Quick Answer

Phantasmal Shieldback is a uncommon Creature — Turtle Illusion from J25 (J25) costing {U}. Current price: $0.11 USD. Legal in Commander.

Phantasmal Shieldback MTG card

Phantasmal Shieldback

Creature — Turtle Illusion

Card Text

When this creature becomes the target of a spell or ability, sacrifice it. When this creature dies, draw a card.

It materialized in the mist, and the invading horde broke like waves against solid rock.

Card Stats

1/3 uncommon CMC: 1.0 J25 J25 🎨 Daniel Ljunggren

Market Prices

TCGPlayer
$0.11
Normal
Buy
Card Kingdom
$0.39
Normal
Buy
Cardmarket
€0.23
Normal
Buy
Prices updated: 2025-12-04

Format Legality

Brawl Legal
Commander Legal
Duel Legal
Gladiator Legal
Historic Legal
Legacy Legal
Oathbreaker Legal
Timeless Legal
Vintage Legal

Similar Cards

Community Stats

-
Decks Using This Card
-
Comments

Often Played With

Loading...

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Phantasmal Shieldback? Basics

Phantasmal Shieldback is a Creature — Turtle Illusion card from the Magic: The Gathering trading card game.

Its ability reads: "When this creature becomes the target of a spell or ability, sacrifice it. When this creature dies, draw a card."

How much mana does Phantasmal Shieldback cost to cast? Basics

Phantasmal Shieldback has a mana cost of {U}, which equals 1.0 total mana (converted mana cost/mana value).

It requires U mana to cast.

What does mana cost mean in Magic: The Gathering? Basics

Mana cost is the amount and type of mana required to cast a spell in Magic: The Gathering.

Phantasmal Shieldback's mana cost of {U} means you need to pay that much mana from your lands or other sources.

Colored symbols (W=White, U=Blue, B=Black, R=Red, G=Green) must be paid with that specific color, while numbers can be paid with any color.

What is converted mana cost (CMC) or mana value? Basics

Converted mana cost (now officially called "mana value") is the total amount of mana in a card's mana cost, regardless of color.

Phantasmal Shieldback has a mana value of 1.0. This is important for effects that care about a spell's total cost, like cascade or cards that say "mana value 3 or less."

What is oracle text? Basics

Oracle text is the official, current rules text for a Magic card as maintained by Wizards of the Coast. It supersedes any printed text on older cards.

Phantasmal Shieldback's current oracle text is: "When this creature becomes the target of a spell or ability, sacrifice it. When this creature dies, draw a card."

What is the current price of Phantasmal Shieldback? Pricing

The current market price for Phantasmal Shieldback is approximately $0.11 USD on TCGPlayer.

On Cardmarket (Europe), it's approximately €0.23 EUR.

Where can I buy Phantasmal Shieldback? Pricing

You can purchase Phantasmal Shieldback from major MTG retailers including:

Prices vary by condition and printing. Check multiple sellers to find the best price.

What is the difference between normal and foil cards? Pricing

Foil cards have a shiny, holographic finish that makes them more collectible. They are functionally identical to normal cards but typically cost more due to their rarity and visual appeal.

Is Phantasmal Shieldback legal in Standard? Legality

Format legality information for Phantasmal Shieldback in Standard is not available.

Standard is a rotating format that only allows cards from the most recent sets.

Is Phantasmal Shieldback legal in Modern? Legality

Format legality information for Phantasmal Shieldback in Modern is not available.

Modern includes all cards printed in a standard-legal set from 8th Edition forward.

Is Phantasmal Shieldback legal in Commander (EDH)? Legality

Phantasmal Shieldback is Legal in Commander (EDH) format.

Commander is a casual multiplayer format where you build a 100-card singleton deck around a legendary creature.

Is Phantasmal Shieldback legal in Pioneer? Legality

Format legality information for Phantasmal Shieldback in Pioneer is not available.

Pioneer is a non-rotating format that includes all standard-legal sets from Return to Ravnica forward.

Is Phantasmal Shieldback legal in Legacy? Legality

Phantasmal Shieldback is Legal in Legacy format.

Legacy allows almost all cards ever printed, with a substantial ban list for balance.

Is Phantasmal Shieldback legal in Vintage? Legality

Phantasmal Shieldback is Legal in Vintage format.

Vintage is the most permissive format, allowing almost all cards with only a minimal ban list. Some powerful cards are "Restricted" (limited to 1 copy).

Is Phantasmal Shieldback legal in Pauper? Legality

Format legality information for Phantasmal Shieldback in Pauper is not available.

Pauper only allows cards that have been printed at common rarity in a paper or online set.

What is format legality in MTG? Legality

Format legality indicates which official MTG formats allow a card to be played:

  • Legal: Card is allowed in the format
  • Banned: Card is prohibited from play
  • Restricted: Limited to 1 copy (Vintage only)
  • Not Legal: Card was never part of that format's card pool

Different formats have different banned lists based on power level and game balance.

What set is Phantasmal Shieldback from? Details

This printing of Phantasmal Shieldback is from J25 (J25), with collector number 8.

Phantasmal Shieldback may also appear in other MTG sets with different art or special treatments.

What is Phantasmal Shieldback's rarity? Details

Phantasmal Shieldback is a uncommon card in J25.

Card rarity affects both availability and price. From rarest to most common: Mythic Rare → Rare → Uncommon → Common.

Who illustrated Phantasmal Shieldback? Details

Phantasmal Shieldback was illustrated by Daniel Ljunggren.

Magic: The Gathering features artwork from hundreds of talented artists, and many cards have been reprinted with new art over the years.

What is Phantasmal Shieldback's power and toughness? Details

Phantasmal Shieldback is a 1/3 creature.

Power (1) determines how much combat damage the creature deals. Toughness (3) determines how much damage it can take before being destroyed.

💬 Card Discussion

Log in to leave a comment

Loading comments...

Want to build a deck with this card?

Sign up or log in to start deck building

Log In to Build Decks