Unstable Shapeshifter MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Shapeshifter |
| Released | 1997-10-14 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Tempest |
| Set code | TMP |
| Power | 0 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 100 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Terese Nielsen |
Text of card
Whenever any creature comes into play, Unstable Shapeshifter permanently becomes a copy of that creature and retains this ability.
"In a world of untruths, the living lie rules." —Oracle *en*-Vec
Cards like Unstable Shapeshifter
Unstable Shapeshifter is another intriguing entry into the realm of Magic: The Gathering, existing within the niche of creature copy cards. It shares a thematic lineage with the likes of Clone, a card cherished for its ability to replicate any creature on the battlefield. What makes Unstable Shapeshifter special is its ongoing malleability – an enchanting quality that allows its transformation into the latest creature that hits the board, rather than a single, static copy like Clone.
Alongside this, we see cards like Protean Raider, which propels the dynamic of altering its identity further. Not only does it mirror other creatures, but it also arrives with the raid mechanic, presenting an additional challenge for deck synergy. The Raider offers flexibility similar to Unstable Shapeshifter, but it is constrained to changing form only upon entering the battlefield under the right conditions. While Unstable Shapeshifter transforms continuously, keeping opponents perpetually guessing.
Assessing their place, Unstable Shapeshifter holds a distinctive rank among MTG’s shape-changing creatures, esteemed for its persistently adaptive nature and the creative deck strategies it unlocks.
Cards similar to Unstable Shapeshifter by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Unstable Shapeshifter thrives on versatility, which can lead to significant card advantage. Every creature played by opponents can give the shapeshifter a new ability, potentially netting you additional effects and benefits without expending further resources from your hand.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing mana, the adaptability of Unstable Shapeshifter can indirectly accelerate your resources. By copying creatures that tap for mana or have other ramp abilities, it adjusts its role on the battlefield to match your needs, effectively acting as the right tool at the right time.
Instant Speed: This shapeshifter’s ability to mimic creatures isn’t limited by sorcery speed restrictions. The transformation happens at instant speed, enabling swift adaptation to the ever-changing battlefield. This responsiveness is critical during matches, allowing you to adjust your strategy and the creature’s abilities on the fly in response to your opponent’s moves.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Unstable Shapeshifter offers dynamic gameplay, players need to be conscious of the requirement to discard other cards for its morphing ability. This can be particularly taxing when your hand is already depleted, limiting the card’s utility and potentially setting you back in the game.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost for Unstable Shapeshifter necessitates both blue and generic mana, which may not align with multicolored decks where mana efficiency is crucial. Its reliance on blue makes it less versatile for decks that don’t support this color as part of their core strategy.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With an initial casting cost that’s on the higher side, the investment to get Unstable Shapeshifter on the battlefield might not be as favorable when compared to other creatures that offer immediate value or have lower summoning costs.
Reasons to Include Unstable Shapeshifter in Your Collection
Versatility: Unstable Shapeshifter offers an adaptable presence on the battlefield, capable of morphing its abilities and power to match any creature it battles. Its fluid nature makes it a fixture in decks that thrive on dynamic strategies and unexpected plays.
Combo Potential: The power of this card multiplies when paired with creatures that have potent enter-the-battlefield effects or harmful death triggers. This shifter can continuously adopt new abilities, creating endless synergies and opportunities for tactical combinations.
Meta-Relevance: In a constantly evolving game landscape, a card like Unstable Shapeshifter can adapt to counter prevalent threats or enhance your side by becoming what the situation demands, making it an asset in match-ups where adaptability can turn the tide.
How to beat
Unstable Shapeshifter is a unique creature card in Magic: The Gathering, known for its mimicry ability that allows it to become a copy of any creature that gets summoned. While this might make the card seem daunting, there are reliable strategies to neutralize its threat. The key is to remember that Unstable Shapeshifter’s power lies in its versatility, thriving on the creatures you play. Therefore, a strategy can be to play creatures with detrimental effects when copied, or with enter-the-battlefield abilities that won’t trigger for the Shapeshifter.
Another effective tactic is to utilize spells or abilities that target specifically nonlegendary creatures, as Unstable Shapeshifter retains its name even as it copies the abilities and power/toughness of other creatures. Direct removal spells are also a straightforward way to handle this shifty threat. Since the Shapeshifter relies on other creatures to gain its power, controlling the board and maintaining pressure with removals can limit its impact. Lastly, playing with no creatures at all or creatures that have more static or defensive abilities can diminish the value the Shapeshifter provides to your opponent.
Ultimately, facing an Unstable Shapeshifter requires patience and thoughtful deck construction. Considering the right balance of creature spells, removals, and noncreature strategies will ensure you’re prepared to tackle any shape this trickster takes.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Unstable Shapeshifter MTG card by a specific set like Tempest, 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 Unstable Shapeshifter and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
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- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Unstable Shapeshifter has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Unstable Shapeshifter card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | If a creature enters the battlefield that has some characteristic or ability set when it enters the battlefield, the copy does not get to make that choice (because it is not entering the battlefield). All values are zero and all checks for choices consider the choice not to have been made. |
| 2004-10-04 | If the creature has power/toughness that is continuously recalculated, so does this copy of it. |
| 2004-10-04 | The copy effect is not targeted. |
| 2004-10-04 | When it changes “shape” to a new creature, any “enters the battlefield” abilities of the creature do not trigger. |
| 2008-08-01 | If an Unstable Shapeshifter is on the battlefield when another Unstable Shapeshifter enters the battlefield, the first one gets the second one’s triggered ability, so will copy the next creature that enters the battlefield twice. It will only do so the next time a creature enters the battlefield, because the second “becomes a copy” effect to resolve will erase the extra triggered ability. |
| 2008-08-01 | The ability is granted as part of the copy effect, which means it will be removed by any effects that would remove abilities regardless of when the effect was created. |