Cacophony Scamp MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Phyrexian Goblin Warrior |
| Abilities | Proliferate |
| Released | 2023-02-03 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Phyrexia: All Will Be One |
| Set code | ONE |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 124 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Svetlin Velinov |
Text of card
Whenever Cacophony Scamp deals combat damage to a player, you may sacrifice it. If you do, proliferate. (Choose any number of permanents and/or players, then give each another counter of each kind already there.) When Cacophony Scamp dies, it deals damage equal to its power to any target.
Cards like Cacophony Scamp
Cacophony Scamp enters the bustling scene of red creature cards in Magic: The Gathering with its own unique flair. A notable comparison can be made to Goblin Arsonist, which shares the red creature trait and also has a death-triggered ability, dealing damage to any target. However, Cacophony Scamp’s requires the creature to be blocked, which then triggers its ability, potentially discarding a significant card from the opponent’s hand.
Another card worthy of juxtaposition is the Cinder Pyromancer. While the Pyromancer pings opponents upon casting red spells, Cacophony Scamp requires physical engagement on the battlefield to unleash its hand-disrupting effect. The strategic component of forcing an advantageous block highlights its tactical edge in matches.
Comparative assessment of Cacophony Scamp and its counterparts shows that while it doesn’t assure direct damage like Goblin Arsonist or consistent ping like Cinder Pyromancer, it does offer a psychological advantage and potential hand disruption, adding a layer of depth to red aggro decks needing that edge.
Cards similar to Cacophony Scamp by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Cacophony Scamp. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Gruul Aggro | Standard | Gruul Aggro | HBMO24 - Common Ground Games Standard RCQ |
| Mono-Red Aggro | Standard | Mono-Red Aggro | The Pizza Box Open: Standard |
 | Hammer Time | Pioneer | Boros Hammer Time | ReCQ - Pioneer - SCG CON Atlanta - Saturday - 1:00 pm (Bronze) |
 | Five-color Aggro | Modern | $10K RCQ - Modern - SCG CON Atlanta - Saturday - 9:00 am (Gold) | |
 | Mono-Red Goblins | Pioneer | Mono-Red Goblins | Pioneer League 2024-04-12 |
 | Boros Aggro | Standard | Boros Aggro | Standard Challenge 32 2024-03-23 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Cacophony Scamp might seem like a modest creature at first glance, but it holds potential for drawing extra cards. Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, there’s a chance to uncover another card from your deck, giving you more fuel to sustain your momentum in the contest.
Resource Acceleration: Though not directly generating mana, the Scamp’s trigger can potentially reveal additional spells that could lead to indirect mana benefits. Unearthing an artifact with mana abilities or spells that fetch lands can enhance your resource pool subtly but effectively.
Instant Speed: The agility of playing at instant speed cannot be underestimated. Cacophony Scamp can be cast at the end of your opponent’s turn, saving your mana for reactionary plays. Moreover, synergizing with instant spells amplifies the likelihood of drawing into new options precisely when you need them.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Cacophony Scamp can put a strain on your hand by asking you to discard, potentially causing you to lose valuable cards when you would rather be building up your resources.
Specific Mana Cost: This creature demands a particular combination of mana to cast, including both red and blue, which may not seamlessly fit into all deck architectures, especially those that aren’t focused on an Izzet (red/blue) strategy.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For a card that could be pivotal in specific strategies, Cacophony Scamp comes with a hefty mana cost that might be seen as too steep, particularly when compared to other creatures in its class that might offer better stats or effects for the same, or lesser, investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Cacophony Scamp offers flexibility for players looking to enhance various strategies. Its low casting cost makes it a viable option for early game plays, allowing players to experiment with multiple deck types and strategies.
Combo Potential: This card harbors intrinsic synergy with decks that play with graveyard mechanics or spells that capitalize on creatures entering or leaving the battlefield. Its creature type could also unlock additional synergies within tribal-themed decks.
Meta-Relevance: The power of Cacophony Scamp can shift with the meta, proving itself in environments where disrupting opponent’s plays is crucial. Its unique abilities could provide an edge against decks that rely heavily on hand resources or graveyard interactions.
How to beat
Cacophony Scamp may not appear intimidating at first glance, but this fiendish creature can cause quite the disruption if underestimated. The card’s strength lies in its ability to get an opponent to play into your hand, discarding valuable resources that could tip the scales in a match. To effectively outmaneuver its tactics, it’s essential to tailor your strategy around retention and quick removal.
One approach is leveraging instant-speed removal spells that can address the Scamp before its ability triggers. By keeping mana open and waiting for the opportune moment, you can prevent your opponent from gaining that edge. Counterspells also serve as a formidable line of defense, nipping the threat in the bud as it attempts to resolve. Furthermore, playing cards that benefit from being discarded or utilizing graveyard synergies could work to your advantage, turning the potential downside into a strategic boon.
Understanding the tempo of your deck and pacing your plays carefully can effectively diminish the impact of Cacophony Scamp, maintaining control over the match and steering it towards your victory. Every card has its counter, and with the right moves, the Scamp’s cacophony will fall on deaf ears.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Cacophony Scamp MTG card by a specific set like Phyrexia: All Will Be One, 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 Cacophony Scamp and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Cacophony Scamp has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Cacophony Scamp card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2023-02-04 | An ability that triggers "Whenever you proliferate" triggers even if you chose no permanents or players while doing so. |
| 2023-02-04 | If a permanent ever has both +1/+1 counters and -1/-1 counters on it at the same time, they're removed in pairs as a state-based action so that the permanent has only one of those kinds of counters on it. |
| 2023-02-04 | If a player or permanent has more than one kind of counter on it, and you choose for it to get additional counters, it must get one of each kind of counter it already has. You can't have it get just one kind of counter it already has and not the others. |
| 2023-02-04 | Players can respond to a spell or ability whose effect includes proliferating. Once that spell or ability starts to resolve, however, and its controller chooses which permanents and players will get new counters, it's too late for anyone to respond. |
| 2023-02-04 | To proliferate, you can choose any permanent that has a counter, including ones controlled by opponents. You can choose any player who has a counter, including opponents. You can't choose cards in any zone other than the battlefield, even if they have counters on them. |
| 2023-02-04 | You choose whether to sacrifice Cacophony Scamp as its first ability resolves. No player may respond between the time you sacrifice it and the time you proliferate. |
| 2023-02-04 | You don't have to choose every permanent or player that has a counter, only the ones you want to add another counter to. Since "any number" includes zero, you don't have to choose any permanents at all, and you don't have to choose any players at all. |