Skyshroud Ridgeback MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Beast |
| Abilities | Fading |
| Released | 2000-02-14 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Nemesis |
| Set code | NEM |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 120 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Carl Critchlow |
Text of card
Fading 2 (This creature comes into play with two fade counters on it. At the beginning of your upkeep, remove a fade counter from it. If you can't, sacrifice it.)
Cards like Skyshroud Ridgeback
The Skyshroud Ridgeback may not be the most renowned card in MTG, but for players who appreciate Vanishing mechanics, it’s a card that can be compared to others like Calciderm and Blastoderm. Like Skyshroud Ridgeback, both these creatures also feature the Vanishing ability, which limits their presence on the battlefield to a number of turns. Skyshroud Ridgeback offers this ability at a low cost, requiring only two mana to play.
However, Calciderm and Blastoderm distinguish themselves by having a greater impact during their temporary stay. Both require more mana to cast than Skyshroud Ridgeback, but they also boast a more substantial presence with higher power and toughness. It’s a trade-off between the minimal mana investment of Skyshroud Ridgeback and the dominating board presence of Calciderm and Blastoderm when they hit the field.
Each card has its own role depending on the deck’s strategy and desired curve. When considering mana efficiency and early board presence, Skyshroud Ridgeback can be a valuable inclusion in decks that aim to establish control from the outset. Therefore, while it may not stand out for its power, its cost to effectiveness ratio makes it a worthy consideration for specific MTG deck builds.
Cards similar to Skyshroud Ridgeback by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While the Skyshroud Ridgeback doesn’t directly offer card draw, its low casting cost allows for efficient deck cycling, maximizing your chances to draw cards and maintain hand superiority.
Resource Acceleration: With its cost of only one green mana, this creature represents an excellent example of resource acceleration, leaving your mana pool mostly untouched and ready for further plays much earlier in the game than many other creatures.
Instant Speed: Although this card is not an instant, its Fade mechanic can strategically act similarly to instant speed interactions. By entering the battlefield with two fade counters, the Skyshroud Ridgeback can potentially surprise an unwary opponent, disrupting their combat phase or altering their attack plans temporarily, echoing the tactical flexibility usually provided by instant speed spells.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While not a discard-based card itself, Skyshroud Ridgeback’s potential in a deck could be lessened if key synergy relies on cards that do demand discarding as a cost. This might force you to choose between playing this creature or losing a vital card from your hand.
Specific Mana Cost: Skyshroud Ridgeback demands a specific color of mana (green) to be played. This requirement can limit its inclusion to mono-green decks or multicolor decks with sufficient green mana sources, potentially reducing its versatility across various deck builds.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although Skyshroud Ridgeback doesn’t have a high mana cost in the general sense—only requiring one green mana—its cost in relation to its stats and absence of abilities might be considered high. Other one-mana creatures offer additional benefits such as lifelink, haste, or evolve, putting Skyshroud Ridgeback at a competitive disadvantage.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Skyshroud Ridgeback fits seamlessly into a variety of deck builds. Its status as a fast-paced two-power creature for one green mana makes it a solid choice for anyone looking to bolster their aggressive green deck strategies.
Combo Potential: This card can synergize with landfall mechanics or serve as an early creature to support evolve and graft abilities, highlighting its value in decks that capitalize on counter-based synergies.
Meta-Relevance: Given its low cost and immediate board presence, Skyshroud Ridgeback can be especially effective in a meta where early creature drops are essential for maintaining tempo and applying pressure on your opponents right out of the gate.
How to beat
The Skyshroud Ridgeback poses a unique challenge on the battlefield with its robust build and phantom strikes early in the game. Despite its dominance as a two-mana investment with a significant presence, there are strategies you can employ to neutralize this creature. Efficient removal spells that cost less or equal in mana value are your first line of defense. Spells such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile can dispatch the Ridgeback without losing too much tempo. If you prefer to avoid one-for-one trades, sweepers like Pyroclasm can clear multiple threats, including the Ridgeback, from the board.
Another approach involves tipping the scales in combat scenarios. Ensnaring the Ridgeback with enchantments like Pacifism prevents it from attacking or blocking, which effectively diminishes its battlefield impact. Moreover, creatures with deathtouch can act as a deterrent, making any attack or block a fatal decision for the Ridgeback’s controller.
Ultimately, countering the advantages of the Skyshroud Ridgeback requires a blend of strategic removal and battlefield control. Prioritize efficient responses to preserve your resources and maintain an upper hand against this swift threat from the forests of Dominaria.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Skyshroud Ridgeback MTG card by a specific set like Nemesis, 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 Ridgeback 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 Skyshroud Ridgeback has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |