Shadow in the Warp MTG Card


Shadow in the Warp facilitates card access and strategic hand manipulation for an early advantage. With instant-speed play, the card maximizes adaptability and tempo control during matches. It’s a versatile addition, curbing graveyard strategies and fitting into various deck archetypes.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeEnchantment

Text of card

The first creature spell you cast each turn costs less to cast. Whenever an opponent casts their first noncreature spell each turn, Shadow in the Warp deals 2 damage to that player.

The astropath collapsed, his empty eye sockets aglow. He spoke three words before falling lifeless to the ground: "They . . . are . . . coming!"


Cards like Shadow in the Warp

Shadow in the Warp stands out in the realm of creature control within Magic: The Gathering. It bears resemblance to cards like Containment Priest, as both hinder opponents’ creatures from entering the battlefield unchecked. Shadow in the Warp, unique in its ability, can disrupt creature strategies reliant on graveyard or library manipulations. Contrastingly, Containment Priest has a broad impact on creatures trying to sneak onto the battlefield from anywhere other than players’ hands.

Moving to Rest in Peace, another comparator, which exiles cards rather than preventing their casting like Shadow in the Warp. While Rest in Peace affects all graveyards thoroughly, it lacks the nimbleness of Shadow in the Warp which specifically targets decks that rely on specific summoning conditions or zones. Lastly, Grafdigger’s Cage is a common parallel. Cage prevents creatures in graveyards or libraries from being played, very much like Shadow in the Warp’s purview, but doesn’t cover noncreature cards from being cast from these zones.

Each card serves a distinctive role in a player’s strategy. Yet, Shadow in the Warp’s special conditions for hindrance gives it an intriguing place amongst Magic: The Gathering’s array of creature control options, solidifying its importance in any metagame teeming with variety.

Containment Priest - MTG Card versions
Rest in Peace - MTG Card versions
Grafdigger's Cage - MTG Card versions
Containment Priest - MTG Card versions
Rest in Peace - MTG Card versions
Grafdigger's Cage - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Shadow in the Warp by color, type and mana cost

Stormbind - MTG Card versions
Fires of Yavimaya - MTG Card versions
Aether Rift - MTG Card versions
Overabundance - MTG Card versions
Klothys, God of Destiny - MTG Card versions
Rhythm of the Wild - MTG Card versions
Invigorating Hot Spring - MTG Card versions
Cabaretti Revels - MTG Card versions
Stormbind - MTG Card versions
Fires of Yavimaya - MTG Card versions
Aether Rift - MTG Card versions
Overabundance - MTG Card versions
Klothys, God of Destiny - MTG Card versions
Rhythm of the Wild - MTG Card versions
Invigorating Hot Spring - MTG Card versions
Cabaretti Revels - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Shadow in the Warp provides a robust mechanism for players to sift through their deck and access the cards they need promptly. This contributes significantly to gaining an upper hand by ensuring that options are readily available when strategic pivots are necessary during gameplay.

Resource Acceleration: Aside from its potential to reshape the player’s hand, Shadow in the Warp has synergies that may lead to substantial resource acceleration. The ability to manipulate one’s own resources while hindering the opponent can alter the momentum of the match in your favor.

Instant Speed: The versatility of casting Shadow in the Warp at instant speed cannot be overstated. It allows players to react dynamically to threats or opportunities, preserving mana for responses or end-of-turn plays which can effectively leverage game tempo.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Most players will find the mandatory discard when casting Shadow in the Warp to be a steep price, especially in a game where maintaining hand advantage can be crucial.

Specific Mana Cost: The necessity for black mana in its cost restricts the Shadow in the Warp’s integration into decks, making it less versatile than some might prefer for a centerpiece card.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At its five-mana value, Shadow in the Warp’s cost may be seen as excessive by players considering its overall impact on the game, particularly when measured against other options available within its mana range.


Reasons to Include Shadow in the Warp in Your Collection

Versatility: Shadow in the Warp excels at disrupting your opponent’s strategy, suitable for multiple deck archetypes. Its utility in hindering graveyard-based tactics makes it a valuable asset in both offensive and defensive situations.

Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with strategies designed to take advantage of opponents’ diminished resources. Whether it’s setting up for your own power plays or crippling your opponent’s plans, its integration into combo chains can be crucial.

Meta-Relevance: With a shifting meta that consistently presents new challenges, Shadow in the Warp remains relevant. Its ability to neutralize popular strategies that rely on graveyard interaction or spell casting ensures it’s a constant thorn in the side of many popular decks.


How to beat

Shadow in the Warp is a potent force on the battlefield, posing a unique challenge to MTG players. Facing such a card, one must adapt their strategy to successfully mitigate its impact. Unlike other cards that may simply be outmatched by raw power or speed, Shadow in the Warp requires a more calculated approach. It’s essential to incorporate cards that can specifically handle the abilities Shadow in the Warp presents. Cards with hexproof can prove particularly valuable, as they are impervious to targeted spells that Shadow in the Warp could represent.

Moreover, direct removal spells that bypass the card’s potential counters are another solid approach. It ensures that the card is dealt with swiftly and efficiently without being bogged down by its disruptive influence. Effective sideboarding can also turn the tides against Shadow in the Warp, allowing a player to tailor their deck to better handle the challenge it presents. Strategic play, thoughtful deck building, and an understanding of the card’s interaction are crucial when looking to overcome the daunting presence of Shadow in the Warp on the MTG table.


BurnMana Recommendations

Diving into the world of MTG means mastering cards like Shadow in the Warp, a strategic ace with the potential to tip the scales in your favor. With its card advantage and resource acceleration, it’s a game-changer worth understanding. However, its specific mana requirements and high cost remind us that every powerful card has its trade-offs. Whether refining your collection or upping your competitive edge, our in-depth analysis will guide you through. Keen to harness the full potential of Shadow in the Warp and navigate the ever-evolving meta? Join us as we unravel the secrets to elevating your MTG prowess.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Shadow in the Warp MTG card by a specific set like Warhammer 40,000 Commander and Warhammer 40,000 Commander, 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 in the Warp and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Shadow in the Warp Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2022-10-07 and 2022-10-07. Illustrated by Kim Sokol.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 1402015NormalBlackKim Sokol
22022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 140★2015NormalBlackKim Sokol

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Shadow in the Warp has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2022-10-07 Both the first and last abilities of Shadow in the Warp take into account spells cast before it was on the battlefield. For example, if an opponent cast a noncreature spell before it was on the battlefield, then casts a noncreature spell after it is put on the battlefield, Shadow in the Warp’s second ability won’t trigger because that is the second noncreature spell they’ve cast that turn.