Canoptek Scarab Swarm MTG Card


The card offers consistent card advantage by reviving itself, keeping a constant threat on the board. It allows for resource acceleration and strategic play with its instant speed activation ability. The Scarab Swarm’s flexibility makes it a robust choice for artifact-based and graveyard strategies.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeArtifact Creature — Insect
Abilities Feeder Mandibles,Flying
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

Flying Feeder Mandibles — When Canoptek Scarab Swarm enters the battlefield, exile target player's graveyard. For each artifact or land card exiled this way, create a 1/1 colorless Insect artifact creature token with flying.


Cards like Canoptek Scarab Swarm

The Canoptek Scarab Swarm card adds intriguing dynamics to the range of creature tokens in MTG. It bears resemblance to other token-generating cards like Myr Battlesphere which also spawns multiple creature tokens. Myr Battlesphere creates a fleet of Myr tokens whereas the Canoptek Scarab Swarm relies on amassing a large number of insect tokens that can overwhelm opponents over time.

Looking at another analogous card, Ant Queen, it allows for consistent creation of insect creature tokens at a controllable rate. However, Ant Queen requires a mana investment for each token, in contrast to the Scarab Swarm’s one-time casting cost that can potentially produce tokens every turn. Another counterpart, Hornet Queen, delivers flying deathtouch tokens which offer a defensive edge the Scarab Swarm does not have. Yet, it’s worth noting the Scarab’s potential for exponential growth under the right conditions can prove to be more menacing in prolonged games.

Ultimately, Canoptek Scarab Swarm offers unique value within its niche in MTG, catering to strategies that benefit from steadily increasing token production without further investment after it hits the battlefield.

Myr Battlesphere - MTG Card versions
Ant Queen - MTG Card versions
Hornet Queen - MTG Card versions
Myr Battlesphere - MTG Card versions
Ant Queen - MTG Card versions
Hornet Queen - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Canoptek Scarab Swarm by color, type and mana cost

Jayemdae Tome - MTG Card versions
Juggernaut - MTG Card versions
Dancing Scimitar - MTG Card versions
Grinning Totem - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Processor - MTG Card versions
Patagia Golem - MTG Card versions
Lodestone Myr - MTG Card versions
Krark-Clan Ironworks - MTG Card versions
Ur-Golem's Eye - MTG Card versions
Jester's Cap - MTG Card versions
Bottled Cloister - MTG Card versions
Rod of Ruin - MTG Card versions
Gnarled Effigy - MTG Card versions
Scrapbasket - MTG Card versions
Magnetic Mine - MTG Card versions
Icy Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Eye of Doom - MTG Card versions
Well of Lost Dreams - MTG Card versions
Coercive Portal - MTG Card versions
Aetherworks Marvel - MTG Card versions
Jayemdae Tome - MTG Card versions
Juggernaut - MTG Card versions
Dancing Scimitar - MTG Card versions
Grinning Totem - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Processor - MTG Card versions
Patagia Golem - MTG Card versions
Lodestone Myr - MTG Card versions
Krark-Clan Ironworks - MTG Card versions
Ur-Golem's Eye - MTG Card versions
Jester's Cap - MTG Card versions
Bottled Cloister - MTG Card versions
Rod of Ruin - MTG Card versions
Gnarled Effigy - MTG Card versions
Scrapbasket - MTG Card versions
Magnetic Mine - MTG Card versions
Icy Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Eye of Doom - MTG Card versions
Well of Lost Dreams - MTG Card versions
Coercive Portal - MTG Card versions
Aetherworks Marvel - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Orzhov StonebladeOrzhov Stoneblade LegacyOrzhov StonebladeLegacy Challenge 32 2024-04-28
Abzan StonebladeAbzan Stoneblade LegacyAbzan StonebladeLegacy League 2024-05-07
Death and TaxesDeath and Taxes LegacyDeath and TaxesLegacy Challenge 64 2024-04-28
WUBWUB LegacyLegacy Challenge 32 2024-05-18 (1)
Azorius StonebladeAzorius Stoneblade LegacyAzorius StonebladeLegacy League 2024-05-07
Cradle ControlCradle Control LegacyCradle ControlLegacy Challenge 64 2024-05-05
PainterPainter LegacyPainterLegacy Challenge 32 2024-05-05
Death & TaxesDeath & Taxes LegacyAbzan StonebladeLisbon Legacy League 2024 // 6th Qualifier

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Equipping your battlefield with the Canoptek Scarab Swarm enables a persistent threat that can continually regenerate card advantage. It resurrects itself from the graveyard to the battlefield, ensuring that you keep an asset in play and maintain pressure on your opponent.

