Rot Shambler MTG Card
2015-10-02 - Number 187
2023-08-04 - Number 318
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Fungus |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Whenever another creature you control dies, put a +1/+1 counter on Rot Shambler.
"If I die, feed me to a shambler. At least that way I'll be doing some good." —Ryza, Oran-Rief scout
Cards like Rot Shambler
Rot Shambler slides effortlessly into decks that focus on creature sacrifice or death-trigger themes in Magic: The Gathering. Comparable to cards like Scavenging Ooze, which also thrives on the departure of creatures from the battlefield, Rot Shambler accrues value over time by becoming increasingly more formidable. Unlike Scavenging Ooze, however, Rot Shambler requires less active investment since it grows regardless of whose creature died and without the need to spend mana.
Another card with a similar growth mechanic is Bloodbriar. As creatures go to the graveyard, Bloodbriar gains strength just as Rot Shambler does. Nevertheless, Bloodbriar extends its reach, growing from any sacrifice, not just from creature deaths. This difference offers a broader scope of synergy with noncreature sacrifice, though at the cost of immediate growth compared to the creature-focused Rot Shambler.
In essence, while exploring cards that have the potential to get stronger over a game, Rot Shambler stands out for those who prefer a more passive role in its growth mechanism. With its simple yet effective ability, it becomes an understated powerhouse in decks that are built to take advantage of its unique characteristics.
Cards similar to Rot Shambler by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Rot Shambler doesn’t directly allow you to draw cards, it turns your creature losses into a potential gain by accumulating +1/+1 counters each time another creature you control dies. This incremental advantage ensures you maintain a presence on the board, making your army more resilient against removal spells.
Resource Acceleration: Not traditionally a source of mana acceleration, however, its growing threat can pressure your opponent into expending resources, indirectly preserving your assets. Additionally, its synergy with sacrifice mechanics can be exploited for various advantages like recurring effects or additional summons, optimizing your resource management.
Instant Speed: Though not an instant itself, Rot Shambler benefits from instant-speed interactions. This means sacrifice effects or creatures dying during your opponent’s turn will bolster the Shambler unexpectedly, potentially turning the tide during combat or altering your opponent’s strategy in real-time.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: For Rot Shambler to grow, it requires other creatures you control to die. This can be a significant drawback as it depends on sacrificing vital assets or having creatures that are expendable, making it unreliable for consistent board presence.
Specific Mana Cost: This green creature card needs both generic and green mana, which might not always align with multicolor deck strategies that have a tighter mana base or require more flexibility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite its potential to become a large threat, the initial investment of two mana for a mere 1/1 creature can be inefficient. There are alternative cards in the two mana slot that can have an immediate impact on the game without the need for a setup.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Rot Shambler works well in various deck builds that capitalize on creature-based strategies. It can be a key piece in decks focused on sacrificing creatures for value, steadily growing into a significant threat that opponents must address.
Combo Potential: With its ability to gain +1/+1 counters each time another creature you control dies, Rot Shambler can become massive in the right setup. It pairs excellently with cards that create creature tokens or have recurring death triggers for consistent growth.
Meta-Relevance: In metas where creature-based decks are common, Rot Shambler can become an unexpected powerhouse. Its ability to grow out of control makes it a respectable inclusion in your collection, able to swing games in creature-heavy environments.
How to beat Rot Shambler
The card Rot Shambler can be a thorn in the side of any Magic: The Gathering player when it hits the battlefield. As a creature that gets stronger with every other creature you send to the graveyard, it embodies a growing threat that can quickly spiral out of control. Maintaining control over Rot Shambler starts by limiting its ability to bulk up. Instant speed removals like Fatal Push or Path to Exile are effective tools in dispatching the shambler before it becomes too large to handle.
Another strategy revolves around exile effects, bypassing its ability entirely. Cards such as Swords to Plowshares will remove Rot Shambler permanently without triggering its passive ability. In matches where creatures are aplenty, board wipes like Wrath of God can reset the playing field and ensure Rot Shambler doesn’t reap the benefits of continual combat.
Ensuring a firm grasp on the pace of the game and controlling creature-based interactions is key. Whether that’s through spot removal, exile spells, or managing the size of your opponent’s graveyard, staying ahead of Rot Shambler’s growth potential is crucial. Keeping these tips in mind will help you mitigate the risk this creature poses and maintain dominance on the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Rot Shambler MTG card by a specific set like Battle for Zendikar and Commander Masters, 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 Rot Shambler and other MTG cards:
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- 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
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Printings
The Rot Shambler Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2015-10-02 and 2023-08-04. Illustrated by Yeong-Hao Han.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2015-10-02 | Battle for Zendikar | BFZ | 187 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Yeong-Hao Han | |
| 2 | 2023-08-04 | Commander Masters | CMM | 318 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Yeong-Hao Han |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Rot Shambler has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |