Scourge of Geier Reach MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	5
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Elemental
Released	2011-09-30
Set symbol
Set name	Innistrad
Set code	ISD
Power	3
Toughness	3
Number	162
Frame	2003
Layout	normal
Border	black
Illustred by	Jung Park

Key Takeaways

Provides card advantage by controlling multiple threats with a single card – efficiency in gameplay.
Demands a strategic deck build focusing on red mana to accommodate its specific casting cost.
Excels in multiplayer games, where its power can scale massively and become game-changing.

Text of card

Scourge of Geier Reach gets +1/+1 for each creature your opponents control.

Stensian villagers mourned the loss of human life. Thraben vampire slayers mourned the loss of living wood.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Scourge of Geier Reach has an ability that scales with the number of creatures on the battlefield, enabling it to potentially deal with multiple threats at once. This can tip the scales of card equity in your favor as you manage to control a wider range of enemy forces with just a single card investment.

Resource Acceleration: While the Scourge itself does not directly accelerate resources, its powerful presence on the board can act as a deterrent, protecting your other mana-developing creatures or artifacts. This indirect protection allows you to continue ramping up your resources without as much interference.

Instant Speed: The power of the Scourge is in its imposing stature as a creature. Although it doesn’t operate at instant speed, its sheer size demands immediate answers, often causing opponents to prematurely use their instant-speed removal, which could otherwise destabilize your strategic plays during critical turns.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the drawbacks of Scourge of Geier Reach is that it demands a card to be discarded to unleash its full potential. This can be a double-edged sword, particularly in tight situations where hand size is already compromised.

Specific Mana Cost: With a mana cost that requires specific colors to cast, Scourge of Geier Reach might not fit seamlessly into a variety of decks. Its red mana cost necessitates a commitment to that color, potentially restricting deck building flexibility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although Scourge of Geier Reach can be a strong presence on the battlefield, it comes with a relatively steep mana cost. This sometimes weighs it down when compared to other creatures that may provide more immediate or low-cost advantages.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Scourge of Geier Reach is a card that can adapt to various strategies, often shining in decks that capitalize on creature size and board presence. Its ability to grow larger with each opponent’s creature means that in multiplayer games, it rapidly becomes a formidable force.

Combo Potential: This card has a natural synergy with effects that increase the number of creatures on the board, leveraging those tokens to boost its power. Pair it with cards that create tokens or with effects that force opponents to play more creatures for optimal effect.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment teeming with token strategies or where creature-heavy decks are common, Scourge of Geier Reach’s relevance surges. It serves as a powerful deterrent against swarm strategies and can dominate games if left unchecked. Its influence in game dynamics makes it a worthy addition to your collection, especially in multiplayer formats.

How to beat

Scourge of Geier Reach is a formidable creature card that intimidates many players with its power increasing for each creature your opponents control. Encountering this beast in a match can certainly be daunting, so understanding how to effectively neutralize its threat is essential. One effective strategy is to control the number of creatures your opponent has. Utilizing removal spells or board wipes to keep their creature count low will inherently limit the Scourge’s power.

Another tactic is employing cards that can dictate the pace of combat, such as those that prevent the Scourge from attacking or blocking. Ensnaring spells and abilities can keep this massive creature at bay. Similarly, you may consider using cards that bypass the creature altogether, whether through direct damage, flying creatures, or other mechanics that avoid land-bound threats. Essentially, lessening the Scourge’s impact revolves around maintaining a smaller battlefield or circumventing the threat it poses.

Remember, adapting your strategy based on the current board state and the composition of your deck is crucial. Sometimes, the best course of action is to shift your gameplay to a more defensive or control-oriented approach when facing a powerful card like Scourge of Geier Reach.

Cards like Scourge of Geier Reach

Scourge of Geier Reach stands as a formidable creature card in Magic: The Gathering, echoing the intimidating presence of cards like Thundering Giant. Both cards boast significant power, capable of dealing a punch during the combat phase. Scourge of Geier Reach’s power increases with the number of creatures your opponents control, whereas Thundering Giant has haste, allowing for immediate impact on the battlefield.

Another card that shares the chaotic battlefield influence is the Shivan Dragon, a creature that also grows stronger for each point of red mana spent. Unlike Scourge of Geier Reach, Shivan Dragon’s power can be controlled and doesn’t rely on opponents’ actions. However, both serve as potential game-enders if left unchecked.

When considering the utility and potential of Scourge of Geier Reach and its analogous cards, this particular creature finds its place among those looking to exploit populous enemy boards. Its innate ability to upscale its power gives it an edge in large multiplayer games, distinguishing it from other high-power creatures in the MTG universe.

Shivan Dragon - Limited Edition Alpha (LEA)

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

Balduvian War-Makers - MTG Card versions

Flowstone Salamander - MTG Card versions

Ma Chao, Western Warrior - MTG Card versions

Dwarven Strike Force - MTG Card versions

Volatile Arsonist // Dire-Strain Anarchist - MTG Card versions

Fire Elemental - Limited Edition Alpha (LEA)

Eron the Relentless - Pro Tour Collector Set (PTC)

Ma Chao, Western Warrior - Portal Three Kingdoms (PTK)

Covetous Dragon - World Championship Decks 1999 (WC99)

Volatile Arsonist // Dire-Strain Anarchist - Innistrad: Crimson Vow (VOW)

Frost Ogre - Betrayers of Kamigawa (BOK)

Heartless Hidetsugu - Betrayers of Kamigawa (BOK)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Scourge of Geier Reach MTG card by a specific set like Innistrad, 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 Geier Reach and other MTG cards: