Nest of Scarabs MTG Card


Generates a 1/1 Insect token for each -1/-1 counter, multiplying battlefield presence. Insects provide resource acceleration when used with synergistic cards. Enchantment’s indirect instant-speed interaction offers strategic flexibility.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeEnchantment

Text of card

Whenever you put one or more -1/-1 counters on a creature, create that many 1/1 black Insect creature tokens.

"They are small, but they always want more. Learn from them." —Bontu, god of ambition


Cards like Nest of Scarabs

Nest of Scarabs presents an intriguing dynamic within the world of Magic: The Gathering as a card specializing in multiplying creature tokens. This enchantment shares a thematic kinship with the likes of Blowfly Infestation which also thrives in a counter-heavy environment. Where Nest of Scarabs excels is in the potential to create an army of tokens whenever you place -1/-1 counters on a creature, not just when one dies, offering more consistent and immediate board presence.

Parallel Lives is another card that echoes this token multiplicative effect, though it focuses on doubling the tokens made, regardless of -1/-1 counters. It has a broader scope but comes with a higher casting cost. Flourishing Defenses serves as a closer comparison, triggering whenever a -1/-1 counter is placed, but this card generates elf warriors instead, providing a strategic alternative depending on the deck theme.

Identifying the optimal token generation strategy varies with each deck’s design and the gameplay situation. Yet, Nest of Scarabs stands out for its unique niche in token creation, offering a robust way to capitalize on -1/-1 counter placements, making it a staple in decks that leverage this mechanic.

Blowfly Infestation - MTG Card versions
Parallel Lives - MTG Card versions
Flourishing Defenses - MTG Card versions
Blowfly Infestation - MTG Card versions
Parallel Lives - MTG Card versions
Flourishing Defenses - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Nest of Scarabs by color, type and mana cost

Gloom - MTG Card versions
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Recurring Nightmare - MTG Card versions
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Scavenged Weaponry - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Arena - MTG Card versions
Gravestorm - MTG Card versions
Gloom - MTG Card versions
Season of the Witch - MTG Card versions
Tourach's Gate - MTG Card versions
Withering Wisps - MTG Card versions
Funeral March - MTG Card versions
Casting of Bones - MTG Card versions
Blanket of Night - MTG Card versions
Necropotence - MTG Card versions
Hecatomb - MTG Card versions
Megrim - MTG Card versions
Recurring Nightmare - MTG Card versions
Contamination - MTG Card versions
Oppression - MTG Card versions
Maggot Therapy - MTG Card versions
Murderous Betrayal - MTG Card versions
Noxious Field - MTG Card versions
Tainted Well - MTG Card versions
Scavenged Weaponry - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Arena - MTG Card versions
Gravestorm - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Nest of Scarabs presents a strategic advantage by turning each -1/-1 counter placed on a creature into a new 1/1 black Insect creature token. This creates multiple blockers or potential attackers, essentially multiplying your board presence and overwhelming opponents with sheer numbers.

Resource Acceleration: While not acting as a direct source of mana, these Insect tokens can be leveraged with other cards to ramp up your resources. Sacrifice them for additional mana or use them to empower spells that gain strength from creature numbers, indirectly accelerating your in-game resources.

Instant Speed: Although Nest of Scarabs itself is an enchantment played at sorcery speed, the tokens it creates provide benefits at instant speed. In the presence of instant-speed -1/-1 counter spells or effects, you’re able to generate tokens right in the midst of combat or in response to opponent’s actions, keeping the game pace in your favor and offering unexpected blocks or sacrifices.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Although Nest of Scarabs doesn’t explicitly require you to discard, generating value from this card often depends on other cards that make you sacrifice creatures or pay life. This can deplete your resources quickly and leave you vulnerable if you haven’t set up a proper engine to utilize this synergy effectively.

Specific Mana Cost: Nest of Scarabs demands a precise mana cost of three with at least one black mana. This can make it a less flexible addition in decks that aren’t heavily focused on black or those that struggle with color consistency.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For its three mana cost, Nest of Scarabs can be slow to get off the ground. In faster, more aggressive metagames, there might be other options that provide immediate impact or more significant board presence without the conditionality of needing to place -1/-1 counters on creatures.


Reasons to Include Nest of Scarabs in Your Collection

Versatility: Nest of Scarabs is a flexible enchantment that can slide into various deck strategies focused on -1/-1 counters. Whether you’re controlling the board or building your own swarm of insect tokens, it adapts to multiple play styles and synergies.

Combo Potential: This card is a combo enabler that pairs excellently with any effect that distributes -1/-1 counters, effectively transforming a disadvantageous mechanic into a boon for your side of the battlefield, spawning an army of tokens with each counter placed.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment teeming with creature-based decks, Nest of Scarabs becomes a tool for tipping the scales in your favor. By diminishing opponent creatures and simultaneously advancing your board presence, it maintains a pulse on the shifting meta, ensuring your deck remains competitive.


How to beat

Nest of Scarabs presents a unique challenge in the game of MTG, especially within decks centered around -1/-1 counters. Players often find themselves facing a swarm of insect tokens every time they place a -1/-1 counter on a creature. This mechanic can quickly overwhelm an unprepared opponent, as each counter translates to another insect on the field.

To effectively counteract Nest of Scarabs, it is crucial to disrupt the creation of tokens. This can be done through enchantment removal spells such as Disenchant or Naturalize, which directly target and eliminate Nest of Scarabs. Additionally, board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation can clear out multiple insect tokens at once, mitigating the threat they pose and resetting the board state.

Another tactical approach is to limit the use of -1/-1 counters on your creatures, thereby preventing the trigger of Nest of Scarabs’ ability. This strategy requires precise play and foresight, as you may need to adjust your typical strategies to avoid giving your opponent an advantage.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG is all about discovering the hidden gems within your card collection, and Nest of Scarabs can be such a gem. Building around its unique ability to create 1/1 black Insect creature tokens can lead to overwhelming swarms and various strategic plays that enhance your gaming experience. Whether you’re a seasoned player looking to optimize your -1/-1 counters strategy or a newcomer curious about the synergistic possibilities, this card deserves consideration. At BurnMana, we delve into the depths of deck-building and strategy. We invite you to further your understanding and learn how to effectively utilize cards like Nest of Scarabs by joining us on this journey into the fascinating world of MTG.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Nest of Scarabs MTG card by a specific set like Amonkhet and Amonkhet Remastered, 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 Nest of Scarabs and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Nest of Scarabs Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2017-04-28 and 2020-08-13. Illustrated by Jason A. Engle.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12017-04-28AmonkhetAKH 1012015NormalBlackJason A. Engle
22020-08-13Amonkhet RemasteredAKR 1172015NormalBlackJason A. Engle

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Nest of Scarabs 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 Nest of Scarabs card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2017-04-18 If a creature with wither or infect deals damage to a creature, the controller of the creature with wither or infect puts that many -1/-1 counters on the second creature.
2017-04-18 If an effect has you put more -1/-1 counters on a creature than it has toughness, you’ll put all of those counters on it and create that many Insects, even if that makes its toughness a negative number.