Scourge of Fleets MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 6 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost7
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Kraken
Power 6
Toughness 6

Key Takeaways

  1. Scourge of Fleets specializes in board control, turning the tide by returning multiple opposing creatures to the hand.
  2. Though not instant speed, its entry effect mimics instant disruption, strategizing the timing of your play is crucial.
  3. With high mana cost, players must manage resources effectively but the payoff can dominate the game flow.

Text of card

When Scourge of Fleets enters the battlefield, return each creature your opponents control with toughness X or less to its owner's hand, where X is the number of Islands you control.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Scourge of Fleets shines in enabling players to regain control of the board. Upon entering the battlefield, if you control a sufficient number of Islands, you can potentially return a multitude of opposing creatures to your opponent’s hand. This form of mass bounce effect not only disrupts your adversary’s board presence but can also translate into a significant card advantage, as you force them to redeploy their resources.

Resource Acceleration: While the Scourge of Fleets itself doesn’t directly provide mana or acceleration, its impact can indirectly lead to resource acceleration. By bouncing multiple creatures at once, you free up the board allowing for more direct attacks and an unimpeded path to accelerate your game plan. This can result in gaining the upper hand both in tempo and in the resources required to close out the game.

Instant Speed: Although Scourge of Fleets is a creature and thus not cast at instant speed, the immediate effect of its ability upon hitting the battlefield mimics the disruptive nature of an instant. By playing this card at the right moment, after your opponent has committed to a wide board state, you can drastically swing the game in your favor, reminiscent of the sudden impact an instant speed play would have.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Although Scourge of Fleets does not have a discard requirement, it’s important to consider your hand size when playing high-cost cards as strategic management of your hand is crucial.

Specific Mana Cost: Scourge of Fleets requires a hefty seven mana to cast, which includes one blue. This specific mana cost could hinder its integration into multi-colored decks that might not consistently generate sufficient blue mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its seven mana cost, Scourge of Fleets competes with other high-impact creatures and spells. In faster-paced games, its cost could be a drawback, leaving the player vulnerable while they gather the necessary resources.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Scourge of Fleets provides a unique advantage in blue decks that focus on controlling the board. Its ability to return all creatures your opponents control with toughness less than or equal to the number of Islands you control makes it adaptable in various game scenarios.

Combo Potential: This card excels in decks that capitalize on creatures entering the battlefield or those designed around sea monsters. Its ability to clear the board can be used in tandem with cards that punish opponents for returning creatures to their hand or those that benefit from having multiple sea creatures in play.

Meta-Relevance: In the current metagame, overwhelming opponents with creature-heavy decks is commonplace. Scourge of Fleets can disrupt those strategies and turn the tide of the game, making it a strategic inclusion against decks that rely on establishing a significant board presence.


How to beat

The Scourge of Fleets is a formidable blue creature in MTG that can turn the tide of the game upon entering the battlefield. This card’s ability to return all creatures your opponents control with toughness less than or equal to the number of Islands you control can clear the board and pave the way for a victory. But what’s the best strategy to counteract this sea titan?

Control and removal spells are your front line of defense, allowing you to handle the Scourge before it can make waves. Counterspells are particularly effective, as they prevent this kraken from even entering the battlefield. Should it manage to hit the board, having instant-speed removal can sweep it away before its ability has time to capsize your strategy. Additionally, limiting the number of Islands your opponent controls restrains the Scourge’s potential impact, rendering its board-clearing capability much less intimidating.

Paying attention to your opponent’s mana and board state can also give you an edge. A Scourge of Fleets usually requires a considerable amount of mana to cast; track this to anticipate and prepare your defenses accordingly. By staying vigilant and keeping your removal ready, you can neutralize the Scourge and maintain control of the seas.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG involves recognizing the pivotal moments where cards like Scourge of Fleets can shift the balance in your favor. With its ability to sweep away an opponent’s creatures, this card is crucial for blue control decks, providing a wave of relief when the board gets crowded. However, consider the mana costs and deck compatibility before making it the lynchpin of your strategy. To deepen your understanding of when to play this Leviathan and other related strategies, join us. Our insights ensure that your game stays afloat even against the roughest tides. Learn more and navigate to victory with us.


Cards like Scourge of Fleets

The Scourge of Fleets stands as a mighty presence in the realm of creature-based control in Magic: The Gathering. Like the Scourge, the card Whelming Wave delivers a sweeping effect, returning creatures to their owners’ hands, but it spares all Krakens, Leviathans, Octopuses, and Serpents. However, while Whelming Wave affects the entire board, Scourge of Fleets targets only the creatures your opponents control based on the number of Islands you have, offering a slightly more tailored approach to battlefield management.

Engulf the Shore is another card that echoes this island-centric theme and can also function as a mass bounce spell. Where Scourge of Fleets differs is in its embodiment as a creature which in itself can be a formidable beater and retainer of board presence post-casting. Additionally, Engulf the Shore has instant speed flexibility, which can provide a substantial tactical advantage.

Considering the strategy and impact, Scourge of Fleets provides an advantageous effect for players looking to leverage their Island count into powerful creature control, setting it apart from its counterparts, despite the higher mana investment in comparison to more instantaneous options.

Whelming Wave - MTG Card versions
Engulf the Shore - MTG Card versions
Whelming Wave - Born of the Gods (BNG)
Engulf the Shore - Shadows over Innistrad Promos (PSOI)

Cards similar to Scourge of Fleets by color, type and mana cost

Island Fish Jasconius - MTG Card versions
Djinn of the Lamp - MTG Card versions
Tolarian Serpent - MTG Card versions
Blizzard Elemental - MTG Card versions
Vizzerdrix - MTG Card versions
Amugaba - MTG Card versions
Jin-Gitaxias, Progress Tyrant - MTG Card versions
Tromokratis - MTG Card versions
Hullbreaker Horror - MTG Card versions
Colossal Whale - MTG Card versions
Alhammarret, High Arbiter - MTG Card versions
Mistform Skyreaver - MTG Card versions
Slipstream Eel - MTG Card versions
Weaver of Lies - MTG Card versions
Quicksilver Behemoth - MTG Card versions
Rimefeather Owl - MTG Card versions
Errant Ephemeron - MTG Card versions
Cyclone Summoner - MTG Card versions
Isleback Spawn - MTG Card versions
Marjhan - MTG Card versions
Island Fish Jasconius - Fourth Edition (4ED)
Djinn of the Lamp - Portal (POR)
Tolarian Serpent - Weatherlight (WTH)
Blizzard Elemental - Urza's Destiny (UDS)
Vizzerdrix - Ninth Edition (9ED)
Amugaba - Odyssey (ODY)
Jin-Gitaxias, Progress Tyrant - Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty Promos (PNEO)
Tromokratis - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Hullbreaker Horror - Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate (CLB)
Colossal Whale - Tales of Middle-earth Commander (LTC)
Alhammarret, High Arbiter - Magic Origins (ORI)
Mistform Skyreaver - Onslaught (ONS)
Slipstream Eel - The List (PLST)
Weaver of Lies - Legions (LGN)
Quicksilver Behemoth - Darksteel (DST)
Rimefeather Owl - Coldsnap (CSP)
Errant Ephemeron - Time Spiral Remastered (TSR)
Cyclone Summoner - Kaldheim Promos (PKHM)
Isleback Spawn - Shadowmoor (SHM)
Marjhan - Masters Edition II (ME2)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Scourge of Fleets MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Journey into Nyx Promos, 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 Scourge of Fleets and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Scourge of Fleets Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 2014-04-26 and 2020-11-20. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 523242003normalblackAdam Paquette
22014-04-26Journey into Nyx PromosPJOU 51★2003normalblackAdam Paquette
32014-05-02Journey into NyxJOU 512003normalblackSteven Belledin
42015-02-27Duel Decks: Elspeth vs. KioraDDO 412015normalblackSteven Belledin
52020-09-25Zendikar Rising CommanderZNC 352015normalblackSteven Belledin
62020-11-20Commander LegendsCMR 4032015normalblackSteven Belledin

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Scourge of Fleets has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

DateText
2014-04-26 The value of X is determined as the ability resolves.

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