How Do You Get Around Shroud?
Shroud is a unique mechanic in Magic: The Gathering that prevents spells and abilities from targeting a specific permanent. This can make it challenging to remove or interact with shrouded creatures. In this article, we’ll explore various ways to get around shroud and discuss some effective strategies for dealing with these elusive permanents.
Wrath Effects
[bold]One way to get around shroud is to use Wrath of God effects**[end bold]. These spells ignore shroud and allow you to target the permanent you want to destroy. Since Wrath of God effects specifically target the permanent, they can bypass the shroud’s protection. Some notable Wrath of God effects include Abrupt Decay, Sudden Demise, and Eternal Oblivion.
| Spell | Description |
|---|---|
| Abrupt Decay | Destroy target land or nonland permanent with shroud. |
| Sudden Demise | Destroy target creature or planeswalker with shroud. |
| Eternal Oblivion | Destroy all creatures with shroud. |
Edict Effects
[bold]Edict effects are another way to bypass shroud**[end bold]. Edict effects allow you to choose a target, which can include permanents with shroud. The difference between Edict effects and Wrath of God effects is that Edict effects use the word "destroy" instead of "target," making them more straightforward and flexible. Some notable Edict effects include Price of Progress, Daybreak Coronet, and Decisive Strike.
| Spell | Description |
|---|---|
| Price of Progress | Destroy two permanents with shroud. |
| Daybreak Coronet | Destroy any permanent with shroud. |
| Decisive Strike | Destroy target permanent with shroud. |
Board Wipes
[bold]Board wipes can also help get around shroud**[end bold]. Board wipes are spells that destroy multiple permanents on the battlefield, including those with shroud. Since they’re not targeting specific permanents, they can bypass the shroud’s protection. Some notable board wipes include Maelstrom Pulse, Dreadbore, and Hero’s Downfall.
| Spell | Description |
|---|---|
| Maelstrom Pulse | Destroy all creatures on the battlefield. |
| Dreadbore | Destroy target creature or planeswalker. |
| Hero’s Downfall | Destroy any permanent with shroud. |
Shield Counters
[bold]Shield counters are not a reliable way to get around shroud**[end bold]. Shield counters prevent damage to the permanents with shroud, but they don’t allow you to target or interact with them in any other way. Since shield counters are specific to the life total, they can be easily removed by destruction spells.
Proliferation
[bold]Proliferate does not target, making it possible to get around shroud**[end bold]. Proliferate effects allow you to create multiple copies of the same permanent, including those with shroud. This can be a clever way to circumvent shroud, especially if you’re playing a token-based or copying-heavy deck.
| Spell | Description |
|---|---|
| Proliferate | Create multiple copies of target permanent. |
Concluding Thoughts
Shroud is a powerful mechanic in Magic: The Gathering, but it’s not unbreakable. By understanding the different ways to get around shroud, you can develop effective strategies to remove or interact with shrouded permanents. Remember to keep in mind the specific rules surrounding Wrath of God effects, Edict effects, board wipes, shield counters, and proliferation. With practice and experience, you’ll be able to navigate shroud and emerge victorious in your Magic: The Gathering battles.