Shadowheart, Cleric of War MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Legendary Creature — Human Elf Cleric |
| Abilities | Deathtouch,Shadow |
| Released | 2022-07-07 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate |
| Set code | HBG |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 4 |
| Number | 10r |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Cristi Balanescu |
Text of card
Deathtouch At the beginning of your end step, Shadowheart, Cleric of War deals 1 damage to each player. Whenever you lose life during your turn, Shadowheart deals that much damage to each opponent.
Cards like Shadowheart, Cleric of War
Shadowheart, Cleric of War, emerges as a compelling character on the battlefield, with echoes of other warrior-inspired cards in Magic: The Gathering. Much like Tymna the Weaver, Shadowheart offers a unique blend of aggression and resilience, though it trades the card-drawing ability for sheer power on the attack. Shadowheart’s capacity to buff other creatures makes it a formidable ally, particularly in decks that prioritize combat and player engagement.
Another parallel can be found with Anafenza, Kin-Tree Spirit. This spirit warrior similarly bolsters your creatures, but does so in a way that’s more focused on growth over time rather than immediate impact. While Anafenza aids in the incremental strengthening of your forces, Shadowheart encourages a quicker, more direct tactic. Comparing their mana costs and abilities reveals that each has its strategic nuances, which cater to different types of play styles and deck synergies.
Therefore, evaluating Shadowheart, Cleric of War within the pantheon of MTG’s creature cards, its aggressive edge and synergy-enabling qualities stand out, presenting players with an influential option for decks that aim to command the battlefield swiftly.
Cards similar to Shadowheart, Cleric of War by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Shadowheart, Cleric of War is designed to provide players with an edge by offering multiple abilities that can translate into card advantage. Every time a cleric enters the battlefield under your control, you’re granted the chance to sift through your library for the pieces you need, effectively thinning your deck and increasing the likelihood of drawing impactful cards in successive turns.
Resource Acceleration: This cleric’s presence boosts your mana resources, as its second ability can often result in ramping up your mana base. Whether it’s providing you an additional land drop or an artifact that taps for mana, this increased resource acceleration ensures that you can play your high-impact spells sooner than your opponent anticipates, potentially securing your lead in the game.
Instant Speed: One of Shadowheart’s pivotal strengths lies in its versatility at instant speed. Several abilities it provides can be activated during any player’s turn, offering strategic flexibility and the element of surprise. This allows savvy players to adapt to an ever-changing battlefield while keeping opponents guessing, turning the tide of the game with well-timed plays.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Shadowheart, Cleric of War presents a notable drawback by requiring the player to discard a card to utilize some of its abilities. This cost can be burdensome, especially in tight situations where card advantage is crucial to maintaining control of the game.
Specific Mana Cost: This card comes with a mana cost that includes black and white, which could pose a deck-building challenge. Players may need to tailor their manabase specifically to accommodate Shadowheart, Cleric of War, potentially limiting the card’s versatility across various deck types.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: In the fast-paced world of competitive play, the mana cost required to cast Shadowheart, Cleric of War can be considered on the higher side. While the card boasts an impactful presence on the battlefield, players may find that there are other options that provide similar benefits without the heavy mana investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Shadowheart, Cleric of War shines as a dynamic card that can seamlessly adapt to various play styles. Its ability to complement aggressive decks while offering substantial support to life-gain and cleric tribal themes makes it a valuable pick for any collector.
Combo Potential: The card’s synergy with life-gain mechanics allows for potential combinations that can turn the tide of a match. Partnering Shadowheart with cards that trigger upon life gain can set up powerful turns and fuel a winning advantage.
Meta-Relevance: Amidst a battleground teeming with creature-based strategies, Shadowheart, Cleric of War stands out by bolstering your creatures while disrupting opponents with its impactful abilities, ensuring its relevance in the current competitive landscape.
How to beat Shadowheart, Cleric of War
Shadowheart, Cleric of War presents a unique challenge in the battlefield. As a versatile card, its ability to give other creatures lifelink can turn the tide of a game by bolstering your opponent’s life total while establishing a strong board presence. To tackle this, removal spells like Murder or Doom Blade can be effective by directly dealing with Shadowheart before its abilities become problematic. If removal isn’t an option, cards that prevent lifegain, such as Tibalt, Rakish Instigator, can neutralize one of Shadowheart’s key advantages.
Another strategy against Shadowheart involves using counterspells like Cancel or Negate when it is cast. This proactive approach can prevent Shadowheart from hitting the board entirely, saving you from having to deal with the consequences of its potent abilities. Utilizing board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation can also reset the playing field, including removing Shadowheart and the creatures benefiting from its presence.
Should Shadowheart enter the battlefield, cards with exile effects, such as Path to Exile, serve as invaluable tools. By exiling Shadowheart instead of destroying it, you ensure its abilities don’t linger or recur, solidifying your position in the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Shadowheart, Cleric of War MTG card by a specific set like Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate, 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 Shadowheart, Cleric of War and other MTG cards:
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