Icatian Scout MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 6 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Human Soldier Scout
Power 1
Toughness 1

Key Takeaways

  1. Icatian Scout can tip combat in your favor by offering first strike to creatures.
  2. It provides utility and flexibility with its low-cost and instant-speed activation.
  3. While useful, potential downsides include its specific mana requirement and discard cost.

Text of card

o1, oc T: Target creature gains first strike until end of turn.

"Of course I'm not a spy! The enemy has spies. I am a Scout." —Ailis Connaut


Card Pros

Card Advantage: While the Icatian Scout itself may not draw cards, its ability to give target creature first strike can be a critical factor in combat situations. It empowers your creatures to potentially take down stronger adversaries without trading, thereby preserving your board presence and maintaining card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: The Icatian Scout doesn’t directly contribute to mana acceleration, but its low casting cost complements strategies that aim for a quick deployment of creatures. A low mana curve allows you to play multiple spells sooner in the game, which indirectly accelerates your resource deployment.

Instant Speed: The Icatian Scout’s ability can be activated at instant speed, giving you the flexibility to surprise your opponent during combat. This can disrupt their combat calculations and potentially lead to favorable trades or preservation of your key creatures. Additionally, the instant-speed nature of its ability means you can wait until the most opportune moment during the combat phase to use it.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One downside of the Icatian Scout is its inherent discard requirement for achieving its main utility. Having to discard frequently can deplete your hand quickly, reducing strategic options as the game progresses.

Specific Mana Cost: Another limitation of this card is its specific mana cost. The Icatian Scout needs white mana to be played, which can restrict its inclusion to decks that rely heavily on or include white mana sources.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Though its mana cost might appear low, considering the scope of its ability, the Icatian Scout has a comparatively high mana cost. This can impact game tempo, especially when more efficient creatures or spells are available that provide better value or more immediate board presence for a similar investment.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Icatian Scout may not be a headline-stealer, but its flexibility in deck building should not be underestimated. Its ability to give another target creature first strike can turn the tides in combat, making it a useful addition to creature-based decks looking for strategic advantage on the battlefield.

Combo Potential: This scout can seamlessly integrate into combos, especially in decks that aim to exploit the first strike mechanic. It can be paired with cards that benefit from tapping or untapping creatures, triggering effects that could potentially create a formidable locking system against opponents.

Meta-Relevance: With an ever-shifting landscape, Icatian Scout might find its place in sideboards ready to counter specific metagames. Its low casting cost and utility make it easy to slip into play when facing decks that are vulnerable to combat tricks, providing a tactical edge when it’s most needed.


How to beat

Icatian Scout, while not the mightiest creature in the MTG universe, offers a strategic support role that can occasionally prove irksome if you’re facing one. To counteract the Scout’s ability to boost other creatures’ toughness, having removal spells at the ready can shift the tide of the game. Direct removal spells that can unconditionally destroy or exile a creature, regardless of its toughness, are essential tools. Consider spells like Fatal Push or Path to Exile that can dispense with the Scout before its ability becomes a factor.

Apart from targeted removal, controlling the board state with sweepers or setting up defenses that discourage your opponent from attacking are also valid strategies. Sweepers like Wrath of God can clear the board of multiple threats, including any buffed by the Scout’s ability. Conversely, placing durable blockers on the battlefield can render the Scout’s influence negligible. This way, your opponent may be less inclined to engage in an attack that’s likely to fail. Successfully managing these strategies will help ensure that the Icatian Scout doesn’t become a lingering problem during play.


Cards like Icatian Scout

The Icatian Scout card occupies a niche role within the vast landscape of creature cards in MTG. Like the Scout, cards such as Veteran Armorsmith bolster your army by providing a beneficial effect to other creatures. While the Armorsmith enhances the defensive capabilities of your soldiers, the Icatian Scout’s strength lies in its ability to grant the all-important “first strike” ability, albeit temporarily.

When placed side by side with Benalish Hero, another card shines through for its banding ability, which can confuse attackers and strategize joint defense. Both the Scout and the Hero have their unique take on tactical advantage. However, the Benalish Hero doesn’t require mana to use its ability, unlike our Scout. Conversely, the Icatian Scout allows for more aggressive plays by enabling first strike, potentially turning the tide of battle in your favor.

Therefore, while there are several cards that echo functionalities similar to the Icatian Scout, it stands out for its particular usefulness in combat scenarios. It enables otherwise vulnerable creatures to withstand and win battles they would normally lose, emphasizing its strategic utility in MTG gameplay.

Veteran Armorsmith - MTG Card versions
Benalish Hero - MTG Card versions
Veteran Armorsmith - Magic 2010 (M10)
Benalish Hero - Limited Edition Alpha (LEA)

Cards similar to Icatian Scout by color, type and mana cost

Savannah Lions - MTG Card versions
Benalish Hero - MTG Card versions
Icatian Infantry - MTG Card versions
Icatian Javelineers - MTG Card versions
Kjeldoran Warrior - MTG Card versions
Trade Caravan - MTG Card versions
Vigilant Martyr - MTG Card versions
Honor Guard - MTG Card versions
Volunteer Militia - MTG Card versions
Nomads en-Kor - MTG Card versions
Soul Warden - MTG Card versions
Resistance Fighter - MTG Card versions
Honorable Scout - MTG Card versions
Devoted Caretaker - MTG Card versions
Faerie Guidemother // Gift of the Fae - MTG Card versions
Kor Duelist - MTG Card versions
Yoshimaru, Ever Faithful - MTG Card versions
Mother of Runes - MTG Card versions
Daru Mender - MTG Card versions
Eager Cadet - MTG Card versions
Savannah Lions - Collectors' Edition (CED)
Benalish Hero - Fourth Edition (4ED)
Icatian Infantry - Fallen Empires (FEM)
Icatian Javelineers - Masters Edition II (ME2)
Kjeldoran Warrior - Ice Age (ICE)
Trade Caravan - Homelands (HML)
Vigilant Martyr - Mirage (MIR)
Honor Guard - Ninth Edition (9ED)
Volunteer Militia - Portal Second Age (P02)
Nomads en-Kor - World Championship Decks 1998 (WC98)
Soul Warden - Historic Anthology 1 (HA1)
Resistance Fighter - Classic Sixth Edition (6ED)
Honorable Scout - Planeshift (PLS)
Devoted Caretaker - Odyssey (ODY)
Faerie Guidemother // Gift of the Fae - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Kor Duelist - Wizards Play Network 2009 (PWP09)
Yoshimaru, Ever Faithful - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Mother of Runes - The List (PLST)
Daru Mender - Legions (LGN)
Eager Cadet - Eighth Edition (8ED)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Icatian Scout MTG card by a specific set like Fallen Empires and Fallen Empires, 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 Icatian Scout and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Icatian Scout Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1994-11-01 and 2008-09-22. Illustrated by 4 different artists.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11994-11-01Fallen EmpiresFEM 13c1993normalblackRob Alexander
21994-11-01Fallen EmpiresFEM 13d1993normalblackPhil Foglio
31994-11-01Fallen EmpiresFEM 13b1993normalblackDouglas Shuler
41994-11-01Fallen EmpiresFEM 13a1993normalblackRichard Kane Ferguson
51997-03-24Fifth Edition5ED 371997normalwhiteRob Alexander
62008-09-22Masters Edition IIME2 171997normalblackRichard Kane Ferguson

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Icatian Scout has restrictions

FormatLegality
OldschoolLegal
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

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