Diregraf Scavenger MTG Card
2021-11-19 - Number 105
2022-01-28 - Number 372
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Zombie Bear |
| Abilities | Deathtouch |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Deathtouch When Diregraf Scavenger enters the battlefield, exile up to one target card from a graveyard. If a creature card was exiled this way, each opponent loses 2 life and you gain 2 life.
It can barely feel the sword anymore.
Cards like Diregraf Scavenger
Diregraf Scavenger has etched its place in the evolving dynamics of creature cards within Magic: The Gathering. In a striking parallel, it draws comparison to the likes of Shambling Ghast. Both creatures are valued for their ability to influence the board state with death-triggered abilities. But the Diregraf Scavenger offers a unique twist with its lifegain component upon the removal of a creature card from an opponent’s graveyard. This nuances the gameplay, providing a strategy that not only disrupts graveyard synergies but also bolsters your own life total.
Another creature card worth mentioning is Foulmire Knight. Though it shares the Zombie archetype with Diregraf Scavenger and provides card advantage through its Profane Insight ability, it lacks the repeatable nature of the scavenger’s effect that feeds off opponent graveyard cycling. This can be a critical advantage in long-term strategy for maintaining board presence and resource advantage.
Combining pivotal grave-tampering with incremental life gain gives the Diregraf Scavenger its unique standing amongst its counterparts. It carves a niche that offers MTG players an edge in matches where graveyard interaction is a key element of the opponent’s strategy, thereby reinforcing its value in the current card pool.
Cards similar to Diregraf Scavenger by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Diregraf Scavenger. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Esper Control | Free form | Standard Pauper Tournament Feb 2024 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Diregraf Scavenger sets you up for a robust card economy. Each time a zombie you control deals combat damage to a player, you may draw a card. This ensures you won’t fall behind on resources and keeps your hand filled with options to outmaneuver your opponent.
Resource Acceleration: Fueling your game with the grave, Diregraf Scavenger can be a catalyst for resource acceleration. By exploiting the synergy with decks that self-mill or fill the graveyard with creatures, you can ramp up your board presence by strategically returning another zombie card from your graveyard to your hand.
Instant Speed: Although Diregraf Scavenger itself may not be an instant, its die trigger fits seamlessly into a strategy that operates at instant speed. This means you can plan graveyard recovery plays around your opponent’s actions, maintaining pressure and keeping the tempo in your favor without missing a beat.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Diregraf Scavenger’s ability necessitates the discard of a card. This can be a costly price to pay, particularly in moments when hands are running empty or each card’s value is at a premium.
Specific Mana Cost: Diregraf Scavenger requires a dedicated commitment of black mana in its casting cost, which could be restrictive for multi-colored decks where mana flexibility is key.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that might be deemed steep for its abilities, there are alternatives that might offer similar benefits at a lower mana investment, making Diregraf Scavenger compete for valuable deck slots in the four-mana curve.
Reasons to Include [THEME] in Your Collection
Versatility: Diregraf Scavenger brings a multifaceted approach to gameplay. Its ability to gain life while controlling opponent’s graveyards makes it a key player in both defensive and proactive strategies.
Combo Potential: As a card that interacts with death triggers, Diregraf Scavenger pairs well with various cards and mechanics, such as morbid or death synergies, amplifying your deck’s interconnected plays.
Meta-Relevance: With ever-shifting meta landscapes, the scavenger’s utility in disrupting opponent strategies can be crucial, particularly against decks reliant on graveyard resources, keeping them at bay while you gain an edge.
How to Beat
Diregraf Scavenger presents a unique challenge on the battlefield. It’s a creature card that not only deals with threats from the graveyard but can also be a source of life gain for the player. To successfully navigate against it, understanding its mechanics is vital. Notably, when Diregraf Scavenger or another Zombie dies, you can have it exile that card from your graveyard. If you do, each opponent loses 2 life, and you gain 2 life, a significant swing in health points in many games.
To counter this, players should focus on strategies that limit graveyard interactions. Utilizing cards with exile effects will ensure that creatures don’t reach the graveyard, negating the benefits that Diregraf Scavenger provides. Additionally, be mindful of instant-speed removals which can disrupt the opponent’s board before they can make the most of the card’s ability. Controlling the pace of the game, keeping graveyard-fueled resources sparse, and denying the card’s death-triggered advantages are key to beating Diregraf Scavenger and maintaining dominance on the game board.
Every card has its weaknesses, and with the right approach, Diregraf Scavenger can be managed effectively, ensuring that its impact on the game is minimized, and your position remains strong.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Diregraf Scavenger MTG card by a specific set like Innistrad: Crimson Vow and Innistrad: Double Feature, 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 Diregraf Scavenger and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Diregraf Scavenger Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2021-11-19 and 2022-01-28. Illustrated by Manuel Castañón.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2021-11-19 | Innistrad: Crimson Vow | VOW | 105 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Manuel Castañón | |
| 2 | 2022-01-28 | Innistrad: Double Feature | DBL | 372 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Manuel Castañón |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Diregraf Scavenger has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |