Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked MTG Card

Capitalizes on creature sacrifices to grow into a massive threat, changing the dynamics of combat. Converts token swarms into raw power, enhancing offensive strategies in token-centric decks. Ability to synergize with instant-speed token creation, enabling surprise tactics against opponents.

Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked - Champions of Kamigawa

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Rare
Type	Legendary Creature — Demon Spirit
Released	2004-10-01
Set symbol
Set name	Champions of Kamigawa
Set code	CHK
Power	0
Toughness	0
Number	186
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Dave Allsop

Text of card

As Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked comes into play, sacrifice any number of permanents. Shimatsu comes into play with that many +1/+1 counters on it.

Their dominion over dark and destructive forces twisted the oni into beings of pure malevolence.

Cards like Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked

When analyzing Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked within the pantheon of sacrifice-oriented creatures in Magic: The Gathering, a few notable comparisons come to light. In a realm where players capitalize on creatures as resources, Shimatsu stands out due to its ability that allows it to grow in power for each creature sacrificed as it enters the battlefield. A parallel can be drawn to the card Phyrexian Ghoul, which also thrives on the sacrifice of creatures, although its sacrifice ability can be used multiple times to continually increase its power.

Another similar entity is the notorious Lord of the Void, which does not necessarily gain power through sacrifice but instead capitalizes on creatures from an opponent’s library—yet another method of exploiting creatures for gain. Furthermore, Carrion Feeder, which can continuously sacrifice creatures to enhance its own power and toughness without a mana cost, offers an alternative dimension of gameplay, different from the single opportunity provided by Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked when it comes into play.

In essence, while Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked provides a dramatic one-time power boost, it’s important to balance this against cards like Phyrexian Ghoul or Carrion Feeder that offer repetitive utility, showcasing diverse strategies for leveraging creature sacrifice in Magic: The Gathering.

Cards similar to Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked by color, type and mana cost

Krark-Clan Engineers - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked ensures that every creature sacrificed contributes to a formidable threat on the battlefield, turning numerous lesser units into a single, overwhelming force. This can be a key tactic to surpass an opponent’s defenses.

Resource Acceleration: In decks built around token generation, Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked can exploit those tokens as resources, effectively converting a wide board presence into a massive creature, thereby accelerating your offensive potential significantly.

Instant Speed: While Shimatsu itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, its ability to grow with each sacrificed creature can interact beneficially with cards that produce tokens at instant speed, allowing for surprising plays during an opponent’s turn and immediately before the combat phase in which Shimatsu attacks. This can create unanticipated threats and force difficult decisions upon the opponent.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked presents a distinct challenge in that it necessitates the sacrifice of permanents just to bring it into play. This can set players back, particularly when having to forfeit valuable board presence to summon this creature.

Specific Mana Cost: Its casting cost demands four red mana. Such a restriction can be cumbersome, especially in multi-color decks or when mana resources are spread thin across various needs.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The four red mana needed to cast Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked can be quite steep, considering the creature’s ability relies heavily on the number of permanents one is willing to sacrifice. There are alternative creatures or spells that might offer more impact or versatility for a similar, if not lower, mana investment.

Reasons to Include Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked in Your Collection

Versatility: Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked offers a unique sac outlet that can be utilized in various deck builds. Whether you’re running a mono-red deck or a multicolored strategy, Shimatsu can turn disposable permanents into significant power on the battlefield, adapting to the needs of different strategies.

Combo Potential: This character has clear synergy with strategies revolving around token generation. Sacrifice numerous tokens to bring out a massive Shimatsu and dominate the combat phase, or employ it as part of a sacrificial combo to amplify the effect of death triggers and other sacrifice-related mechanics.

Meta-Relevance: In a game climate that’s friendly to aggressive red strategies or decks that include a sacrificial theme, Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked can be a strong addition to outpace control players or overpower other creature-based decks. Its capacity to quickly escalate in power makes it a formidable force in the right meta.

How to beat Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked

Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked emerges as a unique challenge in the battlefield of Magic: The Gathering. This card’s power can escalate quickly, especially if the player has numerous disposable permanents to sacrifice when casting it. Instead of a linear incremental threat, Shimatsu has the potential to become formidable in no time.

Defeating this card requires a game plan that includes removal spells ready in your hand. Since Shimatsu’s power is equal to the number of permanents sacrificed to cast it, limiting those sacrifices through strategic board control can keep its power in check. Keep in mind, spot removal such as Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares can be particularly effective, as they can exile Shimatsu before it deals any significant damage.

Another viable strategy is to hold on to counter spells ensuring Shimatsu doesn’t resolve in the first place. Countering it when it’s cast can prevent your opponent from gaining that massive board presence. Playing with graveyard disruption, like Rest in Peace, can be useful too, taking the wind out of the sails of strategies looking to recur Shimatsu for a consecutive threat. Ultimately, quick reactions and preemptive control can turn the tides against Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked MTG card by a specific set like Champions of Kamigawa, 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 Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked and other MTG cards:

BUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer

Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2004-12-01	You sacrifice the permanents before Shimatsu enters the battlefield, so you can’t sacrifice any creatures that enter the battlefield at the same time it does.