Looming Shade MTG Card


Looming Shade scales with mana, converting extra lands into increased combat power. Instant speed activation offers strategic flexibility, posing multiple threats to opponents. While potent, it requires black mana and card discards to boost, demanding careful resource management.
Card setsReleased in 10 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Shade
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

: Looming Shade gets +1/+1 until end of turn.


Cards like Looming Shade

Looming Shade holds a unique position in the realm of creature cards with ability-based mana sinks. It bears a slight resemblance to cards like Drudge Skeletons which can also spend mana to avoid destruction. However, Looming Shade offers a more offensive advantage by boosting its power for each black mana spent, rather than just surviving combat.

Another card that echoes Looming Shade’s mechanic is Nantuko Shade. Nantuko Shade also has the potential to grow stronger with black mana investment but begins with a more formidable starting power. This gives it an early game edge over Looming Shade, although both share the flexible ability to become significant threats with enough mana available.

Comparatively, Shade of Trokair presents a different flavor by including plains cycling and the ability to pump its toughness. This creates a more defensive variant than Looming Shade, catering to players with a more conservative gameplay style. All in all, when mana is plentiful, Looming Shade is a noteworthy choice for those looking to press an attack and turn the tide of battle in their favor.

Drudge Skeletons - MTG Card versions
Nantuko Shade - MTG Card versions
Shade of Trokair - MTG Card versions
Drudge Skeletons - MTG Card versions
Nantuko Shade - MTG Card versions
Shade of Trokair - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Looming Shade by color, type and mana cost

Nettling Imp - MTG Card versions
Royal Assassin - MTG Card versions
El-Hajjâj - MTG Card versions
Plague Rats - MTG Card versions
Frozen Shade - MTG Card versions
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Sorceress Queen - MTG Card versions
Wall of Bone - MTG Card versions
Lost Soul - MTG Card versions
Mindstab Thrull - MTG Card versions
Mischievous Poltergeist - MTG Card versions
Strongarm Thug - MTG Card versions
Razortooth Rats - MTG Card versions
Ghastly Remains - MTG Card versions
Lord of the Undead - MTG Card versions
Deepwood Ghoul - MTG Card versions
Dross Prowler - MTG Card versions
Nim Lasher - MTG Card versions
Nim Abomination - MTG Card versions
Vesper Ghoul - MTG Card versions
Nettling Imp - MTG Card versions
Royal Assassin - MTG Card versions
El-Hajjâj - MTG Card versions
Plague Rats - MTG Card versions
Frozen Shade - MTG Card versions
Scathe Zombies - MTG Card versions
Sorceress Queen - MTG Card versions
Wall of Bone - MTG Card versions
Lost Soul - MTG Card versions
Mindstab Thrull - MTG Card versions
Mischievous Poltergeist - MTG Card versions
Strongarm Thug - MTG Card versions
Razortooth Rats - MTG Card versions
Ghastly Remains - MTG Card versions
Lord of the Undead - MTG Card versions
Deepwood Ghoul - MTG Card versions
Dross Prowler - MTG Card versions
Nim Lasher - MTG Card versions
Nim Abomination - MTG Card versions
Vesper Ghoul - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Though Looming Shade doesn’t directly let you draw cards, it rewards you for having a plentiful mana base. By using its ability to increase its power, the Shade makes each land you draw inherently more valuable. As you convert excess lands into raw power on the battlefield, you begin to leverage card advantage into field presence.

Resource Acceleration: This is where Looming Shade shines in decks designed around resource acceleration. Paired with cards that untap lands or generate additional mana, the Shade’s power can scale rapidly, turning it into a formidable threat. This synergy allows for efficient utilization of resources, propelling your game to a faster pace.

Instant Speed: The ability to pump Looming Shade at instant speed offers significant strategic versatility. You can pass the turn with untapped lands, thus posing multiple threats to your opponent. Will you cast a spell or boost the Shade’s power? This keeps your adversary guessing and can force them to play inefficiently, all while you efficiently manage your mana and threats.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One drawback of Looming Shade is its reliance on discarding cards to power up. Each boost to its strength costs you a card from your hand, potentially leaving you with fewer options as the game progresses.

Specific Mana Cost: Looming Shade has an activation cost that specifically requires black mana. This can be limiting, as it necessitates a mana base that can consistently produce enough black mana to make the most of its ability.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: To get any real benefit from Looming Shade, a significant amount of mana investment is necessary. Other creatures or spells at a similar mana cost might offer immediate impact or come with built-in advantages that do not require additional resource expenditure.


Reasons to Include Looming Shade in Your Collection

Versatility: Looming Shade offers a unique adaptability on the battlefield. Being able to pump it up as needed means it can become a threat at any stage of the game, aptly fitting into various black decks that are mana-rich.

Combo Potential: For enthusiasts who enjoy assembling high synergy decks, this card’s ability to scale with available mana makes it a great piece in combo scenarios. Pairing it with cards that untap lands or provide extra mana can result in a formidable attacker that grows each turn.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where games can stretch into long battles of attrition, Looming Shade can become increasingly dangerous. Its perpetual threat grows as you continuously play lands, making it relevant in formats where establishing a dominant board presence is key.


How to beat

Looming Shade is a unique creature in Magic: The Gathering that thrives in decks rich with Swamps. Its power lies in its ability to grow stronger with each black mana invested. As an opponent facing the Looming Shade, the key is to starve it of this resource or remove it before it becomes a threat.

Managing your removal spells effectively can negate the danger posed by Looming Shade. Consider using spells like Path to Exile or Rapid Hybridization to address it. Another strategy involves limiting the number of Swamps your opponent controls, thereby stifling the Shade’s growth. Land destruction or cards that restrict mana can play a significant role here. Additionally, employing creatures with deathtouch can act as a deterrent, as the risk of losing the Shade to a single block could discourage your opponent from attacking.

Ultimately, while the Looming Shade has the potential to become a formidable force, strategic play and timely intervention can ensure it remains a shadow on the battlefield rather than an eclipse.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Looming Shade MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Saga and Urza's Saga, 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 Looming Shade and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Looming Shade Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 1998-10-12 and 2009-07-17. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11998-10-12Urza's SagaUSG 139s1997NormalBlackVincent Evans
21998-10-12Urza's SagaUSG 1391997NormalBlackVincent Evans
32001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 145★1997NormalBlackKev Walker
42001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 1451997NormalWhiteKev Walker
52003-07-28Eighth Edition8ED 140★2003NormalBlackKev Walker
62003-07-28Eighth Edition8ED 1402003NormalWhiteKev Walker
72005-07-29Ninth Edition9ED 1422003NormalWhiteKev Walker
82005-07-29Ninth Edition9ED 142★2003NormalBlackKev Walker
92007-07-13Tenth Edition10E 1532003NormalBlackKev Walker
102009-07-17Magic 2010M10 1032003NormalBlackKev Walker

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Looming Shade has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal