Deathrite Shaman — Magic: The Gathering card

Deathrite Shaman

{B/G}
Creature — Elf Shaman

{T}: Exile target land card from a graveyard. Add one mana of any color.

{B}, {T}: Exile target instant or sorcery card from a graveyard. Each opponent loses 2 life.

{G}, {T}: Exile target creature card from a graveyard. You gain 2 life.

Power/Toughness: 1/2

Set Ravnica Remastered
Rarity Rare
Mana Value 1
Artist Steve Argyle
Collector # 175
Scryfall

Why Play Deathrite Shaman

A versatile one-mana threat that provides mana acceleration, graveyard hate, and incremental damage all in one package. Golgari midrange and combo decks particularly value its ability to ramp into bigger threats while disrupting opponent's graveyard strategies. The mana ability is strongest in multicolor decks that can take advantage of any-color fixing, while the life drain becomes a legitimate win condition in grindy matchups where graveyards fill up quickly.

Format Notes

Banned in both Modern and Legacy due to its oppressive power level and meta-warping presence in competitive play. Currently sees play in Pioneer Golgari builds and remains a popular Commander inclusion for graveyard-focused strategies. The ban history demonstrates just how powerful this card became when fetchlands and cheap spells filled graveyards consistently, essentially functioning as a one-mana planeswalker.

Combos & Synergies

Pairs exceptionally well with fetchlands like Verdant Catacombs and Wooded Foothills, which provide immediate graveyard fuel for mana acceleration. Mill effects from cards like Grisly Salvage create multiple targets while filling your own graveyard with value. Self-mill strategies using Satyr Wayfinder maximize both the creature's utility and your deck's overall synergy, turning every activated ability into meaningful resource conversion.

Learn More

Creature Exile Pioneer Commander Vintage