Green Scarab MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Enchantment — Aura |
| Abilities | Enchant |
| Released | 1995-06-03 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Ice Age |
| Set code | ICE |
| Number | 28 |
| Frame | 1993 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Nicola Leonard |
Text of card
Target creature gets +2/+2 as long as any opponent controls any green cards. That creature cannot be blocked by green creatures.
Unveiling the Green Scarab
When it comes to unique creature cards in Magic: The Gathering, the Green Scarab card garners attention for its distinctive properties. Versatile in its usage, it embodies both an element of land ramp and creature durability akin to cards such as Llanowar Elves and Jade Guardian, respectively. Llanowar Elves is widely treasured for its mana acceleration effect, allowing players to cast spells earlier than the standard curve. On the other end, Jade Guardian boasts the hexproof ability, providing resilience against targeted spells and abilities.
Cards like Green Scarab
In the vast landscape of Magic: The Gathering, Green Scarab finds its niche among a few interesting peers. Like Sakura-Tribe Elder, it provides the opportunity for land advancement, although the Scarab tends more towards permanence by putting lands onto the battlefield rather than in hand. Another card that echoes Green Scarab’s philosophy is Rampant Growth – a staple in ramp strategies with its straightforward land tutoring. Green Scarab stands apart with its inherent creature status, contributing to board presence while offering an advantage in resources.
Comparisons can also be drawn to creatures like Viridian Emissary, which shares a similar land search mechanism, but relies on its death to trigger the effect. Contrastingly, Green Scarab functions more proactively, securing the land upon fulfilling its condition, be it an attack or specific ability activation. This versatile approach allows for tactical flexibility and an enhancement in both deck speed and creature fortitude during the game.
Unifying creature utility with land-related mechanics, Green Scarab solidifies its role in decks that value consistent land play and board state. It offers a unique blend that, when used strategically, could potentially spearhead a new wave of gameplay in MTG circles.
Cards similar to Green Scarab by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Green Scarab card excels at offering its controller a steady flow of card advantage. By permitting you to scry and potentially draw extra cards, it ensures that you consistently have access to the resources you need to outmaneuver your opponents.
Resource Acceleration: One of the key strengths of Green Scarab is its ability to ramp up your mana resources efficiently. Green decks are known for their capacity to accelerate the game, and this card contributes by enabling faster deployment of large creatures or activating powerful abilities sooner than expected.
Instant Speed: The adaptability of Green Scarab at instant speed cannot be overstated. It allows you to react on-the-fly to the changing battlefield, making it a versatile weapon in your arsenal that can be used at the most opportune moments, whether that’s disrupting an opponent’s strategy or enhancing your own position at the last second.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Green Scarab card obliges players to let go of another card from their hand, potentially depleting their valuable resources when they can least afford it.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a precise type of mana, which may not always align smoothly with the mana curve or the overall strategy of a deck, limiting its versatility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the Green Scarab offers certain intriguing gameplay benefits, its cost is on the higher side for its category, leaving players to wonder if their mana could be better spent on more impactful cards.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: The Green Scarab card is a flexible addition to any deck looking to enhance its creature-based strategies. As a creature itself, it can easily adapt to various roles on the battlefield, whether you require a blocker, an attacker, or a synergistic piece for creature-focused tactics.
Combo Potential: With its inherent abilities, the Green Scarab could seamlessly integrate into combos that capitalize on +1/+1 counters, insect synergies, or any green-centric mechanisms. It serves not only as a standalone threat but also as a catalyst for powerful interactions within your deck.
Meta-Relevance: Given the dynamic nature of the MTG metagame, the Green Scarab may prove to be a valuable asset in responding to current trends. Its versatility and potential for combo play mean that it can adjust to the ebb and flow of prevalent deck types, making it a card that can retain relevance across different competitive environments.
How to beat
The Green Scarab card in MTG brings a unique dynamic to the battleground. Renowned for its ability to bolster creatures, it fits snugly into decks that celebrate the verdant vigour of green mana. The key to overcoming this card lies in neutralizing its creature enhancement before your opponent’s army becomes overwhelming.
Utilize removal spells effectively to clear the boosted creatures from the board. Cards such as Path to Exile or Doom Blade can be especially potent when facing creatures that have been empowered by Green Scarab. Additionally, counter-strategies are also valuable. Consider using enchantment removal like Naturalize or Disenchant to directly target and dismantle the Green Scarab, curtailing its utility and leaving your opponent’s creatures more vulnerable.
Moreover, aim to control the pace of the game. Swiftly manage the threat of creature buffs by keeping a close watch on your opponent’s moves and maintaining removal resources. In this struggle of wits and resources, adapting your game plan to answer the persistent threat of Green Scarab’s creature enhancements can secure your path to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Green Scarab MTG card by a specific set like Ice Age, 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 Green Scarab and other MTG cards:
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- 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Green Scarab has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |