Urborg Shambler MTG Card


Deathtouch attacks grant Urborg Shambler a unique position to control the battlefield by removing multiple threats. Bringing flexibility to black-green decks, it offers strategic advantage through intimidation and battlefield presence. Though potent in creature-dense metas, its higher mana cost and specific color needs may limit deck compatibility.
Urborg Shambler - Invasion
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Horror
Released2000-10-02
Set symbol
Set nameInvasion
Set codeINV
Power 4
Toughness 3
Number133
Frame1997
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byPete Venters

Text of card

All other black creatures get -1/-1.

A writhing mass of rot, with sharp claws and a vicious spirit.


Cards like Urborg Shambler

Urborg Shambler stands as a unique creature card within the Magic: The Gathering universe, inviting comparisons with other swamp-dwelling creatures. Its capability to both attack and provide a semblance of board control through its enters-the-battlefield feature slightly resembles cards such as Festercreep. While Festercreep can grow and clear out smaller creatures over time, Urborg Shambler offers a one-time but immediate effect impacting any target creature’s toughness.

In the same realm of comparison lies Thrashing Wumpus, another creature that provides repeatable board control, albeit in a different fashion. Unlike Urborg Shambler’s targeted ability, Thrashing Wumpus affects all creatures, giving a player the flexibility and a potential strategic advantage of mass influence. However, Urborg Shambler’s targeted ability can be pivotal in dismantling an opponent’s key creature without affecting your own.

When evaluating similar cards, Urborg Shambler may not be the powerhouse in terms of sheer board control, but its targeted ability gives it a surgical precision that could tilt a game in your favor. It provides a combat edge in MTG’s vast array of black creatures centered around weakening opponents’ creatures.

Festercreep - MTG Card versions
Thrashing Wumpus - MTG Card versions
Festercreep - MTG Card versions
Thrashing Wumpus - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Urborg Shambler by color, type and mana cost

Hell's Caretaker - MTG Card versions
Rag Man - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Debaser - MTG Card versions
Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed - MTG Card versions
Slinking Skirge - MTG Card versions
Gravedigger - MTG Card versions
Scandalmonger - MTG Card versions
Whispering Shade - MTG Card versions
Filth - MTG Card versions
Demon of Catastrophes - MTG Card versions
Bold Plagiarist - MTG Card versions
Dirge Bat - MTG Card versions
Toxin Sliver - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Spirit - MTG Card versions
Nim Shambler - MTG Card versions
Bad Ass - MTG Card versions
Scourge of Numai - MTG Card versions
Deathgazer - MTG Card versions
Dirty Wererat - MTG Card versions
Faceless Butcher - MTG Card versions
Hell's Caretaker - MTG Card versions
Rag Man - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Debaser - MTG Card versions
Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed - MTG Card versions
Slinking Skirge - MTG Card versions
Gravedigger - MTG Card versions
Scandalmonger - MTG Card versions
Whispering Shade - MTG Card versions
Filth - MTG Card versions
Demon of Catastrophes - MTG Card versions
Bold Plagiarist - MTG Card versions
Dirge Bat - MTG Card versions
Toxin Sliver - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Spirit - MTG Card versions
Nim Shambler - MTG Card versions
Bad Ass - MTG Card versions
Scourge of Numai - MTG Card versions
Deathgazer - MTG Card versions
Dirty Wererat - MTG Card versions
Faceless Butcher - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Urborg Shambler offers a nuanced approach to card advantage. Its ability to potentially remove multiple threats thanks to its deathtouch attribute means that it can trade efficiently on the battlefield, often clearing the way by forcing unfavorable blocks from your opponent, effectively acting as a deterrent and preserving your hand and on-field presence.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly impacting mana resources, Urborg Shambler can indirectly affect resource acceleration. As it removes key threats from the board while maintaining itself as a formidable presence, you gain the potential to swing the tide of resource allocations in your favor, making each of your lands and creatures more impactful by ensuring their safety and permanence on the board.

Instant Speed: Urborg Shambler itself may not be an instant, but its ability can create situations that give you the upper hand much like instant speed interaction. The tactical advantage of simply having this creature on the board can influence your opponent’s choices, prompting them to play around it, similarly to how they might play around an instant. Knowing when to deploy Urborg Shambler and when to hold back for an optimal exchange can be as crucial as the best-timed instant.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Urborg Shambler forces a discard from your hand upon entering the battlefield. This could strip you of crucial cards, especially when playing with a tight hand and no excess cards to shed.

Specific Mana Cost: This card requires a commitment to both black and green mana, reducing its compatibility with multicolor decks that don’t focus on this particular color combination.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With an investment of three mana including both black and green, the Urborg Shambler sits at a higher bracket which could make it a hard draw in the early game or when resources are better allocated elsewhere.


Reasons to Include Urborg Shambler in Your Collection

Versatility: Urborg Shambler offers a flexible role in black-themed decks, adept in managing both offensive and defensive strategies with its intimidate ability, making it harder for opponents to block effectively.

Combo Potential: As a creature that can potentially lock down opponents’ smaller creatures when paired with cards that manipulate -1/-1 counters, its value in synergistic play cannot be underestimated.

Meta-Relevance: With a meta that shifts towards creature-based tactics, Urborg Shambler stands as a solid answer to swarming strategies, ready to curb the tide with its unique skill set.


How to beat

Urborg Shambler is a creature card that can present a challenge due to its abilities. Typically, the key to overcoming a card like Urborg Shambler involves understanding its mechanics and finding the right counter strategies. For players facing this card, it’s essential to consider removal options. Instant-speed removal spells can cleanly dispatch the Shambler before its effects become a problem. Prioritizing these in your deck and holding them until the Shambler hits the battlefield can neutralize the threat efficiently.

Another strategy to consider is making use of flying or unblockable creatures, as Urborg Shambler’s abilities don’t affect these types of creatures. This allows you to bypass the Shambler entirely and press the attack. Counterspells are also an effective measure, providing the opportunity to prevent the Urborg Shambler from entering play in the first place, thus preserving your board state and game plan. By incorporating these tactics into your gameplay, you’ll enhance your ability to handle creatures like Urborg Shambler and maintain control of the match.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Urborg Shambler MTG card by a specific set like Invasion, 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 Urborg Shambler and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Urborg Shambler has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal