental advantages through creature tokens, complementing the stealthy, subtle strategies ninjas are renowned for in Magic: The Gathering.

Mistblade Shinobi - MTG Card versions
Ninja of the Deep Hours - MTG Card versions
Throat Slitter - MTG Card versions
Mistblade Shinobi - MTG Card versions
Ninja of the Deep Hours - MTG Card versions
Throat Slitter - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Moonblade Shinobi by color, type and mana cost

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Cytoplast Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Crookclaw Transmuter - MTG Card versions
Dreamborn Muse - MTG Card versions
Phantasmal Forces - MTG Card versions
Phantom Monster - MTG Card versions
Wall of Vapor - MTG Card versions
Screeching Drake - MTG Card versions
Tradewind Rider - MTG Card versions
Archivist - MTG Card versions
Extravagant Spirit - MTG Card versions
Thieving Magpie - MTG Card versions
Inga Rune-Eyes - MTG Card versions
Sakashima of a Thousand Faces - MTG Card versions
Laboratory Drudge - MTG Card versions
Undercover Operative - MTG Card versions
Archmage Emeritus - MTG Card versions
Hisoka, Minamo Sensei - MTG Card versions
Johnny, Combo Player - MTG Card versions
Dream Prowler - MTG Card versions
Clone - MTG Card versions
Cytoplast Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Crookclaw Transmuter - MTG Card versions
Dreamborn Muse - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Moonblade Shinobi. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Dimir NinjaDimir Ninja PauperTappa n. 6 - Lega Pauper Ravenna - Road to Paupergeddon Winter Edition 2024

Card Pros

Card Advantage: When Moonblade Shinobi deals combat damage to a player, you get to create a 1/1 blue Illusion creature token with flying. This provides consistent incremental card advantage as each token can either contribute to your board presence or be used defensively as a blocker.

Resource Acceleration: The additional creatures generated by Moonblade Shinobi’s ability can bolster strategies that benefit from numerous creatures like those found in decks focusing on Ninjutsu abilities or they can be sacrificed for various in-game benefits, effectively serving as a form of resource acceleration.

Instant Speed: While Moonblade Shinobi itself is not an instant, its Ninjutsu ability can be activated at instant speed, creating surprise blockers or attackers and allowing for flexible responses to your opponent’s actions during their turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Moonblade Shinobi doesn’t demand a card discard directly, yet it necessitates having other creatures to attack with, which indirectly taxes your hand by needing you to maintain board presence.

Specific Mana Cost: This ninja requires both blue and generic mana, meaning decks without blue or those relying on a strict mana base might struggle to cast it consistently.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With three mana required, Moonblade Shinobi is costlier than some other Ninjutsu options, which might lead players to consider lower mana alternatives for a quicker and more efficient deck strategy.


Reasons to Include Moonblade Shinobi in Your Collection

Versatility: Moonblade Shinobi is flexible enough to slide into a variety of ninja-themed or evasive creature decks. Its ability to create a 1/1 token with each successful connect gives you sustained board presence, which can be decisive in games.

Combo Potential: When Moonblade Shinobi’s ability triggers, the 1/1 token can be utilized with other cards that synergize with token generation or benefit from creatures entering the battlefield, offering new levels of tactical play.

Meta-Relevance: As players continue to explore evasion tactics, Moonblade Shinobi remains a relevant choice. Its applicability in combat and potential to outmaneuver opponents makes it a smart addition to decks facing creature-heavy or control-centric metas.


How to beat

Moonblade Shinobi presents a unique challenge in Magic: The Gathering due to its Ninjutsu ability that allows it to swiftly enter the battlefield and create an elusive 1/1 token with each attack. This ability is reminiscent of cards such as Master of Cruelties or Mist-Syndicate Naga, which also capitalize on evasion and tactical creature deployment. Nevertheless, despite its offensive capabilities, Moonblade Shinobi is vulnerable to strategies that remove it from play before it can establish a foothold.

Preemption is key. Utilize cards like Fatal Push or Path to Exile for early removal. Sweepers such as Wrath of God can clear out the tokens and reset the board, mitigating the Shinobi’s advantage. Moreover, consider employing countermeasures like Spell Pierce or Negate to disrupt the Ninjutsu activation itself. Lastly, maintain vigilance with creatures sporting reach or those having flash to provide an unwelcoming surprise for this stealthy adversary at a moment’s notice.

Handling Moonblade Shinobi efficiently can be likened to quelling a shadow — swift and decisive actions are paramount. Adopting preemptive and reactionary tactics will ensure your dominance over this evasive threat on the battlefield.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dive into an ocean of strategy and finesse with Moonblade Shinobi in your MTG deck. As this ninja carves its path on the battlefield, the incremental card advantage from its illusion tokens can’t be ignored. Embrace the art of war by weaving Moonblade Shinobi into your gameplay, unleashing its potential as both an offensive and a defensive asset. Whether you’re enhancing your Ninjutsu-themed deck or simply craving more versatility in your creature lineup, it’s time to explore the depths of what this card offers. Navigate through evasion tactics, synergize with token-generating combos, and stand firm against the tides of your opponents. Upgrade your collection and strategic prowess by learning more about this crafty ninja today.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Moonblade Shinobi MTG card by a specific set like Modern Horizons and Jumpstart: Historic Horizons, 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 Moonblade Shinobi and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Moonblade Shinobi Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2019-06-14 and 2021-08-26. Illustrated by Taylor Ingvarsson.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12019-06-14Modern HorizonsMH1 592015NormalBlackTaylor Ingvarsson
22021-08-26Jumpstart: Historic HorizonsJ21 2202015NormalBlackTaylor Ingvarsson

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Moonblade Shinobi has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
GladiatorLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Moonblade Shinobi card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2019-06-14 Although the Ninja is attacking, it was never declared as an attacking creature (for purposes of abilities that trigger whenever a creature attacks, for example).
2019-06-14 As you activate a ninjutsu ability, you reveal the Ninja card in your hand and return the attacking creature. The Ninja isn’t put onto the battlefield until the ability resolves. If it leaves your hand before then, it won’t enter the battlefield at all.
2019-06-14 If a creature in combat has first strike or double strike, you can activate the ninjutsu ability during the first-strike combat damage step. The Ninja will deal combat damage during the regular combat damage step, even if it has first strike.
2019-06-14 The creature with ninjutsu enters the battlefield attacking the same player or planeswalker that the returned creature was attacking. This is a rule specific to ninjutsu; in other cases, when a creature is put onto the battlefield attacking, that creature’s controller chooses which player or planeswalker it’s attacking.
2019-06-14 The ninjutsu ability can be activated during the declare blockers step, combat damage step, or end of combat step. If you wait until after the declare blockers step, because all combat damage is dealt at once, the Ninja won’t normally deal combat damage.
2019-06-14 The ninjutsu ability can be activated only after blockers have been declared. Before then, attacking creatures are neither blocked nor unblocked.