Resource Acceleration: The Canoptek Scarab Swarm excels in resource acceleration by potentially amassing a large number of artifact tokens rapidly. These tokens can often be utilized for various synergistic effects within your deck, enhancing your board state substantially.

Instant Speed: This card’s ability to operate at instant speed during the end step before your turn adds a strategic layer to gameplay. It allows for the replenishment of your forces at a time that can disadvantageously affect your opponent’s strategy, potentially altering their calculations and plays right before your turn commences.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Not a concern with the Canoptek Scarab Swarm as it does not feature a discard mechanic. Players need not worry about sacrificing valuable hand resources when playing this card.

Specific Mana Cost: With a cost that includes colorless mana, the Canoptek Scarab Swarm has flexibility but might be challenging to cast in a multicolor deck without sufficient mana-fixing options to accommodate the artifact nature of the card.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For the utility and impact on the battlefield, the Canoptek Scarab Swarm comes with a mana cost that could be considered high, especially in faster-paced games where efficiency could prevail over raw power.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Canoptek Scarab Swarm is a dynamic option for players who are looking to bolster their artifact or graveyard-based strategies, as it’s a scalable threat that fits well into decks designed around artifact synergies or recursion themes.

Combo Potential: This card excels in combinations, particularly with effects that care about self-milling or artifact count. It can provide sustained board presence or be used as a recurring resource engine to fuel other synergistic plays.

Meta-Relevance: In metagames where long games dominate, Canoptek Scarab Swarm’s persistent ability to return to play could provide a consistent edge, making it a smart pick for those aiming to stay ahead of the curve.


How to beat Canoptek Scarab Swarm

Navigating the battlefield against the Canoptek Scarab Swarm requires a well-thought-out strategy. This card brings a unique dynamic with its swarming ability creating a multitude of token creatures. It’s important to hinder their machine-like multiplication by intercepting their replication process. Keeping the board clear of potential targets for the swarm’s proliferation should be a priority. Utilize board wipes or targeted removals to ensure these token creatures don’t overrun you.

Control decks can find solace in counterspells and disruptive plays, efficiently managing the flow of the game and preventing the swarm from escalating. Consider implementing instant-speed removal to react swiftly to your opponent’s actions, ensuring they don’t gain the upper hand with their swarming tactics. Additionally, leveraging graveyard manipulation can diminish their recurrence, as the scarabs rely on the synergies of artifacts and creatures in the graveyard. By nullifying these elements, the potency of the Canoptek Scarab Swarm is significantly reduced.

It is also effective to apply pressure with your own creatures, forcing the swarm’s controller to use resources defensively. Focused aggression can curtail the swarm’s advantage, ensuring you maintain the upper hand. When you balance removal with strategic advances, the Canoptek Scarab Swarm becomes a manageable threat on the MTG battlefield.


BurnMana Recommendations

Deepening your MTG strategy with the Canoptek Scarab Swarm can redefine your gameplay. Given its ability to fortify your battlefield through constant token generation, this card harmonizes with artifact and graveyard tactics to up the ante against your rivals. For all its strength, it’s important to weigh its mana demands and the pace of your deck. By harnessing the Canoptek Scarab Swarm’s potential, you bolster your deck’s resilience and versatility. Curious about integrating this powerhouse into your lineup or countering its swarm? Navigate the intricate plane of MTG with us, where every card choice marks a step towards victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Canoptek Scarab Swarm MTG card by a specific set like Warhammer 40,000 Commander and Warhammer 40,000 Commander, 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 Canoptek Scarab Swarm and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Canoptek Scarab Swarm Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2022-10-07 and 2022-10-07. Illustrated by Alexey Kruglov.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 1502015NormalBlackAlexey Kruglov
22022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 150★2015NormalBlackAlexey Kruglov

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Canoptek Scarab Swarm has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2022-10-07 If an exiled card is both an artifact card and a land card, you will create one token, not two.