Sheoldred, the Apocalypse MTG Card


Sheoldred offers consistent card advantage and can alter the game pace with immediate board influence. Resource acceleration is key, as Sheoldred can lessen the cost of spells by sacrificing creatures. The card presents increased complexity in deck building due to its mana requirements and high cost.
Card setsReleased in 9 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityMythic
TypeLegendary Creature — Phyrexian Praetor
Abilities Deathtouch
Power 4
Toughness 5

Text of card

Deathtouch Whenever you draw a card, you gain 2 life. Whenever an opponent draws a card, they lose 2 life.


Cards like Sheoldred, the Apocalypse

Sheoldred, the Apocalypse introduces a unique spin to the realm of formidable creatures in Magic: The Gathering. When evaluating its attributes compared to its counterparts like It That Betrays, both cards stand out for their ability to profoundly impact the game. Sheoldred brings a steadfastness to the table with its persistent effect of card advantage and life loss. It That Betrays, alternatively, offers a different angle of attack by forcing opponents to sacrifice permanents, which are then snatched up for its controller’s benefit.

Exploring the pantheon of powerful game-changers, Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite enters the scene. Elesh Norn may not deal damage or draw cards directly, but her ability to buff your creatures and cripple your opponents’ is unrivaled. However, Sheoldred’s capacity to deal incremental damage and draw cards each turn gives it a recurring advantage that can be devastating over time.

Ultimately, while each of these titans has its own niche—be it stealing permanents with It That Betrays, mass creature enhancement with Elesh Norn, or Sheoldred’s relentless erosion of the opponent’s resources—Sheoldred, the Apocalypse carves a unique space for itself, blending both offensive and card advantage roles in Magic: The Gathering’s landscape of potent cards.

It That Betrays - MTG Card versions
Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite - MTG Card versions
It That Betrays - MTG Card versions
Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Sheoldred, the Apocalypse by color, type and mana cost

Hell's Caretaker - MTG Card versions
Rag Man - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Debaser - MTG Card versions
Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed - MTG Card versions
Slinking Skirge - MTG Card versions
Gravedigger - MTG Card versions
Scandalmonger - MTG Card versions
Urborg Shambler - MTG Card versions
Whispering Shade - MTG Card versions
Filth - MTG Card versions
Demon of Catastrophes - MTG Card versions
Bold Plagiarist - MTG Card versions
Toxin Sliver - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Spirit - MTG Card versions
Nim Shambler - MTG Card versions
Scourge of Numai - MTG Card versions
Deathgazer - MTG Card versions
Dirty Wererat - MTG Card versions
Faceless Butcher - MTG Card versions
Crowd of Cinders - MTG Card versions
Hell's Caretaker - MTG Card versions
Rag Man - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Debaser - MTG Card versions
Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed - MTG Card versions
Slinking Skirge - MTG Card versions
Gravedigger - MTG Card versions
Scandalmonger - MTG Card versions
Urborg Shambler - MTG Card versions
Whispering Shade - MTG Card versions
Filth - MTG Card versions
Demon of Catastrophes - MTG Card versions
Bold Plagiarist - MTG Card versions
Toxin Sliver - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Spirit - MTG Card versions
Nim Shambler - MTG Card versions
Scourge of Numai - MTG Card versions
Deathgazer - MTG Card versions
Dirty Wererat - MTG Card versions
Faceless Butcher - MTG Card versions
Crowd of Cinders - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Sheoldred, the Apocalypse. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Golgari MidrangeGolgari Midrange StandardGolgari MidrangeStandard Challenge 32 2024-05-11
Rakdos VampiresRakdos Vampires PioneerRakdos VampiresPioneer Preliminary 2024-05-11
4c Greasefang4c Greasefang Pioneer4c GreasefangPioneer League 2024-05-11
5c Legends5c Legends Standard5c LegendsStandard Challenge 32 2024-05-11
Rakdos ScamRakdos Scam ModernRakdos ScamModern League 2024-05-11
YawgmothYawgmoth ModernYawgmothModern Challenge 32 2024-05-11
Mono-Black ScamMono-Black Scam ModernMono-Black ScamModern Challenge 32 2024-05-11
Mono-Black CoffersMono-Black Coffers ModernMono-Black CoffersModern Challenge 32 2024-05-11
4c Legends4c Legends Standard4c LegendsStandard Challenge 32 2024-05-11
Orzhov MidrangeOrzhov Midrange StandardOrzhov MidrangeStandard Challenge 32 2024-05-11

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Sheoldred, the Apocalypse excels as an asset for players looking to dominate their games through superior card advantage. Its ability to draw a card whenever a player loses life ensures a steady stream of resources, enhancing your tactical depth and giving you more options to respond to the evolving battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: In terms of resource acceleration, Sheoldred provides a substantial boost. Its mechanic allows for the potential of reducing the casting cost of your spells by allowing the sacrifice of other creatures. This can be a game-changer, particularly in the mid to late game phases, where efficient mana usage can pave the way to victory.

Instant Speed: Although Sheoldred, the Apocalypse itself is not an instant, it can disrupt the game at nearly instant speed with its threatening presence. The voracious ability to impact the board as soon as it arrives forces opponents to play on their heels, urgently reacting to your moves even outside the regular cadence of their turns.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The playability of Sheoldred, the Apocalypse can be affected by its demand on players to discard cards, potentially depleting already scarce resources and affecting game strategy negatively.

Specific Mana Cost: Featuring a specific mana cost that includes black, this card may prove challenging to incorporate into a multicolor deck which doesn’t prioritize black mana or lacks the necessary mana fixing.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Tapping into seven mana can be a significant hurdle, particularly in fast-paced games where deploying threats earlier could be the difference between victory and defeat, making Sheoldred, the Apocalypse a less ideal choice in such scenarios.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Sheoldred, the Apocalypse stands as a testament to flexibility in all sorts of MTG gameplay situations. This card can seamlessly toggle from a menacing offensive force to a substantial defensive bulwark, fitting effortlessly into various deck archetypes that value a strong endgame presence.

Combo Potential: With an ability to both draw cards and force your opponents to discard under certain conditions, Sheoldred works well within combos aimed to deplete opponents’ resources while bolstering your own. This synergy is particularly devastating in formats that capitalize on hand disruption tactics.

Meta-Relevance: Given the dynamic nature of MTG’s meta, having a card like Sheoldred can be a game-changer. Its utility in current game environments where long-term strategy and resource control are king makes it a highly sought-after asset that can dictate the pace of the match.


How to beat

Sheoldred, the Apocalypse is a formidable card in MTG that can sway the game heavily in favor of the player who controls it. Its ability to passively deal damage to opponents while drawing extra cards each turn causes a significant advantage. One of the key strategies to effectively counter this card is through the use of targeted removal spells. Instant-speed removals, such as Path to Exile or Assassin’s Trophy, can effectively deal with Sheoldred before its abilities accumulate value over time.

Another way to challenge Sheoldred’s dominance is by applying pressure with aggressive creatures and strategies. This forces the opponent to act defensively rather than utilizing Sheoldred’s full potential. Counter spells also play a pivotal role when timing is crucial; being ready to counter Sheoldred upon casting can prevent its threatening presence on the board entirely.

Furthermore, including cards that can exile or shuffle it into the library from the graveyard ensures that Sheoldred does not return to the battlefield, which is vital given its recursion capability. Utilizing these methods can level the playing field and improve the chances of overcoming the obstacle that is Sheoldred, the Apocalypse.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Sheoldred, the Apocalypse MTG card by a specific set like Dominaria United and Dominaria United, 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 Sheoldred, the Apocalypse and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Sheoldred, the Apocalypse Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2022-09-09 and 2022-09-09. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12022-09-09Dominaria UnitedDMU 4362015NormalBorderlessRichard Whitters
22022-09-09Dominaria UnitedDMU 1072015NormalBlackChris Rahn
32022-09-09Dominaria UnitedDMU 4352015NormalBorderlessRichard Whitters
42022-09-09Dominaria UnitedDMU 3692015NormalBlackChris Rahn
52022-09-09Dominaria United Art SeriesADMU 262015Art seriesBorderless
62022-09-09Dominaria UnitedDMU 3312015NormalBlackJoe Esposito
72022-09-09Dominaria United PromosPDMU 107s2015NormalBlackChris Rahn
82022-09-09Dominaria United PromosPDMU 107p2015NormalBlackChris Rahn
92022-09-09Dominaria UnitedDMU 2902015NormalBlackJoe Esposito

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Sheoldred, the Apocalypse has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2022-09-09 If you and an opponent draw a card at the same time, you choose the order that the triggered abilities will resolve in.