Shard of the Nightbringer MTG Card


Consistent card draw with Shard of the Nightbringer can significantly fuel players’ hands with strategic options. The ability to ramp up mana resources early grants players a noticeable advantage in game tempo. Instant speed actions from the card provide tactical control, disrupting opponents’ plans effectively.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost8
RarityRare
TypeCreature — C'tan
Abilities Drain Life,Flying
Power 8
Toughness 8

Text of card

Flying Drain Life — When Shard of the Nightbringer enters the battlefield, if you cast it, target opponent loses half their life, rounded up. You gain life equal to the life lost this way.

"Aza'gorod, the Nightbringer. The embodiment of death. A killer of stars and of worlds." —Illuminor Szeras


Cards like Shard of the Nightbringer

Shard of the Nightbringer enters the mystical realm of Magic: The Gathering as a compelling card for any deck focused on building momentum. When evaluated against its counterparts, Shard of the Nightbringer can be compared to Darksteel Ingot, a classic artifact that offers indestructibility and mana of any color. While the indestructible aspect of Darksteel Ingot provides resilience, Shard of the Nightbringer offers a strategic advantage for later game stages with its inherent card advantage mechanism.

Chromatic Lantern is another notable comparison, granting not only mana of any color but also making all your lands capable of producing any color of mana as well. The Lantern’s utility is broad, yet Shard of the Nightbringer stands out by nudging players towards more aggressive plays with its additional card draw feature. Similarly, Commander’s Sphere provides flexibility in mana and card draw upon its sacrifice, but it doesn’t boast the seamless integration into a game’s flow that Shard of the Nightbringer does with its card replacement ability.

Overall, within the universe of Magic: The Gathering, Shard of the Nightbringer presents itself as a worthy addition for players keen on both mana fixing and maintaining momentum through intelligent card management.

Darksteel Ingot - MTG Card versions
Chromatic Lantern - MTG Card versions
Commander's Sphere - MTG Card versions
Darksteel Ingot - MTG Card versions
Chromatic Lantern - MTG Card versions
Commander's Sphere - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Shard of the Nightbringer by color, type and mana cost

Infernal Denizen - MTG Card versions
Baron Sengir - MTG Card versions
Avatar of Woe - MTG Card versions
Griselbrand - MTG Card versions
Void Beckoner - MTG Card versions
Scion of Darkness - MTG Card versions
Myojin of Night's Reach - MTG Card versions
Sanguine Praetor - MTG Card versions
Liege of the Pit - MTG Card versions
Tombstalker - MTG Card versions
Reiver Demon - MTG Card versions
Skeletal Wurm - MTG Card versions
Pestilence Demon - MTG Card versions
Baleful Force - MTG Card versions
Shambling Attendants - MTG Card versions
Distended Mindbender - MTG Card versions
Razaketh, the Foulblooded - MTG Card versions
Torgaar, Famine Incarnate - MTG Card versions
Archfiend of Despair - MTG Card versions
Vilis, Broker of Blood - MTG Card versions
Infernal Denizen - MTG Card versions
Baron Sengir - MTG Card versions
Avatar of Woe - MTG Card versions
Griselbrand - MTG Card versions
Void Beckoner - MTG Card versions
Scion of Darkness - MTG Card versions
Myojin of Night's Reach - MTG Card versions
Sanguine Praetor - MTG Card versions
Liege of the Pit - MTG Card versions
Tombstalker - MTG Card versions
Reiver Demon - MTG Card versions
Skeletal Wurm - MTG Card versions
Pestilence Demon - MTG Card versions
Baleful Force - MTG Card versions
Shambling Attendants - MTG Card versions
Distended Mindbender - MTG Card versions
Razaketh, the Foulblooded - MTG Card versions
Torgaar, Famine Incarnate - MTG Card versions
Archfiend of Despair - MTG Card versions
Vilis, Broker of Blood - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Shard of the Nightbringer provides a significant card advantage by potentially drawing you a card each turn. This consistent access to more resources can be a game-changer, keeping your hand fueled with options.

Resource Acceleration: This card also excels in the area of resource acceleration. With its ability, you could ramp up your mana resources, enabling you to play high-cost spells sooner than your opponent expects, giving you a distinct edge in the mana curve development.

Instant Speed: The ability to operate at instant speed is another perk offered by Shard of the Nightbringer. This grants you the flexibility to react in a pinch, optimizing your strategy while disrupting your opponent’s plays. Instant speed actions are highly valuable for maintaining the element of surprise and tactical control.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Shard of the Nightbringer necessitates discarding a card as part of its casting cost, presenting a potential setback for players when hand advantage is crucial.

Specific Mana Cost: A precise mix of colored mana is required to summon this card, posing a challenge in decks not tailored to accommodate such mana diversity.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Demanding a considerable amount of mana to play, Shard of the Nightbringer may be seen as less mana-efficient compared to other options within its class, which could deter players prioritizing speed and efficiency in their mana curve.


Reasons to Include Shard of the Nightbringer in Your Collection

Versatility: Shard of the Nightbringer offers flexibility in deck building. This card can seamlessly integrate into various strategies, empowering both creature-focused builds and those that leverage enchantment synergies.

Combo Potential: Its ability to harness additional power or life gain can be the linchpin in setting off combo chains. These interactions can turn the tides of gameplay, offering dynamic and potentially game-winning advantages.

Meta-Relevance: Given the card’s alignment with prevalent game themes, it can provide pivotal support against an array of decks currently in circulation. This strategic relevance makes Shard of the Nightbringer a worthwhile consideration for competitive play.


How to beat

The Shard of the Nightbringer is a card that can impose a substantial presence on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. Its primary strength lies in its mana-generating ability and the potential for card advantage. Tackling this powerful artifact requires strategic planning and appropriate countermeasures. Players looking to mitigate the impact of Shard of the Nightbringer should consider using removal spells that can specifically target artifacts, such as Disenchant or Abrade. These spells provide a cost-effective solution to eliminate the Shard before it gains traction.

Additionally, controlling the pace of the game is key. Delaying your opponent’s progress through counterspells like Cancel or Mana Leak can prevent them from casting the Shard in the first place. In a game where tempo and resource management are crucial, interrupting your opponent’s strategy can be as effective as direct removal. Another strategic move is to implement cards that punish the opponent for tapping artifacts for mana like Stony Silence, which can neutralize the advantage that the Shard provides.

To sum up, overcoming Shard of the Nightbringer involves a proactive approach. Utilize targeted removal, counter strategies, and stifle your opponent’s resources to ensure that the Shard’s potential is left unrealized on the game table.


BurnMana Recommendations

The essence of MTG is harnessing the power within each card to tip the scales in your favor, and Shard of the Nightbringer is a perfect example of such potential. From accelerating your resources to shaking up the entire game flow, this card’s capabilities can craft victorious outcomes for savvy players. Deck building is a strategic art, and incorporating Shard of the Nightbringer can offer an invigorating edge. Ready to wield this powerful asset to its fullest? Dive deeper with us, explore its optimal uses, and seamlessly infuse it into your winning strategies.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Shard of the Nightbringer 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 Shard of the Nightbringer and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Shard of the Nightbringer Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2022-10-07 and 2022-10-07. Illustrated by Pierre Loyvet.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 55★2015NormalBlackPierre Loyvet
22022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 552015NormalBlackPierre Loyvet

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Shard of the Nightbringer has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal