Rust Scarab MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	5
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Insect
Released	2013-02-01
Set symbol
Set name	Gatecrash
Set code	GTC
Power	4
Toughness	5
Number	130
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Adam Paquette

Key Takeaways

Rust Scarab can create card advantage by forcing opponents to lose valuable artifacts and enchantments.
Its ability can indirectly accelerate resources, shaping the flow of the game in your favor.
Despite not having instant speed, its impact grows as the game progresses, influencing combat decisions.

Text of card

Whenever Rust Scarab becomes blocked, you may destroy target artifact or enchantment defending player controls.

"Behold nature's answer to the problem of society." —Nikya of the Old Ways

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Rust Scarab has the unique ability to become a persistent threat that can dismantle your opponent’s line of defense. Due to its ability to destroy enemy artifacts and enchantments upon being blocked, it can gradually chip away at your opponent’s resources, creating a situational card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: While the Rust Scarab itself does not directly accelerate resources, its capability to remove mana-generating artifacts or stall the game until you deploy your bigger threats can indirectly contribute to a superior board state, ensuring you maximize your mana usage each turn.

Instant Speed: While not at instant speed, the Rust Scarab’s inherent ability to affect the board becomes more valuable as the game progresses, forcing opponents to think twice before blocking, potentially leaving avenues open for other creatures to attack unhindered.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Rust Scarab’s utility may be hindered by a discard requirement in some decks where card advantage is paramount.

Specific Mana Cost: Rust Scarab’s casting cost includes two specific mana symbols, which may not be optimal for multi-colored or color-restricted decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The five mana required to summon this beetle could be seen as excessive when you consider the cost-to-effectiveness ratio against other potential card choices.

Reasons to Include Rust Scarab in Your Collection

Versatility: Rust Scarab boasts an ability to keep opponents on their toes by rendering their blocking creatures ineffective if they rely on artifacts or enchantments. Its solid stature makes it a practical choice for a variety of decks, fitting into strategies that require a robust creature presence on the board.

Combo Potential: This card pairs exceptionally well with effects that force opponents to block, thereby ensuring that its ability is utilized. Plus, its interaction with artifact and enchantment removal can disrupt your opponent’s board, helping to pave the way for your victory.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where artifacts and enchantments are common, the Rust Scarab provides an edge by intimidating those strategies. Its presence alone can be a deterrence, influencing the way opponents play their key pieces and potentially providing a strategic advantage in the match-up.

How to beat

Rust Scarab is an intriguing creature in the realm of Magic: The Gathering, known for its ability to become an obstacle for opponents who rely heavily on artifacts and enchantments. Whenever the Rust Scarab becomes blocked, it may destroy target artifact or enchantment defending player controls, making it a persistent threat. Yet, overcoming this card is not as daunting as it might seem.

Facing Rust Scarab, efficient removal spells are key. Since the Scarab’s ability triggers only when blocked, direct removal spells that don’t require blocking, such as Doom Blade or Path to Exile, are effective ways to deal with it without triggering its destructive ability. Additionally, you can opt for board control with spells such as Wrath of God to clear the battlefield, including the resilient Rust Scarab, without having to engage it in combat.

With thoughtful play and strategic removal, you can handle Rust Scarab quite effectively. Whether you’re using single-target spells to bypass combat or sweeping the board clean, the key is to manage Rust Scarab before it can leverage its ability to disrupt your game plan. By incorporating these tactics into your match, you can mitigate the impact of Rust Scarab and maintain control of the game state.

Cards like Rust Scarab

Rust Scarab stands out in the world of utility creatures in Magic: The Gathering. It’s often compared to other “staple removal” creatures such as Reclamation Sage, which can destroy target artifact or enchantment upon entering the battlefield. While Rust Scarab doesn’t provide immediate removal, it becomes a nuisance by potentially locking out an opponent’s noncreature permanents upon being blocked or blocked.

The likes of Acidic Slime also offer similarities, having the ability to take out artifacts, enchantments, or even lands when it hits the field. Yet, the Scarab is more combat-centric, offering a specific and repeating response to blockers rather than a one-time effect. Contrastingly, Indrik Stomphowler presents another comparison, with removal tied to its body but with a limitation on targets and a higher mana cost.

In evaluating these options, Rust Scarab offers an intriguing blend of offensive pressures and strategic complexity, making it a creature that demands an answer, lest it slowly dismantle your opponent’s board state, piece by piece.

Cards similar to Rust Scarab by color, type and mana cost

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Rust Scarab MTG card by a specific set like Gatecrash, 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 Rust Scarab and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Rust Scarab has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Restricted
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Penny	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2013-01-24	Rust Scarab’s ability normally triggers only once per combat, no matter how many creatures are assigned to block it.
2013-01-24	The artifact or enchantment will be destroyed before combat damage is dealt but after blockers are chosen.