Skywhaler's Shot MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 3 |
Rarity | Uncommon |
Type | Instant |
Abilities | Scry |
Text of card
Destroy target creature with power 3 or greater. Scry 1.
In the moment of truth, it is as though time stands still, and the whale waits, suspended in the sky.
Cards like Skywhaler's Shot
In evaluating Skywhaler’s Shot, this MTG card commands attention within the realm of creature removal spells. It’s often compared to other classic options like Doom Blade or Go for the Throat which are more mana-efficient but have considerable restrictions on targets. Where Skywhaler’s Shot shines lies in its utility, being able to target creatures with power 3 or greater irrespective of their color, and providing an added benefit of scrying 1. This affords a strategic advantage by arranging the top card of your library based on your immediate needs.
Closer comparison might be drawn with Declaration in Stone, which also addresses multiple threats in one go. Yet, Skywhaler’s Shot is more selective and thus can be useful in situations where you need to remove a single pivotal threat without giving your opponent any compensation. Conversely, Valorous Stance offers a choice between protecting your own creature or destroying a powerful enemy creature, granting more flexibility albeit without the scrying perk of Skywhaler’s Shot. Each has its merits, yet Skywhaler’s Shot stands out for its direct and powerful impact followed by deck manipulation potential.
The subtle nuances of these removal spells provide diverse strategic options for players. Skywhaler’s Shot, with its unique combination of removal and scrying, is primed as a considerable choice in decks requiring such precision tactics.
Cards similar to Skywhaler's Shot by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Skywhaler’s Shot gives players the ability to remove a threat from the battlefield, while simultaneously peeking at the top of their library, potentially leading to a more strategically advantageous next draw.
Resource Acceleration: Although not directly providing mana or acceleration, the removal of a significant threat can indirectly result in a resource advantage by stalling opponent’s tempo and preserving your board state.
Instant Speed: The power of Skywhaler’s Shot is notably amplified by its instant speed, allowing players to wait until the most opportune moment to act, such as during combat or in response to an opponent’s spell, keeping the element of surprise on their side.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Skywhaler’s Shot provides utility in dealing with large creatures, it does not include a discard requirement, hence does not directly disadvantage your card resources in contrast to spells with a discard clause.
Specific Mana Cost: Skywhaler’s Shot requires both white mana and colorless mana, which can be restrictive as it necessitates a particular mana base, ideally suited for white-centric or two-color decks that can consistently produce white mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The casting cost of three mana to remove a creature with power 3 or greater might be considered high, especially when compared to other removal options in MTG that can be more mana-efficient for a broader range of targets.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Skywhaler’s Shot can be a valuable inclusion in various deck builds. Its ability to target creatures with power 3 or greater makes it relevant in different game scenarios, providing a precise removal option that can disrupt your opponent’s strategy.
Combo Potential: This card not only removes a potential threat but also allows you to scry 1, setting up your next draws. This can synergize with decks focused on library manipulation or those looking to assemble particular card combos.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where large creatures dominate, Skywhaler’s Shot becomes a cost-effective answer, keeping your deck competitive. Its instant speed also ensures that you stay reactive against aggressive plays, maintaining control of the board state.
How to beat
Skywhaler’s Shot is a versatile removal card in Magic: The Gathering that can deal with large threats by destroying a creature with power 3 or greater. What sets it apart from other removal spells is its scry 1 ability, allowing you to improve your next draw. Despite its utility, overcoming Skywhaler’s Shot requires strategic play. Focusing on creatures with lower power can help avoid its targeting condition. Moreover, utilizing spells or abilities to buff your creature’s toughness in response can render the Shot ineffective if it no longer meets the power threshold.
To further counteract Skywhaler’s Shot, consider cards with indestructible or regeneration abilities which can withstand the destruction effect. Alternatively, using counter spells when Skywhaler’s Shot is cast ensures your creature’s safety while depleting your opponent’s resources. Lastly, employing hexproof or shroud can protect your creatures from being targeted, forcing your opponent to find other ways to handle your threats. Properly assessing your deck’s options against removal like Skywhaler’s Shot can shift the tide in your favor, showcasing the intricate tactics in the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Skywhaler's Shot MTG card by a specific set like Kaladesh and Kaladesh Remastered, 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 Skywhaler's Shot and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
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- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
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- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
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Printings
The Skywhaler's Shot Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2016-09-30 and 2020-11-20. Illustrated by Chris Rallis.
# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2016-09-30 | Kaladesh | KLD | 29 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rallis | |
2 | 2020-11-12 | Kaladesh Remastered | KLR | 31 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rallis | |
3 | 2020-11-20 | Commander Legends | CMR | 46 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rallis |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Skywhaler's Shot has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Historicbrawl | Legal |
Historic | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Paupercommander | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Gladiator | Legal |
Pioneer | Legal |
Commander | Legal |
Modern | Legal |
Pauper | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Explorer | Legal |
Penny | Legal |
Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Skywhaler's Shot card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
Date | Text |
---|---|
2020-11-10 | If the target creature is an illegal target by the time Skywhaler's Shot tries to resolve, the spell doesn't resolve. You don't scry 1. |