Deathforge Shaman MTG Card


Deathforge Shaman converts surplus cards into damage, optimizing card advantage without drawing more. Its multikicker ability scales with mana investment, making it a flexible and impactful play. Instant speed activation allows for strategic mana usage, keeping opponents on edge.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Ogre Shaman
Abilities Multikicker
Power 4
Toughness 3

Text of card

Multikicker (You may pay an additional any number of times as you cast this spell.) When Deathforge Shaman enters the battlefield, it deals damage to target player equal to twice the number of times it was kicked.


Cards like Deathforge Shaman

Delving into the expansive universe of Magic: The Gathering, Deathforge Shaman offers players a unique interaction with mana and damage output. It inhabits a family of creatures that can influence the game significantly, similar to cards like Fire Servant. Both cards amplify the effects of red spells, yet Deathforge Shaman can also directly channel mana into damage to an opponent’s life total. Unlike the servant, the Shaman’s flexibility comes from its multikicker ability, allowing for adjustable damage based on the mana invested.

Another kin in effect is the Cinder Pyromancer. Though the Pyromancer requires setup to deal damage over time, Deathforge Shaman can unleash a burst of pain in a single turn. The Shaman’s versatility in expending any number of mana gives a level of control that can adapt to various game states.

Finally, we have Skirk Fire Marshal, another card that packs a potent punch with its ability to deal damage to each creature and player. While the Fire Marshal demands a board presence of other Goblins to activate its damaging ability, Deathforge Shaman relies solely on mana investment to fulfil its potential. This distinction is crucial for players tailoring their decks around direct damage strategies.

Consequently, for those looking to wield mana as a weapon, Deathforge Shaman is a reliable and variable asset within MTG, offering strategic depth and explosive turns.

Fire Servant - MTG Card versions
Cinder Pyromancer - MTG Card versions
Skirk Fire Marshal - MTG Card versions
Fire Servant - MTG Card versions
Cinder Pyromancer - MTG Card versions
Skirk Fire Marshal - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Deathforge Shaman by color, type and mana cost

Earth Elemental - MTG Card versions
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Soul of Magma - MTG Card versions
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Torchling - MTG Card versions
Earth Elemental - MTG Card versions
Eron the Relentless - MTG Card versions
Balduvian War-Makers - MTG Card versions
Hivis of the Scale - MTG Card versions
Hulking Cyclops - MTG Card versions
Flame Spirit - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Salamander - MTG Card versions
Ma Chao, Western Warrior - MTG Card versions
Covetous Dragon - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Strike Force - MTG Card versions
Volatile Arsonist // Dire-Strain Anarchist - MTG Card versions
Tephraderm - MTG Card versions
Avarax - MTG Card versions
Bonethorn Valesk - MTG Card versions
Frost Ogre - MTG Card versions
Heartless Hidetsugu - MTG Card versions
Shard Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Soul of Magma - MTG Card versions
Hunted Dragon - MTG Card versions
Torchling - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Deathforge Shaman offers a unique strategy in utilizing card advantage. While it doesn’t allow you to draw more cards directly, its multikicker ability converts extra cards in hand into incremental damage, effectively making every card a potential source of pressure.

Resource Acceleration: Although Deathforge Shaman doesn’t accelerate resources in the traditional sense of producing additional mana, it presents a scalable investment. By spending more mana through its multikicker, you amplify its effect, which can lead to a game-ending sequence, putting those resources to decisive use.

Instant Speed: The Shaman’s flexibility is highlighted by its ability to operate at instant speed. This allows savvy players to fully utilize their mana each turn, choosing to either cast spells or activate the Shaman’s ability based on the flow of the game, keeping opponents constantly guessing.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Deathforge Shaman needs a card to be discarded to unleash its full potential. This cost necessitates adequate hand management to ensure you don’t deplete valuable resources.

Specific Mana Cost: Casting Deathforge Shaman requires a precise combination of mana, including red mana. This necessity can sometimes be restrictive, especially in multicolored decks that may not have consistent access to red mana sources.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With the initial cost to get Deathforge Shaman on the field, plus the additional mana needed to utilize its multikicker ability, the total investment can be quite hefty. This can be particularly taxing in fast-paced games where lower-costing alternatives could be played for similar or better effects.


Reasons to Include Deathforge Shaman in Your Collection

Versatility: Deathforge Shaman boasts the ability to fit into a variety of decks, particularly those harnessing the power of red mana. Its ability to deal damage directly to opponents scales with the amount of mana you invest, making it useful in multiple scenarios, from early aggression to late-game finishes.

Combo Potential: The multifaceted kicker ability of this card synergizes well with other cards that benefit from or enable spell copying, mana ramp, or damage amplification. Building combos around Deathforge Shaman can lead to devastating turns and game swing opportunities.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where players are tightly clustered in life totals, the Shaman’s scalable damage can throw off calculations and break deadlocks. As games often ebb and flow between creature combat and direct damage, having a flexible tool like Deathforge Shaman ensures consistent relevance.


How to beat

Deathforge Shaman from Magic: The Gathering poses a unique challenge on the battlefield with its ability to use multikicker and deal damage to an opponent. When playing against this formidable creature, it’s crucial to recognize its potential to turn the tide of the game with its scalable damage output. One effective strategy is to limit the shaman’s impact by controlling your opponent’s mana resources. Denying them the excess mana they need to fuel the shaman’s multikicker can significantly dampen its threat.

In addition, keeping low-cost removal spells at the ready ensures you can respond quickly and efficiently should the shaman hit the board. Disrupting your opponent’s strategy by targeting their key combo pieces before they accumulate sufficient mana for a substantial multikick can also mitigate the damage Deathforge Shaman could deal. Lastly, maintaining a life total that’s out of reach for a single strike from the shaman can give you the buffer needed to stabilize the board and mount a counter-offensive. Understanding these tactics can help you maintain control against such a high-impact MTG card.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Deathforge Shaman MTG card by a specific set like Worldwake and Conspiracy, 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 Deathforge Shaman and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Deathforge Shaman Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2010-02-05 and 2014-06-06. Illustrated by Dave Kendall.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12010-02-05WorldwakeWWK 802003NormalBlackDave Kendall
22014-06-06ConspiracyCNS 1412003NormalBlackDave Kendall

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Deathforge Shaman has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal