Shimmerscale Drake MTG Card
2017-04-28 - Number 70
2019-11-07 - Number 486
2020-08-13 - Number 78
2020-09-26 - Number AKH-70
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Drake |
| Abilities | Cycling,Flying |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
Flying Cycling (, Discard this card: Draw a card.)
They are drawn by the brilliant blue glint of the mineral lazotep from the mines below.
Cards like Shimmerscale Drake
Shimmerscale Drake enters the lineup of evasive creatures in the vast world of Magic: The Gathering, bearing resemblance to other flyers like Wind Drake. Both share the same mana value and flying ability, making them staple inclusions for any deck that values aerial dominance. The Shimmerscale Drake, however, boasts a Metalcraft ability which could also give it hexproof as long as you control three or more artifacts, offering an additional layer of protection against targeted spells or abilities.
Another card that shares its skies is Cloud Elemental. While it’s less mana-intensive, the Drake’s potential hexproof and higher toughness give it an edge in sustained board presence. Comparatively, Mistral Charger is a lower-cost option with similar evasive qualities but lacks the potential for hexproof, making Shimmerscale Drake a versatile pick for decks that interact with artifacts.
Examining these cards side by side highlights the unique strategic advantages Shimmerscale Drake can offer for MTG enthusiasts. Its synergy with artifact-heavy decks can turn it into an untargetable threat, making it a critical element in the right setting. As flying creatures, all of these cards offer a significant strategic advantage, but Shimmerscale Drake’s additional features bring more than just altitude to the game.
Cards similar to Shimmerscale Drake by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Shimmerscale Drake often enables the controller to draw an additional card, increasing the number of options available and potentially swinging the momentum in the player’s favor.
Resource Acceleration: Integrating the Shimmerscale Drake into your deck can help streamline your plays, potentially accelerating your strategy by giving you the resources to cast more impactful spells ahead of schedule.
Instant Speed: The fact that it can be played at instant speed grants you the flexibility to adapt to the flow of the game, making it a strategically versatile choice during critical moments.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Shimmerscale Drake demands you to part with another card in your hand to unlock its full potential. This can pose a strategic disadvantage during gameplay, particularly when every card counts or your hand is already running on empty.
Specific Mana Cost: Casting Shimmerscale Drake requires a precise blend of mana types, which can pose a hurdle for decks that aren’t closely aligned with its color identity. If your mana base isn’t set up to accommodate it, this drake may remain grounded in your hand longer than desired.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana investment for summoning Shimmerscale Drake is on the steeper side when weighed against other creatures with similar stats or abilities. Savvy players might find other options that provide more bang for their buck, mana-wise, in the fast-paced world of MTG.
Reasons to Include Shimmerscale Drake in Your Collection
Versatility: The adaptability of Shimmerscale Drake makes it a valuable addition to various blue-based decks. With flying, it’s a solid evasive creature that can consistently chip away at an opponent’s life total or serve as an aerial defender.
Combo Potential: This card has inherent synergy with mechanics that interact with +1/+1 counters or artifacts, due to its Artifact and Dragon creature types. It can easily slide into strategies that exploit these aspects for powerful effects and board presence.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where flyers can dominate, Shimmerscale Drake holds its own. It’s a strong choice in metas where reaching the skies gives a distinct advantage, especially when considering its ability to be a recurring threat if equipped with ways to bounce back to hand or the top of the deck.
How to beat
Shimmerscale Drake presents itself as a formidable flying creature in Magic the Gathering, a challenge that many players might face on the opposite side of the battlefield. The drake often boasts a significant presence thanks to its evasion ability, but there are several strategies to ground this winged threat effectively.
Removal spells are the most straightforward method for handling the Shimmerscale Drake. Cards like Doom Blade for black decks or Path to Exile in white decks provide efficient and cost-effective answers. For those utilizing red strategies, direct damage spells such as Lightning Bolt can clear the path by dealing sufficient damage, given the drake doesn’t have a bolstered toughness.
Moreover, countering the creature spell before it hits the board is another viable tactic. Counterspells, particularly those with a lower mana cost like Mana Leak, provide a preemptive solution against this high-flying menace. Lastly, enchantments that neutralize creatures, such as Pacifism or Darksteel Mutation, can render the Shimmerscale Drake harmless, effectively negating both its offensive and defensive capabilities. In conclusion, with precise timing and the right selection of spells, overcoming the challenges posed by Shimmerscale Drake is well within reach for savvy players.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Shimmerscale Drake MTG card by a specific set like Amonkhet and Mystery Booster, 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 Shimmerscale Drake 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
Printings
The Shimmerscale Drake Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2017-04-28 and 2020-08-13. Illustrated by Tony Foti.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2017-04-28 | Amonkhet | AKH | 70 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Tony Foti | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 486 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Tony Foti | |
| 3 | 2020-08-13 | Amonkhet Remastered | AKR | 78 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Tony Foti | |
| 4 | The List | PLST | AKH-70 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Tony Foti |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Shimmerscale Drake has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |