| Set: |  Ashes of Outland |
|---|---|
| Type: | Spell |
| Class: |  Demon Hunter |
| Rarity: |  Rare |
| Cost: | 6  |
| Abilities: | Draw cards, Increment attribute, Modify cost, Outcast |
| Artist: | Slawomir Maniak |
A fellow of evil possessed, of most devious shadow. He hath turned on his kin a thousand times, and now, how abhorred in all imagination he is!
Skull of Gul'dan is a rare demon hunter spell card, from the Ashes of Outland set.
How to get[]
Skull of Gul'dan can be obtained through Ashes of Outland card packs, through crafting, or as an Arena reward. Regular Skull of Gul'dan can also be obtained through the Highest Rank Bonus chest at the end of a Ranked season.
| Card | Crafting cost | Disenchanting |
|---|---|---|
| Skull of Gul'dan | 100 | 20 |
| Golden Skull of Gul'dan | 800 | 100 |
Strategy[]
With the Outcast active, Skull of Gul'dan is a powerful refueling tool that reduces the cost of all cards drawn by a significant amount. However, its high mana cost makes it awkward to play, since it may be drawn too early and get stuck in your hand. If Skull of Gul'dan is too deep in your hand, it can be difficult to play cards to unbury it and pay the 6 mana on the same turn. This adds inherent risks to this powerful effect.
To make the most of the effect, your deck should largely consist of cards that cost 3 or more. Otherwise, the mana reduction has a chance of being wasted.
Played without the Outcast, Skull of Gul'dan is still an efficient source of card draw, if not a bit boring.
This card has notable synergy with Sightless Watcher. The Watcher can put Skull of Gul'dan into your hand on curve, or prevent you from drawing Skull of Gul'dan before it can be played off the top (for at least one turn). At 8 mana, Sightless Watcher can also set a specific card on the top of your deck to guarantee the cost reduction lands on it.
Lore[]
This section uses content from Wowpedia.- The Skull of Gul'dan was a powerful demonic artifact created from the skull of the orc warlock Gul'dan. Used for a plethora of demonic activity, from opening portals to corrupting the northern forests of Ashenvale, its powers were finally consumed by Illidan Stormrage. Although already consumed by Illidan, the skull still holds power and is in Illidan's possession.
Trivia[]
- The flavor text is a reference to Hamlet, during the soliloquy where Hamlet laments the dead court jester Yorick. This scene is often compared to the way Illidan holds the Skull of Gul'dan by the Warcraft community.
- When Illidan is the demon hunter player's hero, he will say "Alas, poor warlock!" when casting this card. This is also a reference to Hamlet.
- Kurtrus will instead say "Warlocks... all the same.".
Gallery[]
  Skull of Gul'dan, full art |
  Illidan holding the Skull of Gul'dan in World of Warcraft |
Patch changes[]
Patch 17.0.0.45310 (2020-04-09): Now costs 6 mana, up from 5.- Server-side patch (2020-04-09): Mana cost is forced to be increased to 6.
- Patch 17.0.0.44222 (2020-03-26): Added.
