Shacklegeist MTG Card


Its tapping ability at instant speed provides critical battlefield control and disrupts opponents’ plans. Shacklegeist excels in spirit decks, enabling synergistic plays and combo potential for enhanced board dominance. Required blue mana illustrates deck restriction, but reinforces its strength in appropriate archetypes for strategic play.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Spirit
Abilities Flying
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

Flying Shacklegeist can block only creatures with flying. Tap two untapped Spirits you control: Tap target creature you don't control.

The Blessed Sleep doesn't come easily to a mind chained by regrets.


Cards like Shacklegeist

Shacklegeist is a unique creature card that brings a lot of strategic depth to MTG decks focused on controlling the board. It shares the spirit creature type with Supreme Phantom, both enhancing the power and toughness of spirit comrades. However, Shacklegeist distinguishes itself with its ability to tap two untapped spirits you control to lock down an opponent’s creature—a twist that can repeatedly inconvenience your rival without dissipating your own forces.

Comparably, Dungeon Geists also play in the realm of tapping down opponents’ creatures. While Shacklegeist requires a consistent spirit presence to sustain its lockdown, Dungeon Geists offer a one-time, more permanent solution by tapping a single target creature for as long as you control Dungeon Geists. The cost of casting both is similar, but Shacklegeist’s lower mana value gives it a slight advantage in speed, crucial for tempo play.

Assessing the inner workings of these cards, Shacklegeist earns its place by offering repeatable control options in a spirit-centric deck in MTG, making it a tactical choice for players who prioritize maintaining a dynamic and adaptable board state.

Supreme Phantom - MTG Card versions
Dungeon Geists - MTG Card versions
Supreme Phantom - MTG Card versions
Dungeon Geists - MTG Card versions

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Aquamoeba - MTG Card versions
Vodalian Soldiers - MTG Card versions
Zephyr Falcon - MTG Card versions
Lord of Atlantis - MTG Card versions
Giant Albatross - MTG Card versions
Phantasmal Sphere - MTG Card versions
Soldevi Sage - MTG Card versions
Skyshroud Condor - MTG Card versions
School of Piranha - MTG Card versions
Coral Merfolk - MTG Card versions
Wu Light Cavalry - MTG Card versions
Sea Eagle - MTG Card versions
Overtaker - MTG Card versions
Hazy Homunculus - MTG Card versions
Darting Merfolk - MTG Card versions
Thought Eater - MTG Card versions
Spellstutter Sprite - MTG Card versions
Sneaky Homunculus - MTG Card versions
Coral Eel - MTG Card versions
Storm Crow - MTG Card versions
Aquamoeba - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mono-Blue SpiritsMono-Blue Spirits PioneerMono-Blue SpiritsPioneer Preliminary 2024-04-09 (1)
Azorius SpiritsAzorius Spirits PioneerAzorius SpiritsPioneer League 2024-05-01
Bant TempoBant Tempo ExplorerThe Pizza Box Open: Explorer

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Shacklegeist has an ability to tap two untapped spirits you control to tap an opponent’s creature, essentially leaving them with one fewer blocker or attacker. This can tip the scales to your favor without losing card resources.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly affecting mana resources, Shacklegeist’s potential to control the board can indirectly accelerate your game plan by keeping potential threats at bay, letting you commit to your strategy more freely.

Instant Speed: Shacklegeist’s ability can be used at instant speed, giving you the flexibility to disrupt your opponent’s tactics during their combat phase or at the end of their turn, thus maintaining the element of surprise and strategic depth.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Shacklegeist itself does not necessitate discarding cards, it synergizes with deck mechanics that may have discard as a cost, potentially putting the player at a resource disadvantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Shacklegeist requires two blue mana to cast, meaning it fits primarily into blue-based decks, potentially restricting its versatility across various deck archetypes.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing two mana might seem reasonable, but in the fast-paced current game environment, there are creatures at a similar cost offering more immediate impact on the game state.


Reasons to Include Shacklegeist in Your Collection

Versatility: Shacklegeist is a unique spirit with the ability to tap down opposing threats. This is handy in decks that focus on controlling the board and maintaining a defensive stance while whittling down the opponent’s resources.

Combo Potential: In spirit decks, particularly, Shacklegeist can become an engine by itself. It can synergize with other spirits to create locks on the opponent’s creatures, or use its tapping ability to empower your own strategy with cards that profit from tap and untap mechanics.

Meta-Relevance: As creature-based strategies often dominate the game, having Shacklegeist in your arsenal ensures you have a response to a wide range of threats. Its ability to constrain your opponent’s options every turn can be a game-changer in any match where tempo plays a critical role.


How to beat Shacklegeist

Shacklegeist stands out in MTG as a spectral force capable of locking down your opponents’ creatures. This ghostly creature may seem daunting initially, with its ability to tap potential threats even on your opponent’s turn. It’s a strategic piece that requires a calculated approach to overcome.

One effective strategy is to remove Shacklegeist before it can activate its ability. Instant-speed removal spells such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile can efficiently handle the Shacklegeist by bypassing its tapping ability. Another approach is to focus on non-creature strategies, like using spells or enchantments, thus diminishing the influence Shacklegeist can wield over the battlefield.

Moreover, utilizing cards with flash can outmaneuver Shacklegeist’s control. By playing creatures during your opponent’s turn, you’re able to avoid the window where Shacklegeist’s ability is relevant. It’s a game of timing and patience, waiting for the opportune moment to evade its spectral clutches and turn the tide of the match to your favor. With these methods, Shacklegeist’s presence on the board becomes less of an obstacle and more of a challenge to showcase your strategic skill.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dive into the strategic depths of Magic the Gathering and discover the spectral might of Shacklegeist. Tailor your deck with this spirit’s board-controlling prowess and instant-speed surprise to gain an edge over your opponent. Whether you are building up a lockdown combo or need a defensive bulwark, Shacklegeist might just be the card to round out your collection. Embrace the power that Shacklegeist brings to spirit-heavy decks and experience the satisfaction of disrupting your adversary’s moves. Curious to see Shacklegeist in action? Learn more about optimizing your gameplay and mastering control tactics by joining us at BurnMana.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Shacklegeist MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Core Set 2021, 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 Shacklegeist and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Shacklegeist Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2020-07-03 and 2021-11-19. Illustrated by Igor Kieryluk.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 819482015NormalBlackIgor Kieryluk
22020-07-03Core Set 2021M21 702015NormalBlackIgor Kieryluk
32020-07-03Core Set 2021M21 3532015NormalBlackIgor Kieryluk
42021-11-19Crimson Vow CommanderVOC 1122015NormalBlackIgor Kieryluk

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Shacklegeist has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
TimelessLegal