Shipbreaker Kraken MTG Card


Shipbreaker Kraken offers card advantage by locking down opponents’ creatures, shifting game balance. Its monstrous ability functions at instant speed, providing surprise and tactical flexibility in matches. Despite its power, the Kraken’s high mana cost and specific color requirement limit its deck compatibility.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Kraken
Abilities Monstrosity
Power 6
Toughness 6

Text of card

: Monstrosity 4. (If this creature isn't monstrous, put four +1/+1 counters on it and it becomes monstrous.) When Shipbreaker Kraken becomes monstrous, tap up to four target creatures. Those creatures don't untap during their controllers' untap steps for as long as you control Shipbreaker Kraken.


Cards like Shipbreaker Kraken

Shipbreaker Kraken occupies a rather impressive spot in the sea creature category of Magic: The Gathering. It shares many traits with cards such as Stormtide Leviathan and Inkwell Leviathan, most notably their imposing presence on the battlefield. Shipbreaker Kraken boasts of a powerful monstrous ability unlike Stormtide Leviathan that creates an overwhelming sea-based domination, blocking non-island lands from attacking. However, Inkwell Leviathan overshadows both with its shroud ability, making it untouchable by spells or abilities.

Another notable comparison is Scourge of Fleets. Similar to Shipbreaker Kraken, it capitalizes on its destructive sea monster theme, causing enemy creatures to return to the owner’s hand. However, Scourge of Fleets functions on a wider scale, affecting all opponents’ creatures, while Shipbreaker Kraken’s monstrous ability selectively targets and incapacitates specific foes only.

In conclusion, when weighing up the attributes of different options, Shipbreaker Kraken does hold its unique charm in sea creature cards of Magic: The Gathering, demonstrating a perfect balance of sea-monster flairs and controlled destruction capabilities.

Stormtide Leviathan - MTG Card versions
Inkwell Leviathan - MTG Card versions
Scourge of Fleets - MTG Card versions
Stormtide Leviathan - MTG Card versions
Inkwell Leviathan - MTG Card versions
Scourge of Fleets - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Shipbreaker Kraken by color, type and mana cost

Sea Serpent - MTG Card versions
Sibilant Spirit - MTG Card versions
Drifting Djinn - MTG Card versions
King Crab - MTG Card versions
Sea Monster - MTG Card versions
Sun Quan, Lord of Wu - MTG Card versions
Sliptide Serpent - MTG Card versions
Mahamoti Djinn - MTG Card versions
Deepfathom Skulker - MTG Card versions
Shoreline Ranger - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Dismisser - MTG Card versions
Novijen Sages - MTG Card versions
Draining Whelk - MTG Card versions
Arcanis the Omnipotent - MTG Card versions
Quicksilver Dragon - MTG Card versions
Frost Titan - MTG Card versions
Deadeye Navigator - MTG Card versions
Harbor Serpent - MTG Card versions
Skyline Predator - MTG Card versions
Isperia's Skywatch - MTG Card versions
Sea Serpent - MTG Card versions
Sibilant Spirit - MTG Card versions
Drifting Djinn - MTG Card versions
King Crab - MTG Card versions
Sea Monster - MTG Card versions
Sun Quan, Lord of Wu - MTG Card versions
Sliptide Serpent - MTG Card versions
Mahamoti Djinn - MTG Card versions
Deepfathom Skulker - MTG Card versions
Shoreline Ranger - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Dismisser - MTG Card versions
Novijen Sages - MTG Card versions
Draining Whelk - MTG Card versions
Arcanis the Omnipotent - MTG Card versions
Quicksilver Dragon - MTG Card versions
Frost Titan - MTG Card versions
Deadeye Navigator - MTG Card versions
Harbor Serpent - MTG Card versions
Skyline Predator - MTG Card versions
Isperia's Skywatch - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Shipbreaker Kraken allows for great card advantage in any MTG game. Once it’s on the battlefield, it’s monstrous ability can potentially lock down half of an opponent’s creatures, leaving them defenseless and providing a significant shift in game balance.

Resource Acceleration: While the kraken doesn’t contribute to resource acceleration through the generation of mana, it saves you from needing to use your own resources to contain threats. This allows players to utilise their remaining mana more efficiently.

Instant Speed: Even though Shipbreaker Kraken is not an instant card, its monstrous ability can be used at instant speed. This means you can wait until your opponent’s turn to activate it, leaving them with less time to respond or counteract. The element of surprise can turn the tide of any MTG game.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Shipbreaker Kraken card calls for a throw-away prerequisite. Players must drop an additional card, potentially stripping them of precious resources when they’re already running low.

