Repository Skaab MTG Card
2021-11-19 - Number 73
2022-01-28 - Number 340
2021-11-19 - Number 24
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Zombie |
| Abilities | Exploit |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Exploit (When this creature enters the battlefield, you may sacrifice a creature.) When Repository Skaab exploits a creature, return target instant or sorcery card from your graveyard to your hand.
Created to capture the spark of genius for later use.
Cards like Repository Skaab
Repository Skaab solidifies its presence in the array of creature cards that Magic: The Gathering has to offer. This creature bears resemblance to other cards that facilitate graveyard interaction and card advantage. One could draw parallels with Havengul Lich, which also permits the casting of creatures from the graveyard. However, Repository Skaab requires a more immediate sacrifice of a creature as part of its cost to recast another creature card, making it a calculated move within the game.
Another similar card is Stitcher’s Supplier, a creature known for filling the graveyard with more potential reanimation targets. Though it doesn’t directly return cards to the hand or battlefield like Repository Skaab, its synergy with graveyard strategies is undeniable. Balustrade Spy works similarly, stocking the graveyard, but lacks the on-demand reusability that Repository Skaab presents. The Spy’s impact is felt once, upon entry to the battlefield, while Repository Skaab’s activation can be leveraged multiple times at the cost of other creatures.
When evaluating Repository Skaab alongside its counterparts, it offers a unique twist by combining creature sacrifice with selective reanimation—an intriguing option for players who build around graveyard mechanics and creature-based strategies within MTG. Its incorporation can be a key factor in turning the tides of a match by providing strategic recursion and card advantage.
Cards similar to Repository Skaab by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Repository Skaab. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Cycle Storm | Pauper | Cycle Storm | Pauper Challenge 32 2024-03-30 |
 | Walls Combo | Pauper | Walls Combo | Pauper League 2024-04-29 |
 | Grixis Control | Standard | Grixis Control | Standard Super Qualifier 2024-04-28 |
| Dimir Reanimator | Standard | Dimir Reanimator | Standard Challenge 32 2024-03-30 |
 | WUBRG | Pauper | Pauper Preliminary 2024-04-16 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The ability of Repository Skaab to exploit and leverage graveyard resources is a cornerstone for gaining card advantage. This card synergistically works with a strategy that fills the graveyard, turning potential dead draws into useful resources.
Resource Acceleration: As Repository Skaab enters the battlefield, it immediately enables resource acceleration by delivering a creature back into your hand. This can potentially ramp you into bigger threats faster than usual, giving you an edge over your opponent.
Instant Speed: Although Repository Skaab itself does not operate at instant speed, its interaction with instant speed graveyard fillers allows you to be reactive. You can set up your graveyard on the fly and exploit the full potential of Repository Skaab when it’s most advantageous to your game plan.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: For players seeking to summon Repository Skaab, ready your graveyard because you’ll need to discard a card to bring this creature into play. This can pose a challenge during gameplay when your hand is already struggling, as you’re forced to deplete valuable resources.
Specific Mana Cost: Deck builders be wary, Repository Skaab demands a precise combination of one blue and two generic mana. This specific requirement is something to consider, as it narrows the card’s universal appeal and may not slot into every strategy that craves versatility in mana expenditure.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Repository Skaab offers the possibility to reconstruct your graveyard’s assets, the investment is not trifling. Three mana to muster this creature is a cost that might tip the scales unfavorably compared to other cards within this mana range, potentially resulting in a slower tempo against competitors that opt for leaner mana curves.
Reasons to Include Repository Skaab in Your Collection
Versatility: Repository Skaab offers flexibility in gameplay by functioning as both an enabler and a threat. With the ability to recycle creatures from your graveyard and to transform into a potential game-winner itself, it’s a fine addition to various blue-centric decks that value utility and resilience.
Combo Potential: This card has synergy with numerous graveyard-based strategies. It can seamlessly slot into self-mill decks or those that intentionally discard cards, allowing for strategic reanimation plays or simply providing chump blockers while you set up for your win condition.
Meta-Relevance: Given the current trends in competitive play, a card that offers incremental advantage and presents a recurring dilemma for opponents can be a key component. Repository Skaab’s iterative value holds up well in many metagame environments, especially where longer, more interactive games are common.
How to Beat
Repository Skaab offers a unique twist as a creature card in Magic: The Gathering, integrating graveyard mechanics and artifact synergy into gameplay. As a blue-based card, it can be a linchpin in constructs revolving around self-mill strategies and artifact recursion. To effectively counter Repository Skaab, it’s essential to mitigate its ability to exploit the graveyard. Graveyard hate cards like Rest in Peace or Leyline of the Void are superb tools to invalidate the Skaab’s advantage by exiling cards rather than sending them to the graveyard.
Another tactic involves directly removing Repository Skaab from play before it can become a persistent threat. Utilize removal spells such as Murder or Path to Exile, ensuring the creature is dealt with swiftly. Additionally, counterspells are your best defense during the casting phase, preventing the Skaab from even entering the battlefield. Control decks excel at this, keeping the board state clear of nuisances such as Repository Skaab.
Ultimately, adapting your MTG game to anticipate and disrupt your opponent’s strategy, especially when cards like Repository Skaab are involved, will lead to greater success and keep you a step ahead in the gathering of magical duels.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Repository Skaab // Repository Skaab MTG card by a specific set like Crimson Vow Art Series and Innistrad: Crimson Vow, 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 Repository Skaab // Repository Skaab 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
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Printings
The Repository Skaab // Repository Skaab Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2021-11-19 and 2022-01-28. Illustrated by Olivier Bernard.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Crimson Vow Art Series | AVOW | 24 | 2015 | Art series | Borderless | Olivier Bernard | ||
| 2 | 2021-11-19 | Innistrad: Crimson Vow | VOW | 73 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Olivier Bernard | |
| 3 | 2022-01-28 | Innistrad: Double Feature | DBL | 340 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Olivier Bernard |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Repository Skaab has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |