Shimatsu the BloodcloakedHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Sacrifice at Entry

The core of Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked is a static ability that creates a replacement effect as it enters the battlefield. This means you choose and sacrifice any number of permanents you control exactly as the creature is transitioning from the stack to the battlefield. Because this is not a triggered ability, it does not use the stack and cannot be responded to once the spell begins to resolve.

Resolving the Sacrifice

As Shimatsu enters, you decide which permanents to give up. For every permanent sacrificed this way, Shimatsu receives a +1/+1 counter. It is important to note that since the sacrifice happens before it is officially on the battlefield, Shimatsu cannot sacrifice itself to its own ability. All chosen permanents are moved to the graveyard simultaneously just before Shimatsu lands.

Common Misconceptions

Players often think they can sacrifice creatures that are entering the battlefield at the same time as Shimatsu (for example, via a mass resurrection spell). However, official rulings state you can only sacrifice permanents already on the battlefield. Additionally, because the +1/+1 counters are part of its entry, Shimatsu is never on the battlefield as a 0/0; it arrives with the counters already applied.

When to Play Shimatsu

Shimatsu is best utilized when you have permanents that provide value upon leaving the battlefield or when you simply have an excess of lands or tokens. It serves as a sacrifice outlet that converts horizontal board state into vertical power, allowing you to bypass 'Destroy all creatures' effects by having one massive threat or triggering 'death' abilities.

Interaction examples

Fueling the Demon

Solemn Simulacrum

If you control Solemn Simulacrum, you can cast Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked and choose to sacrifice the Simulacrum as it enters. Shimatsu enters the battlefield with one +1/+1 counter. Simultaneously, the 'When this creature dies' ability of Solemn Simulacrum triggers, allowing you to draw a card after the sacrifice is complete.

Static Limits

Roaming Throne

Even if you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield naming 'Demon,' it will not interact with Shimatsu's sacrifice ability. Shimatsu uses an 'As enters' replacement effect, not a 'When enters' triggered ability. Therefore, Roaming Throne's ability to double triggers does not apply, and you will only get one +1/+1 counter per permanent sacrificed.