Shapeshifter MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 20 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityRare
TypeArtifact Creature — Shapeshifter
Power *
Toughness 7-*

Key Takeaways

  1. Shapeshifters act as multi-faceted cards providing card advantage and strategic depth to decks.
  2. Morph abilities and instant speed interactions allow for dynamic and surprise plays.
  3. Deck versatility with combo potential makes Shapeshifters a smart inclusion in collections.

Text of card

The *s below represent any number from 0 to 6. You set * when Shapeshifter is cast, and you may change it during your upkeep.

Born like a Phoenix from the Flame, But neither Bulk nor Shape the same. —Jonathan Swift, "Vanbrug's House"


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Shapeshifter MTG card, being a double-faced card, provides an essential card advantage in gaming. On flipping to the alternative side, it embodies a new card altogether, essentially acting as two cards in one and fortifying your deck.

Resource Acceleration: Its morph ability allows for resource acceleration. Paying the morph cost can act as a mana sink, enabling you to accelerate gameplay by deploying the Shapeshifter at a lower cost initially, and unveiling its true form later when resources are ample.

Instant Speed: Using its changeable abilities at instant speed allows for the element of surprise. You can unmask the Shapeshifter’s true identity at the most opportune moment, such as during combat or in response to an opponent’s spell, for maximum tactical advantage.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Shapeshifter card calls for an additional cost of discarding a card. This can be a downfall, particularly when your hand is running short, or when you have to forfeit a card that could have been crucial in a later part of your game strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: The Shapeshifter card focuses on a specific colored mana (blue) for its activation. This restricts it to being used in decks that can consistently generate blue mana, hence proving a downside for players who prefer versatility in their deck construction.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: A high mana cost for activating a Shapeshifter can turn some players off. Given that there are potentially other cards which give you more utility at a lesser mana cost, the Shapeshifter comes out as slightly inefficient in terms of resource expenditure. This is a key factor to keep in mind while deciding whether to include such a card in your deck or not.


Reasons to Include Shapeshifter in Your Collection

Versatility: With the inherent ability to become any creature type, Shapeshifter cards find their place in almost every type of deck build. They adapt to the deck strategy, whether you are emphasizing tribal synergies or filling the void of a key creature. Their versatile nature offers flexibility during gameplay, providing an edge against opponents by manifesting unexpected strategies.

Combo Potential: Shapeshifter cards hold immense combo potential. Their unique characteristic of changing creature types can lead to strenuous and rewarding combos. By linking with other tribe-based cards or specific creature-based interactions, they unlock diverse combo pathways. Their presence in a deck can be a deciding factor in turning the game around.

Meta-Relevance: In terms of meta relevance, Shapeshifters stand their ground prominently. Playing well in both offensive and defensive strategies, they can counter various meta decks. Their adaptability to changing game scenarios demonstrates their significance in diverse metagame settings. Owning a Shapeshifter card is advantageous, particularly when facing unpredictable matchups.


How to beat

If you’re looking to overcome a Shapeshifter card in MTG, understanding their key trait is crucial. Shapeshifter characters carry the changeable ‘Changeling’ ability, allowing them to morph into any creature type. This versatility can make them formidable opponents as they take on the best abilities of any creature in the game. However, this strength can be exploited.

Remember, a Shapeshifter’s versatility can also become a vulnerability if you use cards that have effects on all creature types. Therefore, introducing cards like ‘Extinction Event’ and ‘Echoing Plague,’ can be game-changers. Specifically, ‘Extinction Event’ allows you to choose odd or even costed creatures to remove from the game, impacting the Shapeshifters on the field.

Another possible strategy is to force your opponent’s hand and make them overextend their creatures on the battlefield, allowing you to turn the table using mass removal or board wipe cards. In conclusion, the flexibility of a Shapeshifter card can be a sword with two edges – a fact that, if properly leveraged, can lead to your victory.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the unique properties of Shapeshifter cards can make your MTG deck wildly versatile and unpredictable. With abilities that span across card advantage, resource acceleration, and the element of instant speed surprise, these cards add a layer of depth to your strategic gameplay. However, mindful of their cons such as specific mana needs and potential high costs, you’ll want to weigh your options. Optimize your collection with Shapeshifters and revel in their ability to adapt and overcome in varied metagame scenarios. Intrigued by the potential plays and want to maximize your deck’s capability? Explore further with us and unlock the secrets to turn your Shapeshifter into your winning ace.


Cards like Shapeshifter

Shapeshifter resides within the dynamic and versatile creature type in Magic: The Gathering. Cousins to this card include Clone and Morphing creatures which also bring transformation abilities to the table. Yet, what sets Shapeshifter apart is its open-ended flexibility; It can assume the identify of any creature on the battlefield, altering its strength, abilities, and even color.

Looking at Clone, its power lies in copying another creature in play, but it lacks the transformational flexibility. On the other hand, Morphing creatures have some metamorphosis tendencies, but their abilities remain pre-defined and far less adaptable than the Shapeshifter card.

Furthermore, consider the Human Wizard, a transformative card that possesses the power of copying, but at a cost of mana and the restriction to non-legendary creatures only. The Shapeshifter, in contrast, doesn’t have such limitations, giving your strategy an unbeatable edge and versatility.

Overall, the Shapeshifter card clearly distinguishes itself from similar cards in MTG, due to its unparalleled adaptability and the power to assume any characteristic, making it a competitive pick in a variety of deck builds.

Clone - MTG Card versions
Human Wizard - MTG Card versions
Clone - Limited Edition Alpha (LEA)
Human Wizard - Eldritch Moon (EMN)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Shapeshifter MTG card by a specific set like Antiquities and Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border, 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 Shapeshifter and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Shapeshifter Magic the Gathering card was released in 17 different sets between 1994-03-04 and 2023-11-17. Illustrated by 8 different artists.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11994-03-04AntiquitiesATQ 641993normalblackDan Frazier
21995-04-01Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border4BB 3451993normalblackDan Frazier
31995-04-01Fourth Edition4ED 3451993normalwhiteDan Frazier
41995-08-01RinascimentoRIN 1381993normalblackDan Frazier
51995-08-01RenaissanceREN 1571993normalblackDan Frazier
61997-03-24Fifth Edition5ED 3981997normalwhiteAdrian Smith
72007-10-12LorwynLRW 112003tokenblackFranz Vohwinkel
82011-01-10Masters Edition IVME4 2261997normalblackDan Frazier
92015-11-13Commander 2015C15 12015tokenblackFranz Vohwinkel
102018-06-08Commander Anthology Volume IICM2 12015tokenblackFranz Vohwinkel
112018-08-09Commander 2018C18 22015tokenblackFranz Vohwinkel
122019-06-14Modern HorizonsMH1 12015tokenblackJohann Bodin
132020-08-07Double Masters2XM 22015tokenblackSteve Prescott
142021-02-05KaldheimKHM 82015tokenblackFilip Burburan
152022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 232015tokenblackJohann Bodin
162022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 222015tokenblackSteve Prescott
172022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 282015tokenblackFilip Burburan
182022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 242015tokenblackIgor Grechanyi
192023-04-21March of the Machine CommanderMOC 122015tokenblackFilip Burburan
202023-11-17The Lost Caverns of Ixalan CommanderLCC 12015tokenblackRyan Valle

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Shapeshifter has restrictions

FormatLegality
OldschoolLegal
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

DateText
2008-08-01 The ability that lets you choose a new number is a triggered ability that triggers only once each upkeep.
2008-08-01 The ability that sets its power and toughness is a characteristic-defining ability. This means it applies before any other effects that modify power and/or toughness.

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