Soltari TrooperHow it works & interactions with other cards

Understanding Shadow

Soltari Trooper features the shadow keyword, which defines how it interacts during combat. A creature with shadow can only block other creatures that have shadow, and conversely, it can only be blocked by creatures with shadow. This essentially places the Soltari Trooper in a different 'layer' of combat, making it unblockable against most standard decks that rely on creatures with flying or trample.

The Attack Trigger

Whenever Soltari Trooper is declared as an attacker, its triggered ability goes on the stack. Upon resolution, it gains +1/+1 until the end of the turn. This means that while it is a 1/1 on your opponent's turn, it effectively functions as a 2/2 every time it swings for damage. Because this is a triggered ability, it can be responded to by players before the damage step.

Common Evasion Pitfalls

A common mistake is assuming shadow acts like flying where it can block non-shadow creatures; it cannot. If your opponent attacks with a normal creature, Soltari Trooper cannot step in the way. Furthermore, gaining multiple instances of shadow provides no additional benefit, and losing shadow after blockers have already been declared won't undo a legal block.

When to Deploy

Soltari Trooper is best used in aggressive white 'Weenie' strategies. It provides a reliable clock that is difficult for opponents to interact with via combat. It also pairs well with effects that trigger when a creature deals combat damage to a player, as its evasion ensures it connects frequently.

Interaction examples

Soaring Over the Shadow

Ornithopter of Paradise

If your opponent controls an Ornithopter of Paradise, they cannot use it to block your Soltari Trooper. Even though the Ornithopter has flying, it lacks shadow. Soltari Trooper will simply pass by it. Similarly, your Soltari Trooper cannot block their Ornithopter of Paradise because the Soldier does not have flying, and the Thopter does not have shadow.

Synergizing with Power

Esper Sentinel

While Soltari Trooper and Esper Sentinel don't have a direct mechanical link on the stack, they work well together in a Soldier-themed deck. If you have an effect that boosts all Soldiers, both creatures benefit. Note that Soltari Trooper's +1/+1 trigger only applies to itself when it attacks, unlike the tax effect of Esper Sentinel which checks its power whenever an opponent casts their first noncreature spell.