Sootwalkers MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Elemental Rogue |
| Released | 2008-05-02 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Shadowmoor |
| Set code | SHM |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 196 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Nils Hamm |
Text of card
Sootwalkers can't be blocked by white creatures.
"Why allow the fires of others to burn, when ours do not? Why leave them content, while we suffer? If there is to be misery, let it be borne by all."
Cards like Sootwalkers
Sootwalkers carve their unique place in the array of shadow creatures available in MTG. Shadow, a mechanic that renders creatures only blockable by others with the same ability, is what makes Sootwalkers stand out, somewhat like how Thalakos Seer gains card advantage upon leaving the battlefield. However, while Thalakos Seer offers draw upon death, Sootwalkers offer no such exit strategy bonus.
Meanwhile, Dauthi Slayer shares the same unblockable shadow trait but is automatically attacking each turn. Sootwalkers allow for more control over gameplay, not locking you into an attack every turn. Yet, Dauthi Slayer boasts a dependable two-damage each turn should the board state allow. Comparatively, Sotwalkers also need strategic maneuvering, complemented by its “can’t block” downside, encouraging an aggressive play style.
Evaluating Sootwalkers alongside its analogous MTG counterparts, we see a balanced fusion of aggression and adaptability, even with its inherent limitations. This blend ensures its intrigue among players who favor a strategic edge in their shadow-infused decks.
Cards similar to Sootwalkers by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Sootwalkers offers strategic depth by providing access to additional cards, bolstering your hand and giving you more options during play. It’s a key factor for outmaneuvering opponents and a cornerstone for control decks that thrive on maintaining a robust selection of responses.
Resource Acceleration: Stepping into the battlefield, Sootwalkers could potentially accelerate your resources by interacting with mechanics or cards that synergize to unlock extra mana or effects, aiding in speeding up your game plan and putting you ahead of the competition. It can be pivotal for decks that aim to outpace the adversary by deploying threats earlier than expected.
Instant Speed: Its capability to act at instant speed is a versatile asset, allowing for reactive play during critical moments. This flexibility contributes to keeping your adversaries on their toes, as they must consider the potential for disruption or surprise tactics that could swing the momentum to your favor, keeping your game sharp and unpredictable.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Sootwalkers necessitates discarding a card when you cast it, which can lead to a decrease in hand advantage and may prove problematic in tight situations where card choices are critical.
Specific Mana Cost: Sootwalkers demands a precise combination of mana to play, including both black and red. This requirement could be restrictive and limit deck-building options since the card cannot be as easily slotted into mono-colored decks or those not supporting these colors.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although Sootwalkers comes with a useful set of abilities, its casting cost is seen as hefty in regards to its overall impact on the game. There are alternatives with lower mana requirements that offer similar or better utility, making them potentially more appealing choices for players looking to optimize their mana curve.
Reasons to Include Sootwalkers in Your Collection
Versatility: Sootwalkers offers a unique blend of abilities that can support different deck strategies, whether you’re looking for a quick aggressor in a beatdown deck or a blocker that can sneak past certain defenses in more nuanced game plans.
Combo Potential: With its ability to be unblockable by white creatures, Sootwalkers can be a key component in a strategy that targets decks heavy in white, pairing well with cards that benefit from dealing combat damage to a player.
Meta-Relevance: In a format where white-based control and midrange decks are prevalent, having Sootwalkers at your disposal ensures you have a reliable way to apply pressure and possibly shift the tide in your favor.
How to beat Sootwalkers
Sootwalkers, a formidable adversary in the MTG arena, can pose quite the challenge to unprepared players. With its elusive prowess, Sootwalkers can slip past blockers and wreak havoc on an opponent’s life total. However, understanding its weaknesses is key to developing a counterstrategy. Given the creature’s menace, which prevents it from being blocked except by two or more creatures, one tactical approach is to maintain a wide board presence. Having numerous creatures available makes it more difficult for Sootwalkers to attack unhindered.
Another effective strategy involves removal spells that don’t rely on targeting a single creature, circumventing Sootwalkers’ menace. Board wipes, or spells like Doom Blade which can target creatures with specific characteristics, can dispose of Sootwalkers without the need for blockers. In addition, running cards that can grant your creatures reach or that can be flashed in as blockers will provide additional layers of defense against this stealthy threat.
Lastly, it’s always worth keeping in mind the tempo of your play. Being proactive with your removal and playing threats that demand an answer from your opponent can shift the focus away from Sootwalkers, forcing them to respond to your plays instead. By staying one step ahead, you can contain Sootwalkers and maintain the upper hand in the duel.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Sootwalkers MTG card by a specific set like Shadowmoor, 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 Sootwalkers 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 Sootwalkers has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |