Shock Troops MTG Card
1999-10-04 - Number 212
2003-07-28 - Number 223★
2003-07-28 - Number 223
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Soldier |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Sacrifice Shock Troops: Shock Troops deals 2 damage to target creature or player.
When goblins blow themselves up, it's called stupidity. When humans do, it's called heroism.
Cards like Shock Troops
Shock Troops stand out in Magic: The Gathering as an intriguing creature card with a built-in sacrifice ability for direct damage. It shares some strategic similarities with cards like Mogg Fanatic, which also allows players to trade the creature for a ping of damage. The advantage of Shock Troops lies in its ability to deliver twice the amount of damage that Mogg Fanatic can, proving lethal against bigger targets or closing in on an opponent’s life total more effectively.
Comparatively, Ember Hauler presents another example of a creature card that can be sacrificed for damage, but it offers flexibility with its damage allocation; you can choose to target creatures or players, unlike the Shock Troops which are player-focused. While Ember Hauler has a higher mana cost, it compensates with a stronger body that can apply pressure on the board. Fling is another spell that doesn’t sacrifice itself but requires another creature to be sacrificed as part of the cost to deal damage equal to that creature’s power. It’s a one-time effect like Shock Troops but without the option to deal damage during combat.
Ultimately, while other cards offer similar functionalities, Shock Troops delineate a unique position in the MTG meta due to their ability to put forward immediate pressure on an opponent’s life total while providing tactical flexibility.
Cards similar to Shock Troops by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Shock Troops. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Jund Control | Legacy | Charlotte Legacy League Season 1 Week 2 | |
 | Izzet Control | Legacy | Charlotte Legacy League Season 4 Week 12 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Shock Troops come into play with the potential to trade with an opponent’s creature, effectively removing a threat from the board. This ability to exchange with opposing resources can be a subtle form of card advantage in the right situation.
Resource Acceleration: While Shock Troops don’t provide direct resource acceleration, their sacrifice ability can be a pivotal point in overwhelming your opponent’s defenses and maintaining momentum, strategically accelerating your path to victory.
Instant Speed: The capacity to sacrifice Shock Troops at instant speed provides significant flexibility during gameplay. This quality allows you to adapt to the battlefield dynamically, making optimal decisions based on the current state of play and potentially disrupting your opponent’s strategies during their turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Shock Troops come with a sacrifice mechanic that often requires forethought and strategic planning. When you activate its ability, not only do you lose the creature itself but you also get just one instance of damage output. In a game where maintaining board presence can be crucial, the cost of sacrificing your Shock Troops could outweigh the benefits, especially if you’re already behind.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Shock Troops is locked into red mana. This can be restrictive as it necessitates a commitment to a red mana base. Players who are running multicolored decks or who have a varied mana pool may find this card to be a less flexible option compared to cards with generic mana requirements.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Weighing in at three mana, Shock Troops may seem cost-effective at a glance, but as a 2/2 creature, its stats for the mana invested are not always ideal. While its ability to deal 2 damage to any target upon sacrifice can be useful, there are other cards in the same mana range that may offer greater impact or versatility on the battlefield, potentially making Shock Troops a less tempting choice for deck inclusion.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Shock Troops bring flexibility to your deck with their simple casting cost and their ability to impact the board. They can slide into various red-themed decks, proving useful in aggro strategies or as a defensive option with an added benefit upon exit.
Combo Potential: These units offer a tactical advantage with their sacrifice ability. Pair them with cards that capitalize on creatures dying or dealing damage, and you can craft powerful interactions that may sway the game in your favor.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state that favors continual board presence and control, Shock Troops can be a thorn in your opponent’s side. Utilizing their damage-dealing ability can disrupt creature-heavy strategies and potentially provide an edge against decks that are unprepared for direct damage plays.
How to Beat Shock Troops
Shock Troops is a creature card that can prove to be a tricky adversary in MTG due to its useful sacrifice ability. When playing against this card, smart strategy is crucial. Consider using spells that can exile it to prevent its last-ditch damage when sacrificed. Cards with the ‘exile’ effect like Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares can effectively neutralize it without triggering its ability.
Another approach is to minimize its impact by controlling the board. Keeping creatures out of reach through strong defensive measures, such as giving them hexproof or indestructible, can be effective. Enchanting your creatures with cards like Sheltering Light or having creatures with built-in protection like Tajuru Preserver will keep them safe from Shock Troops’ targeted ability.
Lastly, counteracting the damage directly with life gain methods or protection spells can mitigate the impact of Shock Troops. Cards like Healing Salve or The Wanderer can prevent damage if timed correctly. To ensure victory, stay one step ahead by anticipating the sacrifice and preparing your defenses accordingly against this tactical card.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Shock Troops MTG card by a specific set like Mercadian Masques and Eighth Edition, 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 Shock Troops 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 Shock Troops Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1999-10-04 and 2003-07-28. Illustrated by Jeff Miracola.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1999-10-04 | Mercadian Masques | MMQ | 212 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Jeff Miracola | |
| 2 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 223★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Jeff Miracola | |
| 3 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 223 | 2003 | Normal | White | Jeff Miracola |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Shock Troops has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |