Hardened Scales MTG Card


Hardened Scales shines in decks focusing on +1/+1 counters, significantly boosting the power of creature strategies. This enchantment is a staple in Modern format, enabling explosive turns and synergizing with modular creature cards. Hardened Scales requires a dedicated build but rewards strategic play with potentially game-winning board states.
Card setsReleased in 18 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityRare
TypeEnchantment

Text of card

If one or more +1/+1 counters would be placed on a creature you control, that many plus one +1/+1 counters are placed on it instead.

"Naga shed their scales. We wear ours with pride." —Golran, dragonscale captain


Cards like Hardened Scales

Hardened Scales is a unique enchantment card in the MTG realm, synonymous with powerful spells like Winding Constrictor. Both manipulators of counters, but the Scales only cater to +1/+1 counters while Constrictor goes beyond to other counters too, though not so potent in +1/+1 scenario due to lack of double impact.

Moving on to the Caller of the Claw, it also shows a parallel trait of recovering from a wipeout but does so by creating creature tokens, unlike the Hardened Scales which boosts existing creatures. Then there’s Solidarity of Heroes, another counterpart card that doubles existing counters just like Scales but in the form of an instant spell.

Finally, we have the popular Proliferate mechanic which shares similarity with our glorified Hardened Scales, allowing counters to multiply. However, it focuses on all counters scatter while Scales enhances the power of a single +1/+1 counter. Thus, while examining these analogues, it’s clear that Hardened Scales holds a unique spot in MTG in terms of its ability to add an extra counter, making it a game-changer in its niche.

Winding Constrictor - MTG Card versions
Caller of the Claw - MTG Card versions
Solidarity of Heroes - MTG Card versions
Winding Constrictor - MTG Card versions
Caller of the Claw - MTG Card versions
Solidarity of Heroes - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Hardened Scales by color, type and mana cost

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Rancor - MTG Card versions
Hidden Gibbons - MTG Card versions
Web - MTG Card versions
Living Artifact - MTG Card versions
Fastbond - MTG Card versions
Instill Energy - MTG Card versions
Wild Growth - MTG Card versions
Cocoon - MTG Card versions
Elven Fortress - MTG Card versions
Earthlore - MTG Card versions
Revelation - MTG Card versions
Carapace - MTG Card versions
Gift of the Woods - MTG Card versions
Mortal Wound - MTG Card versions
Spider Climb - MTG Card versions
Elephant Grass - MTG Card versions
Bequeathal - MTG Card versions
Elven Palisade - MTG Card versions
Hidden Spider - MTG Card versions
Carpet of Flowers - MTG Card versions
Rancor - MTG Card versions
Hidden Gibbons - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Hardened Scales. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mono-Green Hardened ScalesMono-Green Hardened Scales ModernHardened ScalesModern Challenge 32 2024-04-27

Pros of Hardened Scales

Card Advantage: One of the core strengths of Hardened Scales in MTG is the ability to multiply +1/+1 counters on creatures. This can drastically upgrade your creatures, making them more potent and hence giving you an edge over your opponent in terms of on-board strength.

Resource Acceleration: Hardened Scales is a low-cost enchantment that accelerates your game strategy. It’s efficiently priced, allowing you to deploy it early and start building monstrous threats right away. This translates to faster gameplay and speeds up your resource utilization efficiently.

Instant Speed: While Hardened Scales doesn’t operate at instant speed, it offers permanency in its effect. Once on the field, it will continuously provide benefit every time you put +1/+1 counters on your creatures, thus providing an instant boost whenever you play compatible cards.


Cons of Hardened Scales

Discard Requirement: No need to discard to activate, but synergizes with cards that do, which may need you to play a specific style or include specific cards in your deck.

Specific Mana Cost: Hardened Scales has a green mana cost, restricting its use to decks that include green. It is less universal than colorless cards, limiting your deck building options.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite costing only one mana, the real cost of Hardened Scales lies in its setup. It requires setup with creatures that have +1/+1 counters, dictating a specific game plan which may not be as versatile or valuable as other single mana-cost options.


Reasons to Include Hardened Scales in Your Collection

Versatility: Hardened Scales is a standout enchantment that fits a variety of decks, particularly those that utilize +1/+1 counters to boost the strength of creatures. This green card can be a deadly ally as it helps generate extra value with each creature you play.

Combo Potential: Pairing Hardened Scales with cards that spawn +1/+1 counters can create an exponential boost, triggering powerful combinations that can easily overwhelm opponents. This card’s potential to unleash massive damage makes it a must-have in any deck that capitalizes on creature counters.

Meta-Relevance: In the current meta, dominant strategies often revolve around counter synergies and efficient creature boosting. The additional counter from Hardened Scales can give you a significant advantage, making it an important piece of the puzzle for maintaining competitiveness in the meta.


