Skyshroud Elite MTG Card
1998-06-15 - Number 123
1999-11-12 - Number 72
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Elf |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Skyshroud Elite gets +1/+2 as long as any opponent controls any nonbasic lands.
"Civilization is a conspiracy to disguise the mutilation of nature." —Skyshroud elite creed
Cards like Skyshroud Elite
The Skyshroud Elite, a unique green creature from MTG, holds its own when pitted against comparable cards. Much like Elite Vanguard, another one-drop, Skyshroud Elite thrives in decks where early aggression is key. Although Elite Vanguard consistently offers a 2/1 stat line, the Skyshroud Elite reserves its potential when facing nonbasic lands, which are prevalent in many MTG formats. This response to opponents’ land types gives it an edge in certain matchups, but with base stats of 1/1, it’s more vulnerable without the trigger.
Looking at Kird Ape, we see another analogy. Kird Ape begins as a 1/1 but grows alongside the presence of a Mountain, transforming into a steadfast 2/3. While Kird Ape’s strength is its reliability provided you have the right land, Skyshroud Elite’s adaptability against nonbasic land-dependent decks can offer a surprising advantage in early gameboard control.
Ultimately, Skyshroud Elite offers a specialized role in MTG, with its might fluctuating based on the current landscape of opponents’ lands. This makes it an interesting card to consider for players building green decks that capitalize on the ubiquitous use of nonbasic lands in the game.
Cards similar to Skyshroud Elite by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Skyshroud Elite. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Skyshroud Elite doesn’t directly allow you to draw additional cards, its potential to put significant pressure on opponents can indirectly lead to card advantage. If you force an opponent to use their removal on this low-cost threat, you’re effectively gaining an advantage by trading up in resources.
Resource Acceleration: Skyshroud Elite isn’t a direct source of resource acceleration; however, it can contribute to an aggressive early game strategy. By presenting a two-power creature for just one mana, this card can help preserve your other resources for developing your board or disrupting your opponent.
Instant Speed: Skyshroud Elite is a creature card, thus it cannot be played at instant speed. Nevertheless, its ability to boost its power against decks with nonbasic lands can have an immediate impact on the game, akin to the benefits gained from instant speed interactions by complicating your opponent’s blocking decisions.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Skyshroud Elite doesn’t directly require a discard, but playing it effectively in a deck might necessitate additional cards to ensure your opponent controls a nonbasic land, which could deplete your hand prematurely.
Specific Mana Cost: This MTG card demands a green mana, constraining it to green-aligned decks or those capable of generating multiple colors of mana, potentially limiting its versatility in a player’s deck construction.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While costing only one green mana might seem low, in the realm of powerful one-drops, Skyshroud Elite’s impact may not always justify its inclusion, especially when faster or more aggressive creatures are available.
Reasons to Include Skyshroud Elite in Your Collection
Versatility: Skyshroud Elite is not just a creature; it’s a dynamic play that can fit into an array of green decks. Its low mana cost makes it an excellent early drop that can become a considerable threat if your opponent is playing with nonbasic lands.
Combo Potential: The Elite’s ability to grow against nonbasic land-based decks means that it can be a key component in strategies aiming to overwhelm the opponent quickly. When paired with land control elements or buffing enchantments, its power level can surge unexpectedly.
Meta-Relevance: Given the prevalence of decks using a variety of nonbasic lands to optimize their plays, Skyshroud Elite maintains relevance. Its ability to scale in power can catch unprepared opponents off guard, making it a savvy inclusion in a meta that relies on multicolored or utility lands.
How to beat
Skyshroud Elite presents an interesting challenge in the MTG world. This creature excels in environments teeming with nonbasic lands. Its strength lies in its ability to become a potent threat rapidly, gaining strength whenever an opponent plays a nonbasic land. To successfully counter Skyshroud Elite, players should minimize the use of nonbasic lands, alternatively relying on basic lands to curve their mana without triggering the Elite’s ability.
Strategies to overcome this card also include removal spells. Quick and efficient answers such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile can dispatch the Elite before it becomes too powerful. Additionally, due to its modest toughness, combat tricks or spells that deal damage can be particularly effective. Keeping removal in hand and controlling the pace of the game will disrupt your opponent’s strategy and maintain dominance on the board.
Ultimately, handling a Skyshroud Elite requires foresight and a well-devised game plan. By carefully managing your land plays and holding the right responses, you can navigate around this potent aggressor and maintain an advantage in your MTG matchups.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Skyshroud Elite MTG card by a specific set like Exodus and Battle Royale Box Set, 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 Skyshroud Elite 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 Skyshroud Elite Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1998-06-15 and 1999-11-12. Illustrated by Paolo Parente.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1998-06-15 | Exodus | EXO | 123 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Paolo Parente | |
| 2 | 1999-11-12 | Battle Royale Box Set | BRB | 72 | 1997 | Normal | White | Paolo Parente |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Skyshroud Elite has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |