Wandering Tombshell MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Zombie Turtle |
| Released | 2015-03-27 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Dragons of Tarkir |
| Set code | DTK |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 6 |
| Number | 127 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Yeong-Hao Han |
Cards like Wandering Tombshell
Wandering Tombshell serves a distinct role among creatures in the realm of MTG, catering to players who appreciate durable defensive units. Its kinship with cards like Doorkeeper is evident, as both offer a high toughness to mana cost ratio, ideal for stalling opponents. Doorkeeper, though, leans into mill strategies, something the Tombshell doesn’t dabble in.
Moreover, we see resemblances with cards like Returned Phalanx, a creature sharing the same mana cost and penchant for defense. Yet, the Phalanx comes with the added flexibility of turning into an attacker should the need arise. Wandering Tombshell stays true to its role as a dedicated blocker, foregoing adaptability for rock-solid dependability.
Assessing the greater landscape of MTG, the Tombshell aligns closely with the likes of Hired Torturer – another creature that offers more than just a blocking body, with its ability to pinpoint and whittle down an opponent’s life total. What these cards all share is a cost-effective way to fortify a player’s defense while providing varying degrees of additional utility, making Wandering Tombshell a solid choice for any deck looking to enhance its resilience.
Cards similar to Wandering Tombshell by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When evaluating the impact of Wandering Tombshell on your game strategy, it is important to consider its potential to trade with multiple creatures over the course of a game. As a blocker with four toughness, it often requires more than one card from your opponent to remove it from the battlefield, which can help shift card advantage in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: While Wandering Tombshell itself does not directly provide resource acceleration, its modest mana cost allows you to stabilize the board early while preserving your resources for other impactful plays. Its presence can pave the way for you to deploy more game-changing spells by allowing you to efficiently allocate mana in the early to mid-game.
Instant Speed: Though Wandering Tombshell operates at sorcery speed, its defensive capabilities can indirectly provide advantages typically associated with instant speed interactions. By discouraging attacks or absorbing damage that would otherwise be lethal, it can buy you precious time to utilize instant speed spells in your hand at optimal moments without being under immediate pressure.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Wandering Tombshell doesn’t require discarding directly, its inherent lack of synergy with decks that capitalize on discard mechanics makes it a less desirable choice for those strategies. This gap can put it at odds with certain deck archetypes looking to leverage each card’s full potential.
Specific Mana Cost: Wandering Tombshell’s mana cost demands two black mana, which can be restrictive for multicolored decks or those that run on a tight color curve. This requirement may lead to it being a dead draw at times when you can’t produce the necessary mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For a creature with only toughness to its name and no immediate board impact, Wandering Tombshell’s total mana cost can seem steep. Savvy players might prefer to invest in creatures or spells that offer more significant utility or offensive capabilities for the same, or lower, mana investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Wandering Tombshell serves as a steadfast blocker with its durable shell, able to hold back aggressive creatures in a variety of defensive decks.
Combo Potential: Its status as a creature with four toughness at a low cost makes it a prime candidate for synergies with cards that capitalize on toughness or offer graveyard interactions.
Meta-Relevance: In Magic the Gathering drafts and casual play, the Wandering Tombshell can shine as a strategic piece against high-powered single threats, slowing an opponent’s momentum and maintaining board control.
How to Beat Wandering Tombshell
Wandering Tombshell may not stand out as a powerhouse, but it does occupy a unique space in the MTG realm. Often seen in decks that utilize the graveyard, this card demands a strategic approach to ensure it doesn’t impede your victory. One of the easiest ways to outmaneuver this creature is by flying over it. Since Wandering Tombshell lacks reach or flying, airborne attackers slip past unnoticed.
Removal spells that exile can also effectively handle this daunting defender. Spells like Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares can neatly sidestep Wandering Tombshell’s potential graveyard synergy. Moreover, spells that force a sacrifice bypass the creature’s toughness altogether. A well-placed Diabolic Edict or Innocent Blood can quickly clear the path for your attackers without having to deal with the shell’s defensive bulk.
If beating Wandering Tombshell in combat is the goal, then buffing your creatures with +1/+1 counters or instants that boost power temporarily can help your attackers break through. Remember, while Wandering Tombshell has a formidable defense, its offense is negligible, which allows aggressive tactics to shine and can swiftly turn the tides in your favor on the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Wandering Tombshell MTG card by a specific set like Dragons of Tarkir, 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 Wandering Tombshell 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 Wandering Tombshell has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |