Shrapnel Slinger MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Artifact Creature — Phyrexian Beast |
| Released | 2023-02-03 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Phyrexia: All Will Be One |
| Set code | ONE |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 148 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Joseph Meehan |
Text of card
When Shrapnel Slinger enters the battlefield, you may sacrifice a creature. When you do, destroy target artifact an opponent controls.
"They may have unlimited mites, but that just means we have unlimited ammunition." —Urabrask
Cards like Shrapnel Slinger
Shrapnel Slinger brings a fresh dynamic to Magic: The Gathering’s array of damage-dealing creatures. It stands out due to its ability to reliably deal damage to target player or planeswalker, reminiscent of cards like Thermo-Alchemist. Thermo-Alchemist, however, focuses on untapping to deal damage multiple times, whereas Shrapnel Slinger requires additional ammunition in the form of artifacts to unlock its potential.
Comparatively, we have Firebrand Archer, another creature capable of dealing damage to opponents. Unlike Shrapnel Slinger, Firebrand Archer’s damage isn’t conditional on artifact sacrifice but is instead triggered whenever you cast a noncreature spell, offering a different consistent damage output for spell-focused strategies.
Goblin Gaveleer is also worth mentioning in this discussion. While not a direct source of damage to players or planeswalkers, equipped with the right artifacts, it becomes a potent offensive threat. The need for equipment versus Shrapnel Slinger’s artifact sacrifice offers an interesting strategic choice for deck builders.
Ultimately, while Shrapnel Slinger’s niche requires building around artifacts, it can potentially provide a repeatable source of damage, making it a unique option for players looking to capitalize on artifact-heavy decks.
Cards similar to Shrapnel Slinger by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Shrapnel Slinger enables you to consistently deal damage to your opponent while potentially drawing cards when paired with other synergistic cards. This advantage can be particularly impactful in formats that value incremental advantages over the course of a match.
Resource Acceleration: By integrating the Shrapnel Slinger into your deck, you have the potential to speed up your game plan. While it doesn’t directly generate mana, its ability to remove small creatures or chip away at an opponent’s life total can clear the way for a faster victory.
Instant Speed: The flexibility of the Shrapnel Slinger comes from its capability to be activated at instant speed, allowing you to disrupt your opponent’s strategy during their turn. This strategic advantage maintains pressure while keeping your mana open for responses to threats as they emerge.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: For Shrapnel Slinger’s ability to be activated, players must sacrifice another artifact they control. This requirement could deplete a player’s board presence and resources, especially if their deck is not heavily artifact-focused.
Specific Mana Cost: Shrapnel Slinger has a mana cost that includes both red and colorless mana. This specificity could potentially restrict its inclusion to decks that can consistently produce both types of mana, potentially limiting its versatility across a variety of deck builds.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its cost set at three mana, which includes two generic and one red, Shrapnel Slinger might be considered a bit pricey for the effect it offers. Considering other cards in the MTG universe may provide more impact or utility for the same or lower mana investment, Shrapnel Slinger could be overlooked when deckbuilding.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Shrapnel Slinger is a card that offers a home in decks that take advantage of direct damage and artifact synergies. Its ability to target creatures or players makes it a flexible option in different game scenarios.
Combo Potential: This card is exceptional for strategies that feed on artifacts being put into the graveyard. You can pair Shrapnel Slinger with cards that generate artifact tokens to both control the board and pressure your opponent’s life total.
Meta-Relevance: In formats where creatures and token strategies are prevalent, Shrapnel Slinger can serve as a recurring source of removal. Its relevance grows in a meta-game that favors incremental damage and board presence control.
How to beat
Shrapnel Slinger is an intriguing card that makes its mark in MTG with its potential to disrupt opponents’ strategies. Players look at the card and often wonder how to navigate its direct damage capability. A crucial strategy against Shrapnel Slinger involves minimizing the targets it can leverage. Keeping a lean board and reducing the number of artifacts you control can limit its impact. Another approach is to remove Shrapnel Slinger swiftly with removal spells before the ability becomes a continuous threat.
Shielding yourself with counterspells can also be effective, as countering key artifacts that your opponent might use to trigger Shrapnel Slinger’s ability can thwart their game plan. Moreover, employing instant-speed removal allows you to react on your opponent’s turn, preventing them from getting value out of their Slinger. Tactics like these make the difference between succumbing to a barrage of damage and outmaneuvering a Shrapnel Slinger-based strategy.
Ultimately, understanding Shrapnel Slinger’s strengths and weaknesses will guide how you craft your deck and play your cards, ensuring that you remain one step ahead and maintain the upper hand throughout the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Shrapnel Slinger MTG card by a specific set like Phyrexia: All Will Be One, 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 Shrapnel Slinger 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Shrapnel Slinger has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Shrapnel Slinger card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2023-02-04 | You don't choose a target for Shrapnel Slinger last ability at the time it triggers. Rather, a second "reflexive" ability triggers when you sacrifice a creature this way. You choose a target for that ability as it goes on the stack. Each player may respond to this triggered ability as normal. |