Skywhaler's Shot MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeInstant
Abilities Scry

Key Takeaways

  1. Offers dual utility: removes big threats and allows for a beneficial scry to arrange future draws.
  2. Instant speed enables strategic flexibility, letting players act during critical game moments.
  3. Competitive in metas dominated by large creatures, serving as an efficient removal tool.

Text of card

Destroy target creature with power 3 or greater. Scry 1.

In the moment of truth, it is as though time stands still, and the whale waits, suspended in the sky.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Skywhaler’s Shot gives players the ability to remove a threat from the battlefield, while simultaneously peeking at the top of their library, potentially leading to a more strategically advantageous next draw.

Resource Acceleration: Although not directly providing mana or acceleration, the removal of a significant threat can indirectly result in a resource advantage by stalling opponent’s tempo and preserving your board state.

Instant Speed: The power of Skywhaler’s Shot is notably amplified by its instant speed, allowing players to wait until the most opportune moment to act, such as during combat or in response to an opponent’s spell, keeping the element of surprise on their side.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Skywhaler’s Shot provides utility in dealing with large creatures, it does not include a discard requirement, hence does not directly disadvantage your card resources in contrast to spells with a discard clause.

Specific Mana Cost: Skywhaler’s Shot requires both white mana and colorless mana, which can be restrictive as it necessitates a particular mana base, ideally suited for white-centric or two-color decks that can consistently produce white mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The casting cost of three mana to remove a creature with power 3 or greater might be considered high, especially when compared to other removal options in MTG that can be more mana-efficient for a broader range of targets.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Skywhaler’s Shot can be a valuable inclusion in various deck builds. Its ability to target creatures with power 3 or greater makes it relevant in different game scenarios, providing a precise removal option that can disrupt your opponent’s strategy.

Combo Potential: This card not only removes a potential threat but also allows you to scry 1, setting up your next draws. This can synergize with decks focused on library manipulation or those looking to assemble particular card combos.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where large creatures dominate, Skywhaler’s Shot becomes a cost-effective answer, keeping your deck competitive. Its instant speed also ensures that you stay reactive against aggressive plays, maintaining control of the board state.


How to beat

Skywhaler’s Shot is a versatile removal card in Magic: The Gathering that can deal with large threats by destroying a creature with power 3 or greater. What sets it apart from other removal spells is its scry 1 ability, allowing you to improve your next draw. Despite its utility, overcoming Skywhaler’s Shot requires strategic play. Focusing on creatures with lower power can help avoid its targeting condition. Moreover, utilizing spells or abilities to buff your creature’s toughness in response can render the Shot ineffective if it no longer meets the power threshold.

To further counteract Skywhaler’s Shot, consider cards with indestructible or regeneration abilities which can withstand the destruction effect. Alternatively, using counter spells when Skywhaler’s Shot is cast ensures your creature’s safety while depleting your opponent’s resources. Lastly, employing hexproof or shroud can protect your creatures from being targeted, forcing your opponent to find other ways to handle your threats. Properly assessing your deck’s options against removal like Skywhaler’s Shot can shift the tide in your favor, showcasing the intricate tactics in the game.


Cards like Skywhaler's Shot

In evaluating Skywhaler’s Shot, this MTG card commands attention within the realm of creature removal spells. It’s often compared to other classic options like Doom Blade or Go for the Throat which are more mana-efficient but have considerable restrictions on targets. Where Skywhaler’s Shot shines lies in its utility, being able to target creatures with power 3 or greater irrespective of their color, and providing an added benefit of scrying 1. This affords a strategic advantage by arranging the top card of your library based on your immediate needs.

Closer comparison might be drawn with Declaration in Stone, which also addresses multiple threats in one go. Yet, Skywhaler’s Shot is more selective and thus can be useful in situations where you need to remove a single pivotal threat without giving your opponent any compensation. Conversely, Valorous Stance offers a choice between protecting your own creature or destroying a powerful enemy creature, granting more flexibility albeit without the scrying perk of Skywhaler’s Shot. Each has its merits, yet Skywhaler’s Shot stands out for its direct and powerful impact followed by deck manipulation potential.

The subtle nuances of these removal spells provide diverse strategic options for players. Skywhaler’s Shot, with its unique combination of removal and scrying, is primed as a considerable choice in decks requiring such precision tactics.

Doom Blade - MTG Card versions
Go for the Throat - MTG Card versions
Declaration in Stone - MTG Card versions
Valorous Stance - MTG Card versions
Doom Blade - Magic 2010 (M10)
Go for the Throat - Mirrodin Besieged (MBS)
Declaration in Stone - Shadows over Innistrad Promos (PSOI)
Valorous Stance - Fate Reforged (FRF)

Cards similar to Skywhaler's Shot by color, type and mana cost

Reverse Damage - MTG Card versions
Army of Allah - MTG Card versions
Holy Light - MTG Card versions
Morale - MTG Card versions
Blood of the Martyr - MTG Card versions
Piety - MTG Card versions
Martyrdom - MTG Card versions
Harsh Justice - MTG Card versions
Kor Chant - MTG Card versions
Just Fate - MTG Card versions
Waylay - MTG Card versions
Warrior's Honor - MTG Card versions
Radiant's Judgment - MTG Card versions
Abolish - MTG Card versions
Restrain - MTG Card versions
Prismatic Strands - MTG Card versions
Ardenvale Tactician // Dizzying Swoop - MTG Card versions
Teferi's Protection - MTG Card versions
Oblation - MTG Card versions
Wing Shards - MTG Card versions
Reverse Damage - Introductory Two-Player Set (ITP)
Army of Allah - Arabian Nights (ARN)
Holy Light - Masters Edition (ME1)
Morale - Fourth Edition (4ED)
Blood of the Martyr - Chronicles (CHR)
Piety - Renaissance (REN)
Martyrdom - Alliances (ALL)
Harsh Justice - Portal (POR)
Kor Chant - The List (PLST)
Just Fate - Masters Edition IV (ME4)
Waylay - Urza's Saga (USG)
Warrior's Honor - Anthologies (ATH)
Radiant's Judgment - Dominaria Remastered (DMR)
Abolish - Duel Decks: Elspeth vs. Tezzeret (DDF)
Restrain - Invasion (INV)
Prismatic Strands - Commander 2019 (C19)
Ardenvale Tactician // Dizzying Swoop - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Teferi's Protection - Strixhaven Mystical Archive (STA)
Oblation - Commander 2011 (CMD)
Wing Shards - Commander 2017 (C17)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Skywhaler's Shot MTG card by a specific set like Kaladesh and Kaladesh Remastered, 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 Skywhaler's Shot and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Skywhaler's Shot Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2016-09-30 and 2020-11-20. Illustrated by Chris Rallis.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12016-09-30KaladeshKLD 292015normalblackChris Rallis
22020-11-12Kaladesh RemasteredKLR 312015normalblackChris Rallis
32020-11-20Commander LegendsCMR 462015normalblackChris Rallis

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Skywhaler's Shot has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

DateText
2020-11-10 If the target creature is an illegal target by the time Skywhaler's Shot tries to resolve, the spell doesn't resolve. You don't scry 1.

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