Davriel, Rogue Shadowmage MTG Card


Immediate hand disruption on entry and upkeep gives a steady advantage over opponents. Davriel’s specificity in mana and diminishing returns requires thoughtful deck integration. With strategic use, this card can significantly shape the battlefield dynamic.
Card setsReleased in 7 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeLegendary Planeswalker — Davriel
Loyalty 3

Text of card

At the beginning of each opponent's upkeep, if that player has one or fewer cards in hand, Davriel, Rogue Shadowmage deals 2 damage to them.
-1: Target player discards a card.


Cards like Davriel, Rogue Shadowmage

Davriel, Rogue Shadowmage stands out in the pantheon of planeswalkers in Magic: The Gathering for its unique abilities centered on debilitating opponents. Comparable to Liliana’s Caress, Davriel punishes players for holding too many cards in hand. However, Davriel brings a more persistent presence on the battlefield, potentially disrupting opponents each turn. In contrast, Liliana’s Caress requires additional card discard triggers from other sources to achieve a similar effect.

Another similar card worth considering is Hypnotic Specter, a creature that serves a duel purpose by dealing damage while forcing card discards. Nonetheless, Davriel translates this discard pressure into a planeswalker format, with the added flexibility of targeting a specific player. Despite the Hypnotic Specter’s offensive capabilities, it lacks the ease of controlling the opponent’s hand that Davriel provides.

While there are differences, Davriel, Rogue Shadowmage solidifies its position within the suite of hand disruption tactics in Magic: The Gathering, blending steady pressure and targeted control in a distinctive card design.

Liliana's Caress - MTG Card versions
Hypnotic Specter - MTG Card versions
Liliana's Caress - MTG Card versions
Hypnotic Specter - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Davriel, Rogue Shadowmage by color, type and mana cost

Liliana, the Last Hope - MTG Card versions
Liliana of the Veil - MTG Card versions
Liliana, Heretical Healer // Liliana, Defiant Necromancer - MTG Card versions
Sorin, Imperious Bloodlord - MTG Card versions
Liliana, the Last Hope - MTG Card versions
Liliana of the Veil - MTG Card versions
Liliana, Heretical Healer // Liliana, Defiant Necromancer - MTG Card versions
Sorin, Imperious Bloodlord - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Davriel, Rogue Shadowmage. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mono-Black DiscardMono-Black Discard PioneerMono-Black DiscardPioneer Challenge 64 2024-02-24
8-Rack8-Rack ModernMono-Black MidrangeGrand Open Qualifier Barcelona 2023
Mono-Black TempoMono-Black Tempo PioneerMono-Black DiscardDreamHack Atlanta 2023 - Sun. 11AM Pioneer 5k Open 8-Slot RCQ
Mono-Black MidrangeMono-Black Midrange PioneerMono-Black DiscardPeasant Pioneer Showdown - A Josh and Pat's MTG Bazaar Sponsored Event

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Davriel, Rogue Shadowmage has a unique ability that, upon entering the battlefield, causes an opponent to discard a card, which can immediately disrupt their hand and plans. This repeated effect at each of their upkeeps results in continued card advantage, whittling down their resources over time.

Resource Acceleration: While this planeswalker doesn’t accelerate resources in a traditional sense, the consistent card discarding he forces your opponent into can be viewed as a form of resource acceleration by diminishing their ability to combat your strategy or develop their own board.

Instant Speed: Though Davriel’s abilities are not at instant speed, he impacts the board just by being present. His ability to affect the opponent’s hand each turn can be as valuable as an instant, indirectly protecting your position and pressuring your opponent to play around your turns. Moreover, the threat of activating his -2 ability can deter opponents from attacking, as they risk losing more cards.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the key drawbacks to playing Davriel, Rogue Shadowmage is its ability centered around your opponent’s hand. If your opponent has no cards left to discard, Davriel’s utility significantly diminishes, and it merely becomes a passive source of damage.

Specific Mana Cost: Davriel’s casting cost requires two black mana, which can constrain deck-building options. This restricts this planeswalker’s presence to predominantly black decks or those with a heavy black mana base, reducing its flexibility in multi-colored or lighter black mana decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although a three mana planeswalker seems efficient, considering the impact of other cards at the same mana cost, Davriel might not always present the best value. Especially in a fast-paced game, the influence of Davriel on the board might not be as powerful as playing other cards that immediately affect the board state or provide card advantage.


Reasons to Include Davriel, Rogue Shadowmage in Your Collection

Versatility: Davriel, Rogue Shadowmage serves as an excellent tool in discard-focused strategies. It can be easily slotted into various deck archetypes that capitalize on reducing the opponent’s resources.

Combo Potential: Apart from its standalone strength, this planeswalker synergizes with cards that benefit from each opponent discarding cards or that penalize players for an empty hand, amplifying its impact on the game.

Meta-Relevance: With a solid place in the meta that emphasizes resource denial and control tactics, Davriel, Rogue Shadowmage presents persistent pressure, making it a consistent choice especially in matchups where an opponent’s hand size is crucial.


How to beat

Davriel, Rogue Shadowmage emerges as a unique and impactful planeswalker in the MTG arena. Within the landscape of Magic: The Gathering, this card distinctly pressures opponents by whittling down their hand size. If you’re facing Davriel, your best strategy hinges on mitigating his ability to cause discard. Being conscious of your hand size is paramount. Effectively managing your hand size can prevent Davriel from triggering his passive ability, which inflicts damage upon you if you have one or no cards in hand.

Consider wielding cards that replenish your hand quickly or utilize abilities that allow you to play without a heavy reliance on a large hand. Tackling his loyalty points directly is also a sound approach—using creatures to attack him or direct damage spells can keep Davriel’s influence in check. Hexproof creatures can be particularly useful, as they are immune to his -1 ability. Keeping up a steady stream of threats ensures that Davriel never fully controls the tempo of the game. Through calculated hand management and proactive measures, overcoming Davriel’s disruptive abilities becomes a manageable feat.


BurnMana Recommendations

If Davriel, Rogue Shadowmage has caught your attention, it’s no surprise. This card can tilt the pace of any match in your favor with its sharp discard mechanics. Employing Davriel effectively requires keen awareness of the battlefield and your opponent’s tendencies. Whether you’re amplifying your control deck or experimenting with new discard strategies, his inclusion promises a heightened level of disruption. Curious about integrating Davriel into your deck or finding ways to overcome his sinister tactics? Let us guide you through crafting a strategy that leverages Davriel’s full potential or, conversely, navigating around his persistent pressure.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Davriel, Rogue Shadowmage MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Magic Online Promos, 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 Davriel, Rogue Shadowmage and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Davriel, Rogue Shadowmage Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2019-05-03 and 2019-12-02. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 722712015NormalBlackHagiya Kaoru
22002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 780052015NormalBlackDaarken
32019-05-03War of the SparkWAR 832015NormalBlackDaarken
42019-05-03War of the SparkWAR 83★2015NormalBlackHagiya Kaoru
52019-05-04War of the Spark PromosPWAR 83s2015NormalBlackDaarken
62019-05-04War of the Spark PromosPWAR 83s★2015NormalBlackHagiya Kaoru
72019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 5092015NormalBlackDaarken

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Davriel, Rogue Shadowmage has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2019-05-03 If an opponent has one or fewer cards in hand as Davriel’s first ability triggers but has two or more cards in hand as that ability resolves, Davriel doesn’t deal damage to them.
2019-05-03 If an opponent has two or more cards in their hand as their upkeep begins, Davriel’s first ability won’t trigger. No player may take any actions during a turn before the turn’s upkeep begins. Because the upkeep step is before the draw step, that player won’t have drawn a card for the turn yet.
2019-05-03 In a Two-Headed Giant game, Davriel’s first ability triggers for each opponent separately as appropriate during that player’s team’s upkeep.