ShinechaserHow it works & interactions with other cards

Dual Stat Bonuses

Shinechaser features two separate static abilities that check for the presence of specific permanent types. If you control at least one artifact, it receives +1/+1; if you control at least one enchantment, it receives another +1/+1. Because these are static abilities, the bonus is applied instantly as soon as the corresponding permanent enters the battlefield and is lost immediately if that permanent leaves the battlefield.

Resolution Step by Step

First, cast Shinechaser for its mana cost of one white, one blue, and one generic mana. Once it enters the battlefield, the game constantly checks your board state. If you have an artifact, its base power and toughness of 1/1 becomes 2/2. If you then play an enchantment, it becomes 3/3. If a single permanent you control has both types, it satisfies both conditions simultaneously, granting the full +2/+2 bonus.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is thinking the bonus stacks for each artifact or enchantment you control. The text reads 'as long as you control an artifact,' meaning the bonus is binary; you either have one or you don't. Controlling five artifacts still only grants +1/+1 from that specific ability. Additionally, remember that Shinechaser's own types are Creature and Faerie, so it does not count itself toward its own power-boosting requirements.

When to Play Shinechaser

Due to having both Flying and Vigilance, Shinechaser is an excellent choice for aggressive decks that also need to maintain a defense. It is best deployed in 'Artifacts and Enchantments matter' archetypes where you can reliably ensure it is at least a 3/3 for three mana, allowing it to soar over ground blockers while remaining untapped to block on your opponent's turn.

Interaction examples

Boosting with Basic Artifacts

Solemn Simulacrum

With Shinechaser on the battlefield as a 1/1, you cast Solemn Simulacrum. As soon as the Simulacrum resolves and enters the battlefield, Shinechaser's static ability detects you control an artifact. Shinechaser immediately becomes a 2/2 creature with flying and vigilance.

Synergy with Artifact Creatures

Roaming Throne

If you control Roaming Throne (which is an artifact), Shinechaser gains +1/+1. While Roaming Throne can double the triggered abilities of other Faeries, note that Shinechaser's stat boosts are static abilities, not triggered ones, so they do not trigger a second time.

Sole Combat Performance

In a scenario where you control no other permanents, Shinechaser is a 1/1 creature. Because it has vigilance, you can declare it as an attacker during your combat phase and it will not tap, leaving it available to block an incoming creature during your opponent's next turn.