Shimmerwing Chimera favors ETB enchantments in Theros: Beyond Death

Enchantment shenanigans abound.
Chimera MTG
Image via Wizards of the Coast Magic: The Gathering

Bouncing enchantments back to an owner’s hand, Shimmerwing Chimera is a Theros: Beyond Death spoiler that’ll fuel enter the battlefield effects in Limited and Constructed. 

Recommended Videos

Set to release on Jan. 24, Theros: Beyond Death (THB) has plenty of enchantments and sagas worth bouncing back to hand. And Shimmerwing Chimera accomplishes that during a player’s upkeep. 

Shimmerwing Chimera THB MTG
Image via Wizards of the Coast Magic: The Gathering

As a four-mana creature that’s a 3/2 and has flying, Shimmerwing Chimera is a solid card all on its own. But it also has a very special ability in that it returns enchantments to hand during a player’s upkeep. This works especially well with enchantments that have an enter the battlefield effect and with sagas.  

Several enchantments and sagas already previewed from the THB set combo well with Shimmerwing Chimera in the Limited format. 

Of the THB cards releases so far, Omen of the Sea and The First Iroanian Games may have the best effect upon gameplay when bounced with Shimmerwing Chimera. And in Standard Constructed, there are several combos that may produce some efficient and possible janky results. 

Worth the four-mana cost, while evading board wipes like Ritual of Soot, Shimmerwing Chimera’s biggest weakness is its defense of two. But if paired with a card like Empyrean Eagle or given +1/+1 counters via The first Iroanian Games, it’ll wreak havoc with its enchantment bounce shenanigans. 


Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more
related content
Read Article MTG Rare Dragon in Thunder Junction Tramples opponents with Plot mechanic
Dragon swooping over desert landscape
Read Article MTG Uncommon Minotaur has Affinity for Outlaws in Thunder Junction
Outlaws approaching town with sunset in background
Read Article Legendary MTG Warrior in Thunder Junction buffs Oxen in Commander and Limited
Bruse riding an Ox with his herd surrounding him on Thunder Junction
Related Content
Read Article MTG Rare Dragon in Thunder Junction Tramples opponents with Plot mechanic
Dragon swooping over desert landscape
Read Article MTG Uncommon Minotaur has Affinity for Outlaws in Thunder Junction
Outlaws approaching town with sunset in background
Read Article Legendary MTG Warrior in Thunder Junction buffs Oxen in Commander and Limited
Bruse riding an Ox with his herd surrounding him on Thunder Junction
Author
Danny Forster
Lead Magic: The Gathering/Teamfight Tactics scribe and staff writer for Dot Esports. Danny is a gamer beach bum residing in Spacecoast Florida and has been a journalist for seven years, of which five have been at Dot Esports. Prior media outllets Danny wrote for were Screen Rant and TheGamer. You can typically catch Danny playing TCGs and a variety of strategic games. He also hangs out on Twitter @Dannyspacecoast.