Tattered Apparition MTG Card


Tattered Apparition excels in creating card advantage and applying pressure to the opponent. It requires strategic play, tying you closely to black mana and balancing hand resources. Its potential for combos and meta-relevance makes it a noteworthy addition to any collection.
Tattered Apparition - Dominaria United
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Shade
Abilities Flying
Released2022-09-09
Set symbol
Set nameDominaria United
Set codeDMU
Power 2
Toughness 2
Number111
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byJason A. Engle

Text of card

Flying : Tattered Apparition gets +1/+1 until end of turn.

"Ah yes, I remember that one. I turned him inside out and cast his soul into an endless nightmare a few centuries ago." —Braids


Cards like Tattered Apparition

Tattered Apparition enters the Magic: The Gathering scene as a unique spectral force. Comparable spectral entities like Dauthi Voidwalker share some ghostly characteristics, offering evasion and disruption but Tattered Apparition brings its own distinct flavor. Unlike the Voidwalker, Tattered Apparition offers a spectral presence on the battlefield without the same level of graveyard manipulation.

As we scour for kinship, the Geist of Saint Traft presents another intriguing parallel. This spirit summons a considerable presence with its ability to create a large attacking token. In contrast, Tattered Apparition focuses on consistent pressure and upkeep interaction, distinguishing it from its saintly counterpart’s singular, yet powerful, effect.

Additionally, considering Phantasmal Image, we’re given a ghostly shapeshifter that can replicate any creature, yet it lacks the straightforward offensive capabilities and unique upkeep cost that Tattered Apparition offers. While Phantasmal Image flexes adaptability, Tattered Apparition relies on simple, eerie persistence to chip away at an opponent’s defenses.

Ultimately, Tattered Apparition provides players with a straightforward, evasive threat that sets it apart from other spectral cards in the game, delivering its own form of haunting battlefield control.

Dauthi Voidwalker - MTG Card versions
Geist of Saint Traft - MTG Card versions
Phantasmal Image - MTG Card versions
Dauthi Voidwalker - MTG Card versions
Geist of Saint Traft - MTG Card versions
Phantasmal Image - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Tattered Apparition by color, type and mana cost

Hell's Caretaker - MTG Card versions
Rag Man - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Debaser - MTG Card versions
Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed - MTG Card versions
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Filth - MTG Card versions
Demon of Catastrophes - MTG Card versions
Bold Plagiarist - MTG Card versions
Toxin Sliver - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Spirit - MTG Card versions
Nim Shambler - MTG Card versions
Scourge of Numai - MTG Card versions
Deathgazer - MTG Card versions
Dirty Wererat - MTG Card versions
Faceless Butcher - MTG Card versions
Crowd of Cinders - MTG Card versions
Hell's Caretaker - MTG Card versions
Rag Man - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Debaser - MTG Card versions
Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed - MTG Card versions
Slinking Skirge - MTG Card versions
Gravedigger - MTG Card versions
Scandalmonger - MTG Card versions
Urborg Shambler - MTG Card versions
Whispering Shade - MTG Card versions
Filth - MTG Card versions
Demon of Catastrophes - MTG Card versions
Bold Plagiarist - MTG Card versions
Toxin Sliver - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Spirit - MTG Card versions
Nim Shambler - MTG Card versions
Scourge of Numai - MTG Card versions
Deathgazer - MTG Card versions
Dirty Wererat - MTG Card versions
Faceless Butcher - MTG Card versions
Crowd of Cinders - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Tattered Apparition can become a subtle source of card advantage. If left unchecked, it not only chips away at an opponent’s life total but can also help you come out ahead in the resource battle with its potential to draw you additional cards or force your opponent to expend resources to deal with it.

Resource Acceleration: Tattered Apparition doesn’t directly accelerate your resources in the traditional sense of ramping mana. However, by attacking your opponent’s hand and potentially their board presence, it can effectively accelerate your relative advantage, paving the way for your other strategies to develop more swiftly.

Instant Speed: While Tattered Apparition itself is a creature card and doesn’t function at instant speed, it can benefit from instant speed interactions in your deck. Being able to protect it or leverage its abilities when your opponent least expects it can lead to significant shifts in the tide of a match.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Tattered Apparition demands a strategic hand balance, as it prompts you to discard a card to utilize its ability. This can pose a challenge when you’re struggling with card availability, and might inadvertently apply pressure to your hand economy.

Specific Mana Cost: The necessity for one black mana in its casting cost ties Tattered Apparition strongly to black-centric or compatible decks, limiting its versatility across the wide array of deck types in the MTG universe. This specific mana requirement can hamper deck diversity and may deter players not running black mana from integrating it into their lineup.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While bringing unique tricks to the gameplay, the mana investment for Tattered Apparition can be seen as steep, especially when compared to other creatures in the same mana range. Its cost effectiveness is a crucial aspect to consider when building your deck, as there may be alternative options that offer a better mana-to-functionality ratio.


Reasons to Include Tattered Apparition in Your Collection

Versatility: The Tattered Apparition is a card that functions well in decks that aim to disrupt the opponent’s hand. Its evasive qualities make it suitable for various strategies that capitalize on creatures difficult to block.

Combo Potential: As a specter, it has synergy with other cards that benefit from opponents discarding cards or specter tribal themes, offering opportunities to build around its repeatable discard mechanic.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where many players rely heavily on hand resources, Tattered Apparition’s consistent ability to peel away cards from opponents can give you an edge, especially in control or disruption-focused decks.


How to beat

Tackling the Tattered Apparition in Magic: The Gathering can be quite the puzzle due to its evasive nature. This specter, known for its unique ability, can easily slip through defenses unnoticed. Being an unblockable creature makes it a persistent annoyance that can slowly drain an opponent’s life, while also being a conundrum to catch in combat.

One of the most effective strategies is to employ removal spells that don’t rely on targeting creatures in combat. Cards that can exile or destroy regardless of a creature’s ability to be blocked, such as Path to Exile or Murderous Rider, can dispatch the Tattered Apparition without the need for a direct confrontation. Additionally, using board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation can efficiently clear the apparition alongside any other troublesome creatures on the board.

Moreover, considering its escape mechanic, graveyard disruption becomes essential. Utilizing cards like Scavenging Ooze or Leyline of the Void can help keep the Tattered Apparition from returning to haunt your game. By staying one step ahead with these tactics, you’ll be able to mitigate the impact of this elusive threat in your MTG matches.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Tattered Apparition MTG card by a specific set like Dominaria United, 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 Tattered Apparition and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Tattered Apparition has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal