Shaleskin Bruiser MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 7 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Beast |
| Abilities | Trample |
| Released | 2002-10-07 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Onslaught |
| Set code | ONS |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 4 |
| Number | 226 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Mark Zug |
Text of card
Trample Whenever Shaleskin Bruiser attacks, it gets +3/+0 until end of turn for each other attacking Beast.
Its only predators are the elements.
Cards like Shaleskin Bruiser
Shaleskin Bruiser stands as a notable giant warrior within Magic the Gathering. Its resemblance to other cards in the creature field like Hamletback Goliath is seen in the capacity to become a significant threat. Shaleskin Bruiser, when attacking alone, doubles its power, making it an enormous creature much like the Goliath which grows whenever another creature enters the battlefield.
Comparing Shaleskin Bruiser to the likes of Loxodon Warhammer brings us to the domain of equipment cards, which also have the potential to substantially increase a creature’s power. Loxodon Warhammer gives a creature trample and lifelink, but the key difference lies in its modularity, offering these benefits to any creature you choose. Meanwhile, Shaleskin Bruiser’s ability is inherent and can’t be easily transferred.
Ultimately, Shaleskin Bruiser finds its place among powerful creatures that amplify their strength under specific conditions. While it may not have the adaptability of equipment cards or the instantaneous growth of the Goliath, its self-sufficiency in increasing its offensive power becomes an excellent asset for those crafting decks around formidable solo attackers.
Cards similar to Shaleskin Bruiser by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Shaleskin Bruiser has the potential to become a recurring threat, capable of dealing significant damage if not dealt with, effectively drawing out resources from your opponent. This behemoth becomes more formidable with each attack, often forcing opponents to trade away multiple blockers or cards in hand to manage it, tipping the scales in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: While this card doesn’t directly generate additional mana, its power lies in potentially reducing the total resources needed to achieve victory. By applying constant pressure, your adversary may be forced to use their resources inefficiently, indirectly advancing your board state toward the end game.
Instant Speed: Although Shaleskin Bruiser operates at sorcery speed, understanding the landscape of instant-speed threat interactions can be critical. Its inherent trample ability means that opponents must consider their lines of play carefully, balancing the need to hold instant-speed removal against the risk of an unblocked attacker, thus enhancing your strategic advantage.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing Shaleskin Bruiser requires a keen eye on hand management, as you’ll need to often meet its morph condition, which can force you to discard other potential plays that could be vital to your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: This creature comes with a precise mana cost that is color-intensive, necessitating a solid base of mountains in your deck. This restricts its versatility and can be particularly challenging in multicolored decks where mana fixing is essential.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana cost sitting at seven, Shaleskin Bruiser can be quite the investment for its 4/4 stats. Given its late-game arrival, players may find that its impact on the battlefield doesn’t quite line up with its high cost, especially when faster, more impactful creatures are in play.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Shaleskin Bruiser has the advantage of seamlessly integrating into decks that capitalize on the tribal synergy of Beasts or those that enjoy a good beatdown strategy. Its trample ability ensures that even if blocked, it can dish out significant damage.
Combo Potential: When paired with cards that increase creature damage or provide buffs, Shaleskin Bruiser becomes a formidable threat. It can easily become a game-ending force when combined with cards that double damage or increase its power.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where slower, more controlling decks are prevalent, having a heavy-hitter like Shaleskin Bruiser that scales with the game can give you the edge. As it grows alongside your beastly board presence, it can help you close games against decks that might otherwise stabilize.
How to beat
Shaleskin Bruiser presents a unique challenge on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. As a creature that grows stronger when attacking with other Beasts, its power can escalate quickly if left unchecked. To effectively counter this threat, consider employing removal spells before your opponent accumulates a formidable beastly battalion on the board. Spot removal cards like Path to Exile or Murder work excellently to eliminate the Bruiser before it gains momentum.
Alternatively, pacifying Shaleskin Bruiser with enchantments can neutralize it without sending it to the graveyard, where it might be retrieved by other cards. Enchantments like Pacifism or the classic Control Magic allow you to control the Bruiser or prevent it from attacking, respectively. Board wipes are also a reliable resolution; a well-timed Wrath of God can clear multiple threats at once including the Bruiser, regardless of its size.
Combat tricks and creatures with the reach or flying ability can also be pivotal in containing the Bruiser. By setting up favorable blocks or using spells that alter combat dynamics, you can ensure the Bruiser doesn’t deal damage to you. Lastly, in environments where Beasts are prevalent, cards like Plague Engineer that give adverse conditions to a particular creature type could be particularly effective.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Shaleskin Bruiser MTG card by a specific set like Onslaught, 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 Shaleskin Bruiser 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 Shaleskin Bruiser has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |