Skyshroud FalconHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Dual Threat

The primary appeal of Skyshroud Falcon is the combination of flying and vigilance. Flying ensures that it can easily bypass ground-based blockers to chip away at your opponent's life total, while vigilance allows it to attack without tapping, leaving it available to block on your opponent's next turn.

Resolving the Keywords

When you declare attackers, Skyshroud Falcon does not become tapped due to the vigilance keyword. It enters the combat damage step and deals its power to the defending player or planeswalker if it isn't blocked by another creature with flying or reach. Because it remains untapped, it is a valid choice when you reach the declare blockers step during your opponent's turn.

Common Misconceptions

It is important to note that although 'Falcon' is in the name, the official creature type is Bird. Any effects that specifically target or buff Falcons will not apply here. Additionally, vigilance does not mean the creature is immune to being tapped; it simply means the act of attacking doesn't cause it to tap.

When to Deploy

Skyshroud Falcon is best played in the early game to establish board presence. Its ability to pressure the opponent while remaining a defensive piece makes it an excellent choice for aggressive decks that need to maintain a defense against counter-attacks.

Interaction examples

Building a Mana Base

Ornithopter of Paradise

If you control Ornithopter of Paradise, you can tap it for white mana to help cast Skyshroud Falcon on turn two. This gives you two flying creatures, one that provides mana and one that provides both offense and defense.

Punishing Noncreature Spells

Esper Sentinel

With both creatures on the board, you apply two different types of pressure. Skyshroud Falcon attacks through the air without tapping, while Esper Sentinel forces your opponent to pay extra for their first noncreature spell or let you draw a card, complicating their attempts to remove your flying threat.