Similar Cards

Hardened Scales is a unique enchantment card in the MTG realm, synonymous with powerful spells like Winding Constrictor. Both manipulators of counters, but the Scales only cater to +1/+1 counters while Constrictor goes beyond to other counters too, though not so potent in +1/+1 scenario due to lack of double impact.

Moving on to the Caller of the Claw, it also shows a parallel trait of recovering from a wipeout but does so by creating creature tokens, unlike the Hardened Scales which boosts existing creatures. Then there’s Solidarity of Heroes, another counterpart card that doubles existing counters just like Scales but in the form of an instant spell.

Finally, we have the popular Proliferate mechanic which shares similarity with our glorified Hardened Scales, allowing counters to multiply. However, it focuses on all counters scatter while Scales enhances the power of a single +1/+1 counter. Thus, while examining these analogues, it’s clear that Hardened Scales holds a unique spot in MTG in terms of its ability to add an extra counter, making it a game-changer in its niche.


How to beat Hardened Scales

Without a doubt, Hardened Scales is a formidable force in Magic: The Gathering due to its potential to heavily buff your creatures. It functions at a faster rate as compared to comparable boosts, granting a +1/+1 counter whenever one or more counters are placed on a creature you control.

In order to tackle Hardened Scales, understanding its mechanism becomes essential. It tremendously benefits from having multiple creatures in play, so making sure to control your opponent’s board and restrict their creature growth is an effective strategy.

Leverage cards such as instant-speed removal spells or board wipes to disrupt the opponent’s gameplay. Cards like Fatal Push or Wrath of God can prove to be extremely beneficial. Also, enchantment destruction spells like Reclamation Sage or Naturalize can directly target and eliminate Hardened Scales.

A wise strategy includes keeping an eye out for cards your opponent might have that could synergize with Hardened Scales. Unlike spells, enchantments like this stay on the field until they are removed, and can be a foundation for major plays if left unchecked.

In essence, to defeat Hardened Scales, strategic gameplay emphasizing board control, creature removal, and enchantment destruction can turn the tide of the game towards your favour.


Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating the rich landscapes of Magic the Gathering requires strategy, insight, and a bit of adventure. Whether you’re planning your next big win or fine-tuning your deck for maximum impact, there’s always room to elevate your game. As you continue to delve into the MTG universe, remember that it’s not just about the single triumphs but the continuous journey towards mastery. We invite you to keep exploring this fascinating world, discovering new techniques, and unearthing valuable cards to ensure your next match is more than just a game, but a Big Score. Ready to level up your play? Join us to learn more and become the ultimate MTG champion.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Hardened Scales MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Khans of Tarkir, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Hardened Scales and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Hardened Scales Magic the Gathering card was released in 11 different sets between 2014-09-26 and 2024-03-08. Illustrated by 5 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 1022792015NormalBlackJim Nelson
22014-09-26Khans of TarkirKTK 1332015NormalBlackMark Winters
32014-09-26Khans of Tarkir PromosPKTK 133s2015NormalBlackMark Winters
42014-09-26Khans of Tarkir PromosPKTK 133p2015NormalBlackMark Winters
52016-11-11Commander 2016C16 1522015NormalBlackMark Winters
62018-06-08Commander Anthology Volume IICM2 1382015NormalBlackMark Winters
72021-08-26Jumpstart: Historic HorizonsJ21 5822015NormalBlackMark Winters
82022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 3692015NormalBorderlessJim Nelson
92022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 4622015NormalBlackMark Winters
102022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 1512015NormalBlackMark Winters
112022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 2152015NormalBlackMathias Kollros
122022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 215★2015NormalBlackMathias Kollros
132023-09-08Wilds of Eldraine: Enchanting TalesWOT 552015NormalBorderlessAbigail Larson
142023-11-17The Lost Caverns of Ixalan CommanderLCC 2432015NormalBlackMark Winters
152024-03-08FalloutPIP 9982015NormalBlackMaxim Kostin
162024-03-08FalloutPIP 2002015NormalBlackMaxim Kostin
172024-03-08FalloutPIP 7282015NormalBlackMaxim Kostin
182024-03-08FalloutPIP 4702015NormalBlackMaxim Kostin

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Hardened Scales has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Hardened Scales card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2023-09-01 Each additional Hardened Scales you control will increase the number of +1/+1 counters placed on a creature you control by one.
2023-09-01 If a creature you control would enter the battlefield with a number of +1/+1 counters on it, it enters with that many plus one instead.
2023-09-01 If two or more effects attempt to modify how many counters would be put on a creature you control, you choose the order to apply those effects, no matter who controls the sources of those effects.