Ashiok's Skulker MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	5
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Nightmare
Released	2019-05-03
Set symbol
Set name	War of the Spark
Set code	WAR
Power	3
Toughness	5
Number	40
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Livia Prima

Key Takeaways

Ashiok’s Skulker’s unblockability offers consistent offensive pressure and strong board control.
Flexible mana cost for its ability allows for efficient resource management and strategic play.
Despite its invisibility cloak ability not acting at instant speed, it complements well with instant-speed spells.

Text of card

: Ashiok's Skulker can't be blocked this turn.

"Fear writhes and whispers in the shadows of your mind. It is the enemy you always knew would come." —Ashiok

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Ashiok’s Skulker’s invisibility cloak ability empowers you with board presence while preserving cards in hand. Being able to repeatedly make Ashiok’s Skulker unblockable ensures consistent hits on your opponent, paving the way for a steady path towards victory.

Resource Acceleration: Though Ashiok’s Skulker doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its ability to become unblockable for a mere two mana allows for strategic resource management. This leaves you with more mana available for playing additional threats or holding up responses during critical turns.

Instant Speed: Ashiok’s Skulker thrives in a game where tactics and timing are pivotal. While its invisibility activation isn’t at instant speed, it synergizes well with instant-speed spells. This combination forces your opponents to make difficult decisions without full knowledge of what threats they need to manage, which can lead to misplays in your favor.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Ashiok’s Skulker necessitates a discard action to unlock its full potential. This can present a challenge when your hand is already depleted or if you’re trying to maintain card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring two blue mana to cast, this card imposes a color commitment that might restrict its integration in multi-color decks or those running on a tight mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of five mana, Ashiok’s Skulker can be considered mana-intensive relative to its abilities. Players may find more cost-effective creatures or spells that provide similar or enhanced effects.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Ashiok’s Skulker is a fantastic flexible piece for any blue-based deck, fitting seamlessly into a variety of strategies from control to evasion-centric builds. Its ability to become unblockable ensures it can be a consistent threat regardless of your opponent’s board state.

Combo Potential: This creature can be the lynchpin in combos focusing on hit-and-run tactics. Coupled with cards that benefit from dealing combat damage to a player, Ashiok’s Skulker can be part of a powerful engine, churning out value turn after turn.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where ground stalls are common, having an easily unblockable creature can give you the edge. Its sheer presence can pressure opponents, making it a relevant choice in metas where the ability to slip past defenses is crucial.

How to beat

Ashiok’s Skulker from Magic: The Gathering introduces a formidable challenge with its ability to become unblockable for a cost. This stealthy ability can make it a persistent threat on the board, particularly in limited formats where evasion is key. Overcoming this creature often requires a strategy that doesn’t rely on blocking.

Removal is the clearest route to take when dealing with the Skulker. Instant-speed removal like Murder or Doom Blade can efficiently handle the threat at a relatively low mana cost before the Skulker’s ability is activated. Board wipes are also effective and often unavoidable for the opponent, making cards like Wrath of God or Damnation perfect answers.

Another tactic is to deploy your own threats that demand an answer. Deploying imposing creatures can shift the focus away from your adversary working on their Skulker strategy. Alternatively, utilizing cards that restrict your opponent’s mana can hinder their ability to make Ashiok’s Skulker unblockable, providing a window to push through your own strategy and claim victory on the battlefield.

Cards like Ashiok's Skulker

Ashiok’s Skulker from the Magic: The Gathering universe isn’t the only creature with the ability to become unblockable. It shares this elusive quality with Mist-Cloaked Herald, though the latter does so innately and at a lower mana cost. The Skulker, on the other hand, requires three mana to activate its ability, but it’s also a more substantial body on the battlefield with a 3/5 stat line.

Another creature with similarities is Aether Tunnel, an enchantment that makes any creature it’s attached to unblockable. While it doesn’t provide an additional creature like Ashiok’s Skulker, it gives a power boost and permanent unblockability for a one-time cost. Invisimancer serves a similar function, granting unblockability to itself upon entering the battlefield without the need for further mana investment.

Examining Ashiok’s Skulker in the context of these alternatives, one can see its unique place in MTG. It offers a repeatable unblockability option that, albeit mana-intensive, ensures it can fulfill a role as both an evasive attacker and a considerable blocker—a flexible option for deck builders looking for a multifaceted creature card.

Cards similar to Ashiok's Skulker by color, type and mana cost

Vesuvan Doppelganger - MTG Card versions

Sun Ce, Young Conquerer - MTG Card versions

Timin, Youthful Geist - MTG Card versions

Meloku the Clouded Mirror - MTG Card versions

Azami, Lady of Scrolls - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ashiok's Skulker MTG card by a specific set like War of the Spark, 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 Ashiok's Skulker and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Ashiok's Skulker has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Penny	Legal
Timeless	Legal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Ashiok's Skulker card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.