Nested Shambler MTG Card


Ensures card advantage by replacing itself with Squirrel tokens upon destruction, aiding in board control. The tokens synergize with other cards to accelerate resources and enhance your battlefield strategy. Instant speed interactions with the tokens allow for surprising plays, giving players a tactical edge.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Zombie
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

When Nested Shambler dies, create X tapped 1/1 green Squirrel creature tokens, where X is Nested Shambler's power.

Home is where the heart was.


Cards like Nested Shambler

Within the realm of creature cards in Magic: The Gathering, Nested Shambler presents a unique twist on death-trigger abilities. In close comparison stands Doomed Dissenter, a creature card that also spawns a token upon death. Unlike Nested Shambler, Doomed Dissenter generates a sole 2/2 black Zombie creature token, without further token multiplications.

Another peer in this space is Sultai Emissary, which also promises a new creature upon demise, creating a 2/2 manifest token. This token could potentially be a hidden asset, as it holds the possibility of being a surprise creature. Although similar, Sultai Emissary’s manifest mechanic doesn’t propagate additional tokens like Nested Shambler’s ability to replace itself with numerous 1/1 green Squirrel creature tokens.

Hunt for Specimens, while not a creature card, is worth mentioning for its ability to create a 1/1 black and green Pest creature token with a beneficial life gain effect upon death. It showcases a direct life strategy different from Nested Shambler’s approach of widening the board presence with multiple tokens. When evaluating these cards, Nested Shambler stands out for its potential to overwhelm an opponent with a swarm of tokens from a single card.

Doomed Dissenter - MTG Card versions
Sultai Emissary - MTG Card versions
Hunt for Specimens - MTG Card versions
Doomed Dissenter - MTG Card versions
Sultai Emissary - MTG Card versions
Hunt for Specimens - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Nested Shambler by color, type and mana cost

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Sewer Rats - MTG Card versions
Muck Rats - MTG Card versions
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Urborg Skeleton - MTG Card versions
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Foulmire Knight // Profane Insight - MTG Card versions
Dark Supplicant - MTG Card versions
Bile Urchin - MTG Card versions
Rimebound Dead - MTG Card versions
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Festering Goblin - MTG Card versions
Sleeper Agent - MTG Card versions
Knucklebone Witch - MTG Card versions
Nightshade Stinger - MTG Card versions
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Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mono Black AggroMono Black Aggro PauperLega Pauper L'Aquila - 1° Tappa - Road to Paupergeddon Rome 2024
Mono- Black ZombiesMono- Black Zombies PauperMonthly Tournament #38 @ Paper Pauper Magic Discord
Golgari GardensGolgari Gardens PauperGolgari GardensPauper League 2024-01-22
Mono-Black MidrangeMono-Black Midrange PauperSprint Wheel Event - Geddon Series 3^ tappa MILANO 2024
Golgari MidrangeGolgari Midrange GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 13 2024
Mardu SacrificeMardu Sacrifice GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 09 2024
DecklistDecklist Free formCanadian Highlander for Duals - Underground Sea Guaranteed - Proxies Allowed
Mardu AggroMardu Aggro GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 11 2024
Rakdos AggroRakdos Aggro GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 09 2024
UBRUBR PauperPauper Challenge 64 2024-02-04

Card Pros

Card Advantage: When Nested Shambler is dealt lethal damage, it creates a number of 1/1 green Squirrel creature tokens equal to its power. This death-trigger effect ensures that even in demise, the card replaces itself on the board, subtly shifting the card parity in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: While Nested Shambler itself is not a direct source of mana acceleration, the tokens it creates can synergize with other cards that capitalize on creature count, ultimately accelerating your resource development and board presence.

Instant Speed: Though Nested Shambler operates at sorcery speed, the tokens it spawns can be utilized with instant-speed supporting spells or abilities. This interaction can catch opponents off guard, especially when they factor into combat as unexpected blockers or sudden contributors to sacrifice mechanics.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: For players aiming to utilize Nested Shambler, a downside is the necessity to discard another card. This action can set you back, especially if you’re running low on cards and need to maintain your hand size to respond to your opponent’s strategies.

Specific Mana Cost: Nested Shambler demands a precise mana investment with its black mana cost. This specificity can hinder deck flexibility because it requires a commitment to black mana sources, potentially limiting the card’s inclusion in multi-color decks that might not prioritize black mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Though not exorbitant, the mana cost of Nested Shambler might be considered steep for its power level. In the competitive landscape of MTG, where efficiency is key, there are other creatures that might offer greater impact or better stats on the board for a similar, if not lesser, mana investment.


Reasons to Include Nested Shambler in Your Collection

Versatility: Nested Shambler offers flexibility in deckbuilding, slotting seamlessly into sacrifice strategies or decks that capitalize on creature death. Its ability to leave behind a Squirrel token upon death makes it a resilient threat in many game situations.

Combo Potential: This card is a natural fit for synergies that exploit the death of creatures, such as those involving Grave Pact or Dictate of Erebos, leveraging the Squirrel token to further your board presence or strategic objectives.

Meta-Relevance: Given that creature-based strategies are commonplace, Nested Shambler proves its worth by deterring attacks or forcing unfavorable trades for your opponent. It can shine even more in a meta filled with aggressive decks, as it can act as an early-game defender that contributes to your long-term board state.


How to beat

Nested Shambler is a standout card among Magic: The Gathering’s diverse creature offerings. Its unique ability to leave behind a Squirrel when it dies gives players a form of resilience against removal spells. Dealing with Nested Shambler requires a strategic approach, as simply removing it might increase the opponent’s field presence. A key strategy is to utilize exile effects or cards that prevent death triggers from occurring, such as Grafdigger’s Cage, which can neutralize the Shambler’s dying effect.

Another successful tactic is to bypass the Shambler entirely, focusing on reducing the opponent’s life total directly or controlling the board until you can deal with both the Shambler and its token in one fell swoop. For instance, using a card with trample to overpower the small creature or a board sweep that clears all creatures, including tokens, ensures that the Nested Shambler’s ability doesn’t give your opponent an advantage. Always aim to manage resources efficiently against creatures like Nested Shambler that can extend the game and generate value over time.

Ultimately, outpacing the incremental advantage Nested Shambler provides and strategically choosing your moments to remove it from the board can ensure its squirrel-creating demise does not hinder your path to victory.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the battlefield in MTG involves more than just playing your cards right; it’s about making every card count. Nested Shambler might seem unassuming, but it’s a hidden gem that can turn the tide of battle by multiplying your board presence upon departure. As you reflect on its pros and cons, think about how you can maximize its death-trigger effect or complement its squirrels with your deck’s strategy. Want to stay ahead of the competition and push your deck-building skills to new heights? Dive deeper with us, discover new deck synergies, and transform your MTG gameplay today!


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Nested Shambler // Nested Shambler MTG card by a specific set like Modern Horizons 2 Art Series and Modern Horizons 2 Art Series, 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 Nested Shambler // Nested Shambler and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Nested Shambler // Nested Shambler Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2021-06-18 and 2021-08-26. Illustrated by Nicholas Gregory.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12021-06-18Modern Horizons 2 Art SeriesAMH2 32s2015Art seriesBorderlessNicholas Gregory
22021-06-18Modern Horizons 2 Art SeriesAMH2 322015Art seriesBorderlessNicholas Gregory
32021-06-18Modern Horizons 2MH2 3991997NormalBlackNicholas Gregory
42021-06-18Modern Horizons 2MH2 952015NormalBlackNicholas Gregory
52021-08-26Jumpstart: Historic HorizonsJ21 3652015NormalBlackNicholas Gregory

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Nested Shambler 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 Nested Shambler card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2021-06-18 X is Nested Shambler's power the last time it was on the battlefield, not its power in the graveyard. If its power was 0 or less when it died, you won't create any tokens.