Frantic Scapegoat MTG Card
2024-02-09 - Number 126
2024-02-09 - Number 347
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Goat |
| Abilities | Haste,Suspect |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Haste When Frantic Scapegoat enters the battlefield, suspect it. (It has menace and can't block.) Whenever one or more other creatures enter the battlefield under your control, if Frantic Scapegoat is suspected, you may suspect one of the other creatures. If you do, Frantic Scapegoat is no longer suspected.
Cards like Frantic Scapegoat
Frantic Scapegoat offers a unique twist to the realm of protective spells in Magic: The Gathering. When examining its role, one might draw parallels with cards like Selfless Spirit which also safeguards creatures from being destroyed. Frantic Scapegoat steps up with the added flexibility to protect other permanent types, providing a broader shield in games. Unlike Selfless Spirit’s one-time use, Frantic Scapegoat has the potential for reuse, making it a tactical asset over time.
Another card worth comparing is Dauntless Escort, a creature that provides similar protection with a focus on creature indestructibility. While Dauntless Escort only covers creatures, its advantage lies in its application to all creatures you control, making it a mass preventative tool during a crucial turn. However, what sets Frantic Scapegoat apart is its element of surprise, offering protection without telegraphing your strategy to opponents.
Overall, Frantic Scapegoat stands out for its versatility and repeatable effect. While it might not offer the mass protection of some alternatives, its ability to shield a wider range of permanents provides a unique fabric of defensive strategies in Magic: The Gathering play.
Cards similar to Frantic Scapegoat by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Frantic Scapegoat. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Decklist | Free form | 86#CS | |
 | Mono-Red Aggro | Standard | Mono-Red Aggro | Standard Challenge 32 2024-02-10 |
 | Rakdos Aggro | Gladiator | Sword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 06 2024 | |
 | Gruul Aggro | Standard | Gruul Aggro | ~~ Izzet Explosive Experiment Event |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When playing with Frantic Scapegoat, the ability to potentially exchange it for a new card from the top of your library can be quite beneficial. This trade-off can provide players with a fresh option that may be more suited to the current board state, thereby keeping hand resources optimized.
Resource Acceleration: Although Frantic Scapegoat does not directly produce mana or Treasure tokens, its ability to bounce a nonland permanent you control to your hand can reset mana artifacts or other accelerants, essentially giving you additional uses out of them. This can serve as an enabler for resource acceleration in long-winded matches or complex game situations where every resource counts.
Instant Speed: The versatility of Frantic Scapegoat is significantly enhanced by its instant speed. This allows you to react to threats or unfavorable situations at a moment’s notice, keeping your opponents on their toes. Whether it’s saving a key creature from removal or simply triggering an ability during your opponent’s end step, the instant speed of this card ensures that you’re always poised to make a strategic move.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Using Frantic Scapegoat demands a card to be discarded as part of its activation. This could be detrimental in situations where maintaining hand strength is crucial to your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: Frantic Scapegoat’s casting needs include a precise combination of mana types, making it less flexible and potentially difficult to bring into play for decks not tailored to its color requirements.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At a cost that might be considered steep for the effect it provides, there are alternative cards that could achieve similar outcomes without the heavy mana investment, rendering Frantic Scapegoat a less optimal choice in some scenarios.
Reasons to Include Frantic Scapegoat in Your Collection
Versatility: As a card that can protect your creatures from being targeted or enable your own combos through its sacrifice ability, Frantic Scapegoat brings flexible solutions to dynamic game boards. Its adaptability to various situations makes it a handy addition to several deck archetypes.
Combo Potential: Frantic Scapegoat’s sacrifice ability synergizes with decks that capitalize on leaving and entering the battlefield triggers. It can become a crucial component in intricate combo lines or simply serve as a way to recycle creatures for added value.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where spot removal or interaction is prevalent, having a card like Frantic Scapegoat can give you an edge by safeguarding your key pieces. Particularly in metas with a lot of targeted disruption, it can ensure your strategy goes uninterrupted.
How to beat Frantic Scapegoat
Frantic Scapegoat presents a unique challenge in MTG due to its defensive capabilities and the ability to divert attention away from more critical threats on the board. Like the card Redirect, it can unexpectedly alter the course of the game by redirecting effects that target your important creatures or yourself to the Scapegoat instead.
Bypassing its ability requires precise timing and card selection. Instant speed removal spells, such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile, can effectively deal with the Scapegoat before it has the chance to activate its ability. Another effective strategy is to limit the activation opportunities by forcing the opponent to tap out or play around their mana availability.
Additionally, employing non-targeted removal like Wrath of God or board sweeps can neutralize the Scapegoat without triggering its ability. In a tight spot, holding onto a counter spell, specifically for this card, might be necessary, preventing its activation and maintaining your momentum. As with any unique MTG card, understanding Frantic Scapegoat’s role and having a plan to mitigate its impact are crucial to dominating the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Frantic Scapegoat MTG card by a specific set like Murders at Karlov Manor and Murders at Karlov Manor, 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 Frantic Scapegoat 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 Frantic Scapegoat Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2024-02-09 and 2024-02-09. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2024-02-09 | Murders at Karlov Manor | MKM | 126 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jesper Ejsing | |
| 2 | 2024-02-09 | Murders at Karlov Manor | MKM | 347 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Peter Diamond |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Frantic Scapegoat has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Standardbrawl | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |