Shrivel MTG Card
2010-04-23 - Number 126
2013-07-19 - Number 116
2015-05-22 - Number 95
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
All creatures get -1/-1 until end of turn.
"Have you ever killed insects nibbling at your crops? I think that's what the Eldrazi believe they're doing to us." —Sheyda, Ondu gamekeeper
Cards like Shrivel
Shrivel finds its place in MTG as a strategic spell focused on weakening small creatures across the board. Its ability to give all creatures -1/-1 until end of turn mirrors that of Nausea, a spell that similarly reduces the power and toughness of creatures. The distinguishing factor for Shrivel, however, lies in its cost-effectiveness for black mana decks, making it a go-to for budget-friendly builds.
Analogous to Shrivel is the card Electrickery, which is red yet with a distinct difference. While Electrickery can deal one damage to each creature you don’t control with its overload cost, it lacks the across-the-board impact on your own creatures that Shrivel ensures. Then there’s Infest, offering a more considerable -2/-2 to all creatures, presenting a stronger but more expensive alternative to Shrivel’s subtle yet pervasive effect.
Understanding the nuances of these spells assures that Shrivel stands out as an efficient and cost-effective choice for players looking to manage multiple threats simultaneously. Its role in MTG is solidified by the precision it offers control decks seeking to maintain board advantage without breaking the mana bank.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Shrivel can impact multiple creatures at once, negating small threats across the board and enabling card efficiency. In matchups with many token strategies or creatures with one toughness, it’s an effective way to clear the board with just one card.
Resource Acceleration: Although Shrivel doesn’t directly produce additional resources, its low-cost nature allows players to maintain their mana curve effectively. Casting Shrivel leaves resources available for other spells in the same turn, keeping the momentum on your side without falling behind.
Instant Speed: As a sorcery, Shrivel requires strategic planning for maximum effect. However, its surprise factor when cast before the combat phase can disrupt opponents’ attacks, making it a strategic play around which entire turns can be orchestrated for decisive battlefield control.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One notable downside is that the Shrivel card does not require a discard. This can mislead players into undervaluing the card’s potential impact during gameplay as there’s no immediate trade-off or cost beyond the mana to cast it.
Specific Mana Cost: Shrivel’s mana cost is entirely in black. This specificity restricts the card’s integration into multi-colored decks, as it necessitates a sufficient source of black mana to be played effectively.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Shrivel’s mana cost is not inherently high, when considering its effect – giving all creatures -1/-1 until end of turn – it can seem less advantageous. There are alternative spells in the MTG universe that offer a greater negative stat modification or more comprehensive removal solutions for a similar or lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include Shrivel in Your Collection
Versatility: Shrivel is a cost-effective spell that serves as a formidable defense against token strategies or decks that rely on smaller creatures. Being able to sweep multiple threats with one low-cost card makes it a valuable asset in sideboards or as a main-deck choice in certain metas.
Combo Potential: Shrivel can work as a combo enabler in decks that profit from creature deaths. Whether it’s triggering morbid abilities or powering up a creature with death-triggered abilities, this card adds depth to various deck archetypes.
Meta-Relevance: This card shines in environments heavily populated by x/1 creatures. It helps control the board and gives players an edge in matches where tempo and board presence are crucial. As metas evolve, the importance of having flexible, low-cost removal options like Shrivel always remains high.
How to beat
The Shrivel card poses a unique challenge on the battlefield due to its ability to diminish the power of all creatures by a substantial margin. This card acts as a sweeping wave that can neutralize numerous smaller creatures in one fell swoop. Overcoming this obstacle requires strategic planning and a focus on cultivating resilience within your creature base.
One effective strategy is to bolster the toughness of your creatures, ensuring they can withstand the weakening effect of Shrivel. This can be accomplished by employing spells that grant permanent buffs or utilize creatures that inherently possess higher toughness. Another approach is to maintain a hand with instant-speed regeneration or indestructibility effects, providing a safety net against this crippling spell.
Timing your plays can also be crucial. If you can anticipate when an opponent might cast Shrivel, you can adjust your strategy, holding back creatures from being played until after the spell resolves. Additionally, incorporating the capability to counteract these spells directly from your hand gives you an advantage, letting you block Shrivel before it affects your creatures on the board.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Shrivel MTG card by a specific set like Rise of the Eldrazi and Magic 2014, 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 Shrivel 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 Shrivel Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2010-04-23 and 2015-05-22. Illustrated by Jung Park.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2010-04-23 | Rise of the Eldrazi | ROE | 126 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Jung Park | |
| 2 | 2013-07-19 | Magic 2014 | M14 | 116 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Jung Park | |
| 3 | 2015-05-22 | Modern Masters 2015 | MM2 | 95 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jung Park |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Shrivel has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Shrivel card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2010-06-15 | Only creatures on the battlefield as Shrivel resolves are affected. |