Specific Mana Cost: Coughing up the hefty mana expense for this marine colossus could pose complications. Its demand for blue mana, in particular, may confine Shipbreaker Kraken to specific deck types, while hindering its universality.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value of six, Shipbreaker Kraken poses a serious demand. There are certainly other MTG cards in the ocean that could deliver more bang for fewer bucks, or generate resources more efficiently.


Reasons to Include Shipbreaker Kraken in Your Collection

Versatility: With its impressive stats and abilities, Shipbreaker Kraken fits seamlessly into a variety of blue decks, excelling in strategies focused on manipulation and control. Its ability to bring a touch of power and flexibility to the battlefield can change the course of a game.

Combo Potential: The Kraken’s monstrous ability brings forth great opportunities for combos. As it gains counters and immobilizes enemy creatures, it opens the window for players to launch unblocked attacks or effectively stall, allowing the setup of game-changing plays.

Meta-Relevance: In a metagame that prizes large, impactful creatures with control potential, Shipbreaker Kraken thrives. Its relevant abilities and versatility make it a threat not to be underestimated – a must for any collection.


How to beat

Shipbreaker Kraken is a storied creature card in Magic: The Gathering that bolsters an eminent spot in decks. Its inherent might stems from its monstrous ability, transforming it into a powerful force on the battlefield. However, one must not lose sight of the fact that tackling the Kraken isn’t impossible.

A viable strategy to beat Shipbreaker Kraken lies in managing your mana resources effectively. This allows for timely casting of instant spells or abilities that can nullify or directly handle the Kraken. Pacific cards such as Fade into Antiquity or Time to Feed can shine in such situations, extracting the Kraken from the battlefield or neutralizing its power.

Control decks operate effectively against Shipbreaker Kraken as well, with their capability to limit high-cost creatures like the Kraken. Key gameplay elements that can significantly alter the tide include continuous swarm of creature tokens to overwhelm your opponent or casting spells that manipulate the course of the game. Counterspells can also be beneficial, denying the opportunity for the Kraken’s monstrous ability to become a threat.

In summary, although Shipbreaker Kraken poses a formidable presence in MTG, strategic deck building and clever utilization of cards can effectively tackle this aquatic terror and tip the scales in your favor.


BurnMana Recommendations

Shipbreaker Kraken has a tidal wave of potential in MTG, surfacing as a behemoth that can lockdown opponents’ creatures and sway the tide of battle. Wise deployment of this leviathan is key—its monstrous ability, when activated, paralyzes your rival’s strategy, giving you a watery grip on the game’s flow. Whether you’re submerging into the depths of MTG strategy or floating at the surface, there’s always more to unearth. Dive deep with us into MTG’s ocean of tactics, where Shipbreaker Kraken could be the keystone in a tsunami of victory. Plunge into our resource pool for insights that will ensure your deck makes waves.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Shipbreaker Kraken MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Theros 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 Shipbreaker Kraken and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Shipbreaker Kraken Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2013-09-21 and 2020-11-20. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 501062003NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
22013-09-21Theros PromosPTHS 63★2003NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
32013-09-27TherosTHS 632003NormalBlackJack Wang
42020-11-20Commander LegendsCMR 4042015NormalBlackJack Wang

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Shipbreaker Kraken has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2013-09-15 An ability that triggers when a creature becomes monstrous won't trigger if that creature isn't on the battlefield when its monstrosity ability resolves.
2013-09-15 If another player gains control of Shipbreaker Kraken, the creatures will no longer be affected by the effect preventing them from untapping, even if you later regain control of Shipbreaker Kraken.
2013-09-15 If you gain control of a creature that's being prevented from untapping, that creature won't untap during your untap step for as long as you control Shipbreaker Kraken.
2013-09-15 If you lose control of Shipbreaker Kraken between when its last ability triggers and when that ability resolves, the target creatures will become tapped. However, they won't be affected by the other effect and will untap as normal during their controllers' untap steps.
2013-09-15 Monstrous isn't an ability that a creature has. It's just something true about that creature. If the creature stops being a creature or loses its abilities, it will continue to be monstrous.
2013-09-15 Once a creature becomes monstrous, it can't become monstrous again. If the creature is already monstrous when the monstrosity ability resolves, nothing happens.
2013-09-15 The ability can target a tapped creature. If a targeted creature is already tapped when it resolves, that creature just remains tapped and doesn't untap during its controller's untap step.