Zof Shade MTG Card

Zof Shade enables card advantage and game pacing through resource acceleration and instant speed play. Downsides include a discard requirement and a specific mana cost that may limit deck integration. Despite its cons, this card’s adaptability makes it a potent addition to creature-focused MTG strategies.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Shade
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

: Zof Shade gets +2/+2 until end of turn.

It haunts the remnants of the Helix of Zof, leeching strength from the vast Eldrazi ruin.

Cards like Zof Shade

Zof Shade is an intriguing creature card in Magic: The Gathering that finds its place among the vast array of monocolored creatures. It bears resemblance to cards like Balustrade Spy, which also offers a flying ability, allowing it to evade many common defenders. Unlike Zof Shade, Balustrade Spy comes with a built-in ability to reveal the top four cards of a player’s library, potentially milling valuable cards.

Another comparable card is Vampire Nighthawk, a creature that features not only flying but also deathtouch and lifelink. This combination makes it a formidable opponent in both offense and defense. Zof Shade, with its power-boosting ability, can become stronger with additional mana, yet lacks Vampire Nighthawk’s additional defensive value.

Daggerdrome Imp may also come to mind, sharing the lifelink ability absent in Zof Shade. While Daggerdrome Imp is smaller in terms of base stats, it can be a more sustainable option for preserving life totals in a long game. In analysis, Zof Shade presents an adaptable threat through mana investment, yet the card’s value shifts depending on the other available creatures with built-in advantages.

Balustrade Spy - MTG Card versions
Vampire Nighthawk - MTG Card versions
Daggerdrome Imp - MTG Card versions
Balustrade Spy - MTG Card versions
Vampire Nighthawk - MTG Card versions
Daggerdrome Imp - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Zof Shade provides a consistent advantage by allowing you to access additional cards when facing attrition battles. This can be crucial in outpacing your opponent and securing a win through numerous resources.

Resource Acceleration: By leveraging Zof Shade’s ability to tap for an effect, you can efficiently pace your gameplay, advancing your board state more rapidly than usual. This card ensures that your mana isn’t sitting idle but actively contributing to your overall strategy each turn.

Instant Speed: The versatility of casting Zof Shade at instant speed greatly enhances your tactical options. It enables you to bait your opponent into making premature moves or to deploy threats at the most opportune moment, potentially disrupting their plans and swinging the game in your favor.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Zof Shade demands a card to be discarded to unlock certain abilities. This can be costly, especially when your hand is already strained for options.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting requirement for Zof Shade leans heavily on black mana, making it less versatile and potentially limiting its integration into multicolored decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value that might be considered high for its base stats and abilities, Zof Shade faces tough competition from other creatures that provide more impact upon hitting the battlefield.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Zof Shade can be a versatile addition to decks looking to benefit from scalable threats. Its ability to grow stronger with each mana investment allows it to stay relevant throughout different stages of the game.

Combo Potential: In conjunction with cards that untap creatures or provide additional mana, Zof Shade has the potential to become a powerhouse, making it a threatening presence in the right combo-driven deck.

Meta-Relevance: Given that creature-based strategies are common in many metagames, having a card like Zof Shade that can consistently apply pressure and adapt to the board state can be a game-changer, making it a worthy consideration for your collection.

How to beat

Zof Shade is a creature card that presents an interesting play dynamic in Magic: The Gathering. With its ability to pump up its power at the cost of mana, it can quickly become a formidable opponent on the battlefield. However, it’s important to note that leveraging this ability leaves the player more vulnerable, as it demands a significant mana investment to make Zof Shade a real threat.

When facing Zof Shade, the key is to take advantage of its initial state. Utilize removal spells or creature abilities to eliminate it before your opponent has the opportunity to strengthen it with additional mana. Cards that can force an opponent to tap out make it harder for them to pump their Shade, leaving it more susceptible to your strategies. Board control is crucial: Zof Shade’s power lies in the potential for growth, not its starting capability, so maintaining control over the pace of the game can nullify its threat significantly.

Ultimately, while Zof Shade has the potential to swing a game if left unchecked, recognizing the investment it requires and responding swiftly can neutralize its impact, keeping you one step ahead in the duel.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Zof Shade MTG card by a specific set like Rise of the Eldrazi and Magic 2015, 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 Zof Shade and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Zof Shade Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2010-04-23 and 2014-07-18. Illustrated by Jason A. Engle.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12010-04-23Rise of the EldraziROE 1322003NormalBlackJason A. Engle
22014-07-18Magic 2015M15 1252015NormalBlackJason A. Engle

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Zof Shade has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal