Shapers of Nature MTG Card


Convert +1/+1 counters into card draw for sustained board control and options. Instant speed abilities offer strategic adaptability during gameplay. A significant mana investment can be restrictive but rewarding in gameplay.
Shapers of Nature - Ixalan
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Merfolk Shaman
Released2017-09-29
Set symbol
Set nameIxalan
Set codeXLN
Power 3
Toughness 3
Number228
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byChris Seaman

Text of card

: Put a +1/+1 counter on target creature. , Remove a +1/+1 counter from a creature you control: Draw a card.

Shapers adapt nature to fit their needs and then return it to the way it was, leaving no trace of their passing.


Cards like Shapers of Nature

Shapers of Nature presents intriguing gameplay dynamics for MTG enthusiasts who enjoy manipulating +1/+1 counters. Comparable to other creatures like Aquastrand Spider, Shapers of Nature offers flexibility to both place and remove counters. While Aquastrand Spider allows placing counters on other creatures, it lacks the card draw option possessed by Shapers of Nature.

Moving to Fairgrounds Trumpeter, it also synergizes with +1/+1 counters, growing with each counter placed on other creatures during your turn. However, it does not provide the control over counter distribution like Shapers of Nature does, which takes the lead with its built-in adaptability. Then we have Ivy Lane Denizen; while it has a green-centric counter distribution mechanism, it still does not grant the same utility for card drawing that characterizes Shapers of Nature.

Overall, in the realm of MTG, Shapers of Nature distinguishes itself by granting players the autonomous management of game mechanics through both counter manipulation and advantageous card draw capabilities, positioning it as a versatile asset in decks that focus on counter strategies.

Aquastrand Spider - MTG Card versions
Fairgrounds Trumpeter - MTG Card versions
Ivy Lane Denizen - MTG Card versions
Aquastrand Spider - MTG Card versions
Fairgrounds Trumpeter - MTG Card versions
Ivy Lane Denizen - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Shapers of Nature by color, type and mana cost

Selkie Hedge-Mage - MTG Card versions
Uro, Titan of Nature's Wrath - MTG Card versions
Gor Muldrak, Amphinologist - MTG Card versions
Augmenter Pugilist // Echoing Equation - MTG Card versions
Vigean Hydropon - MTG Card versions
Silkwing Scout - MTG Card versions
Cold-Eyed Selkie - MTG Card versions
Gilder Bairn - MTG Card versions
Wistful Selkie - MTG Card versions
Winged Coatl - MTG Card versions
Lorescale Coatl - MTG Card versions
Nulltread Gargantuan - MTG Card versions
Edric, Spymaster of Trest - MTG Card versions
Elusive Krasis - MTG Card versions
Drakewing Krasis - MTG Card versions
Vorel of the Hull Clade - MTG Card versions
Beetleform Mage - MTG Card versions
Trygon Predator - MTG Card versions
Bounding Krasis - MTG Card versions
Kaseto, Orochi Archmage - MTG Card versions
Selkie Hedge-Mage - MTG Card versions
Uro, Titan of Nature's Wrath - MTG Card versions
Gor Muldrak, Amphinologist - MTG Card versions
Augmenter Pugilist // Echoing Equation - MTG Card versions
Vigean Hydropon - MTG Card versions
Silkwing Scout - MTG Card versions
Cold-Eyed Selkie - MTG Card versions
Gilder Bairn - MTG Card versions
Wistful Selkie - MTG Card versions
Winged Coatl - MTG Card versions
Lorescale Coatl - MTG Card versions
Nulltread Gargantuan - MTG Card versions
Edric, Spymaster of Trest - MTG Card versions
Elusive Krasis - MTG Card versions
Drakewing Krasis - MTG Card versions
Vorel of the Hull Clade - MTG Card versions
Beetleform Mage - MTG Card versions
Trygon Predator - MTG Card versions
Bounding Krasis - MTG Card versions
Kaseto, Orochi Archmage - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Shapers of Nature provides a sustainable way to draw additional cards by converting +1/+1 counters into card draw. This ability is exceptionally handy to ensure you’re never out of options as the game progresses.

Resource Acceleration: While Shapers of Nature doesn’t directly produce mana or treasure tokens, it can accelerate your resources by growing your creatures. By placing +1/+1 counters on your creatures, you are effectively increasing your board presence and threat level without the need for additional cards.

Instant Speed: What sets Shapers of Nature apart is the capability to utilize its abilities at instant speed. This versatility means you can adapt to the unfolding game, whether that’s by growing your creatures in response to an attack or drawing a card at the most strategically opportune moment.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Shapers of Nature doesn’t require a card discard, but its abilities are dependent on maintaining a card advantage, which can be taxing on your hand, potentially leaving you at a disadvantage in the late game stages.

Specific Mana Cost: Shapers of Nature demands a mix of green and blue mana. This can sometimes make it challenging to cast on curve, especially in a multi-color deck that might struggle with mana consistency.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its initial casting cost and additional cost for its abilities, Shapers of Nature asks for a significant mana investment. There are alternatives that can offer creature buffs or card draw for less, making it a potentially pricy choice in a competitive setup.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Shapers of Nature offers a unique flexibility to adapt to various gameplay situations. It’s an ideal card for decks that capitalize on +1/+1 counters, enabling you to draw cards and strengthen creatures on the fly.

Combo Potential: This card can be a linchpin in combo setups that revolve around manipulating counters. It seamlessly integrates with mechanics that proliferate or double counters, potentially unlocking limitless growth for your creatures.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where creature-based strategies are prevalent, Shapers of Nature provides consistent value. Its ability to both buff your creatures and provide card advantage makes it a formidable addition in many match-ups.


How to beat Shapers of Nature

Shapers of Nature presents itself as a versatile creature within the world of Magic: The Gathering. With its ability to both draw cards and strengthen through +1/+1 counters, it can be a persistent challenge on the battlefield. A key strategy to overcoming Shapers of Nature lies in managing its growth potential and limiting the card advantage it provides to your opponent.

Swift removal spells can be effective tools against Shapers of Nature, ensuring it doesn’t get a chance to accumulate value over time. Cards such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile offer immediate answers before the creature becomes a larger threat. Additionally, employing counter spells when Shapers of Nature is cast can nip the problem in the bud, keeping your opponent’s mana investment in check. It’s also beneficial to include some removal that can handle multiple creatures, as Shapers of Nature might not be the only threat on the board.

Therefore, incorporating efficient removal and counter spells in your deck can tip the scales in your favor, neutralizing Shapers of Nature and maintaining control over the game’s pace. Preventing it from shaping the nature of the game is paramount for achieving victory.


BurnMana Recommendations

Shapers of Nature is a canvas for creativity and strategy in MTG, offering fluid gameplay and the power to shape the battlefield to your advantage. With its ability to transform +1/+1 counters into valuable card draw and strengthen your creatures, it’s a dynamic force in any deck it joins. Navigate its blue-green mana requirements and fully leverage its instant-speed utility for a deck that keeps opponents on their toes. Whether you’re looking to refine your counter-centric strategies or you’re eager to enhance your collection’s versatility, understanding and incorporating Shapers of Nature can be a game-changer. Explore the depth of this card’s potential and harness its power by learning more with us.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Shapers of Nature MTG card by a specific set like Ixalan, 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 Shapers of Nature and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Shapers of Nature has restrictions

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