Shadow Glider MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Kor Soldier |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Released | 2015-10-02 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Battle for Zendikar |
| Set code | BFZ |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 47 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Steve Prescott |
Text of card
Flying
A few bands of kor sought refuge from the Eldrazi in Zendikar's vast cave networks, relying on their ability to survive in harsh vertical landscapes.
Cards like Shadow Glider
Shadow Glider finds its wings within the realm of flyer creatures in the Magic: The Gathering universe. This card offers a sense of kinship with other 2/2 flying creatures, like Sunspire Griffin, but differentiates itself with a more affordable casting cost lacking the white mana specific requirement. It shares a bond with Wind Drake, both flying through the game with equal power and toughness, yet it’s the distinction of Shadow Glider’s colorless mana cost that sets it apart and allows for a wider deck integration.
Another parallel can be drawn with the card Stormfront Pegasus which also is a 2/1 flying creature for two mana. Still, Shadow Glider offers that additional point of toughness for one more mana. That single point could mean surviving an extra turn or blocking a wider range of attackers. However, it is important to note that Skyknight Legionnaire brings not only flying but haste to the table, trading the same toughness for immediate attack capability at the same overall mana cost, albeit with a more stringent color requirement.
Choosing the right flyer for your deck can shape your strategy, and while Shadow Glider might not seem formidable at first glance, its solid stats and flexible mana cost make it a reliable addition to many MTG decks seeking aerial dominance.
Cards similar to Shadow Glider by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Shadow Glider may not directly influence card draw, it presents a consistent threat that must be addressed by opponents. Its flying ability makes it more difficult to block, ensuring it can often deal damage and indirectly lead to card advantage by pressuring opponents to use resources to handle it.
Resource Acceleration: Shadow Glider itself doesn’t produce mana or accelerate resource generation. However, its modest casting cost allows for an efficient curve play, leaving mana open for other spells which can be critical for maintaining tempo and board presence.
Instant Speed: As a creature, Shadow Glider doesn’t benefit from instant speed. However, its flying ability gives it a strategic advantage, allowing it to remain a consistent flyer for offense or defense. This can influence when and how your opponent plays their cards, which is a subtle form of tempo control.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Most MTG cards have advantages, but Shadow Glider necessitates you have enough cards in hand to comfortably cast it without compromising your gameplay. This downside can be particularly cumbersome in formats where card advantage is crucial.
Specific Mana Cost: Shadow Glider’s mana cost demands one white mana, making it restrictive for multicolored decks that might struggle with mana consistency. In a game where flexibility can be a winning factor, this can sometimes hinder deck building.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For three mana, a 2/2 flyer might not be the most mana-efficient creature you could deploy. In an environment filled with powerful options, Shadow Glider may fall behind in terms of gameplay impact relative to its mana investment.
Reasons to Include Shadow Glider in Your Collection
Versatility: Shadow Glider is a flexible card that can be effortlessly slotted into various deck archetypes. As a flying creature, it offers a steady form of evasion that is useful in both offensive and defensive strategies.
Combo Potential: While not inherently a combo enabler, Shadow Glider’s consistent flying ability makes it a reliable partner for synergies that amplify flying creatures or require evasive attackers to trigger certain effects.
Meta-Relevance: With flying as an ever-present and useful mechanic in many MTG games, Shadow Glider maintains relevance. It shines in environments where the board becomes cluttered with ground forces, allowing it to soar over for consistent damage or to serve as an aerial blocker when needed.
How to Beat Shadow Glider in MTG
In the realm of Magic: The Gathering, coming up against a Shadow Glider can be a tricky obstacle. This modest flying creature poses a threat from above, steadily chipping away at an opponent’s life total. To counteract this aerial adversary, strategies such as deploying creatures with reach or employing spells that can target and destroy flying creatures become essential.
Consider incorporating cards like Plummet, which is a direct and cost-efficient solution to remove flying creatures. Removal spells like Murder or Doom Blade also offer reliable alternatives to dispatch the Glider before it can cause significant damage. Furthermore, enchantments such as Dead Weight can effectively neutralize the Glider by decreasing its power and potentially rendering it harmless.
For those preferring a more proactive battlefield control, engaging in a race with more aggressive creatures or creating an army of tokens to overwhelm the Glider’s defenses can be advantageous. No matter your chosen method, remember that preparation and flexibility in your deck construction are key factors in ensuring that Shadow Glider doesn’t eclipse your road to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Shadow Glider MTG card by a specific set like Battle for Zendikar, 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 Shadow Glider 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Shadow Glider has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |