Skeletonize MTG Card
2008-10-03 - Number 114
2018-03-16 - Number 149
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Skeletonize deals 3 damage to target creature. When a creature dealt damage this way is put into a graveyard this turn, put a 1/1 black Skeleton creature token into play with ": Regenerate this creature."
Fire burns away both flesh and freedom.
Cards like Skeletonize
Skeletonize is an intriguing inclusion within the fiery arsenal of red removal spells in Magic: The Gathering. It stands shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Lightning Bolt, a legendary instant that also deals damage directly to creatures or players. But Skeletonize carves its niche with the unique after effect of creating a 1/1 black Skeleton creature token if it destroys a creature, offering a slight board presence advantage.
In the realm of creature elimination, we can also draw comparisons to Flame Slash. Although Flame Slash deals 4 damage to a creature for just one mana, it doesn’t produce any tokens, giving Skeletonize an edge in terms of board impact. Meanwhile, something like Skewer the Critics, another damage spell, follows the sorcery speed of Skeletonize but trades token generation for the Spectacle cost reduction mechanic, giving players flexibility in mana management.
Overall, Skeletonize might not be the most mana-efficient removal tool, but what it lacks in raw power, it compensates for with strategic versatility and the capacity to shift board states, potentially offering more than just a simple removal in MTG gameplay scenarios.
Cards similar to Skeletonize by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Skeletonize offers the ability to replace itself in your hand by drawing a card when it destroys a creature. This is vital for keeping up momentum and putting you ahead in the long game.
Resource Acceleration: While Skeletonize does not directly produce mana or tokens, by efficiently removing a blocker, it can accelerate your offensive resources, clearing the path for your creatures to attack and potentially deal more damage.
Instant Speed: Since Skeletonize can be played at instant speed, it grants you the flexibility to adapt to the board state during your opponent’s turn. This strategic element can disrupt their plans and maintain the element of surprise, potentially turning the tide of the battle in your favor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Skeletonize requires players to discard a card, an action that potentially reduces hand advantage, making it less ideal when trying to maintain a strong board presence with multiple options in hand.
Specific Mana Cost: The card’s black and red mana cost can restrict its integration into multi-colored decks, requiring a mana base that supports both, which in turn might reduce the card’s versatility in various deck builds.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, including specific color requirements, players may find that there are other removal options that are more cost-efficient or flexible in their strategies, leading them to bypass Skeletonize for alternatives.
Reasons to Include Skeletonize in Your Collection
Versatility: Skeletonize is a flexible card that can act as both removal and unexpected creature generation. It’s able to be slotted into a variety of red decks looking for ways to deal damage and produce board presence. The ability to remove an opponent’s creature and get a 1/1 black Skeleton creature token in return adds a dual threat to your arsenal.
Combo Potential: This card allows players to explore interesting synergies within graveyard or artifact-themed decks. The Skeleton token can be used in conjunction with sacrifice outlets or cards that benefit from creatures dying, making it a multifaceted tool that’s more than just a damage spell.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state where creatures are key, Skeletonize can provide an immediate answer to threats while contributing to your board state. Its ability to disrupt opponent strategies while advancing your own makes it an opportunistic inclusion for decks looking to capitalize on every action taken during a game.
How to beat Skeletonize
Skeletonize is a unique card in Magic: The Gathering with its power to deal three damage to a creature and create a 1/1 black Skeleton creature token if that creature dies this turn. This red instant not only removes creatures from the battlefield but also bolsters your army, making it a dual-threat.
To counteract Skeletonize effectively, the key is to minimize its impact. Utilize indestructible creatures that won’t be affected by its damage-dealing ability. Alternatively, employ instant-speed removal or protection spells like Gods Willing to safeguard your key creatures before the damage is dealt. Timing is crucial; responding after Skeletonize has been cast but before its effect resolves can nullify its creature removal aspect.
Managing Skeletonize goes beyond single card interactions. It’s essential to adapt your game strategy to ensure this removal card doesn’t tip the scales against you. This involves maintaining a diverse array of threats on the board and having backup plans for your important non-indestructible creatures. In this way, even a resolved Skeletonize won’t dramatically hinder your path to victory in your MTG duels.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Skeletonize MTG card by a specific set like Shards of Alara and Masters 25, 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 Skeletonize 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 Skeletonize Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2008-10-03 and 2018-03-16. Illustrated by Karl Kopinski.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2008-10-03 | Shards of Alara | ALA | 114 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Karl Kopinski | |
| 2 | 2018-03-16 | Masters 25 | A25 | 149 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Karl Kopinski |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Skeletonize has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Skeletonize card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2018-03-16 | You get the token created by Skeletonize’s delayed triggered ability regardless of who controlled the creature. |