Gruul Scrapper MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Human Berserker
Power 3
Toughness 2

Key Takeaways

  1. The Gruul Scrapper excels by offering creature removal and board establishment simultaneously.
  2. Mana ramping and synergy with instants bolster its utility in Gruul-colored decks.
  3. The trade-off comes with its discard requirement and specific, higher mana cost.

Text of card

When Gruul Scrapper enters the battlefield, if was spent to cast it, it gains haste until end of turn.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Gruul Scrapper provides a distinct edge by potentially removing an opponent’s creature while you deploy your own. This two-for-one scenario can quickly tip the scales in your favor as you’re effectively dealing with a threat while establishing board presence.

Resource Acceleration: As a creature that falls within the Gruul colors, it often synergizes with decks that focus on ramping up mana resources. By placing a creature on the board that may need to be answered immediately, you’re able to advance your game plan by making each creature played afterwards more threatening and harder for your opponent to deal with.

Instant Speed: Although the Gruul Scrapper itself is not an instant, it pairs well with instant-speed spells in your deck. This creature can demand an immediate answer, which then allows you to have free reign to cast other instant-speed spells without fear of being countered or disrupted on your own turn, strengthening your strategy and board state.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Gruul Scrapper’s ability to add value often comes with a cost, namely the need to discard another card. This action reduces your hand size, making it less ideal especially when you’re running out of steam or relying on card advantage against your opponent.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost demands both red and green mana, making it a strict fit for Gruul or multi-colored decks. Players running mono-colored or other two-color combinations may find the mana requirement too restrictive and might not get full value from this card in their strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The Scrapper’s abilities, while potentially beneficial, come at a relatively steep cost. In a format where mana efficiency is key, having a four-mana creature might not be the optimal play. There are numerous other creatures and spells at or below this cost threshold that could provide greater immediate impact or versatility on the battlefield.


Reasons to Include Gruul Scrapper in Your Collection

Versatility: Gruul Scrapper is a flexible card that can be slotted into various decks. This creature excels in decks emphasizing aggressive strategies and can also support midrange builds looking to apply pressure early on.

Combo Potential: Its ability to deal damage to each opponent makes it an excellent piece for combos in multiplayer formats. It synergizes well with cards that capitalize on dealing damage to multiple players or creatures, amplifying its impact on the game.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where creature-based tactics are prevalent, Gruul Scrapper holds its ground. As the metagame evolves, having a reliable creature that can both apply pressure and trade effectively is invaluable for staying competitive.


How to beat

Gruul Scrapper represents a formidable challenge on the board with its quick aggression and the ability to boost its power. Understanding the key strategies can be critical in turning the tides in your favor. One effective way is to control the board before it becomes too overwhelming. Utilizing removal spells like Path to Exile or Fatal Push can keep the Scrapper at bay before it gets out of control.

Another tactic is to block the Scrapper with creatures that have deathtouch. This trade-off ensures that even if the Scrapper is pumped up through spells or abilities, it’s effectively dealt with in combat. Moreover, countering the spells that boost Gruul Scrapper can prevent your opponent from ever establishing a dominant board presence.

Lastly, maintaining a higher life total to absorb the direct damage or racing them with a faster deck are both viable strategies. This approach could involve lifegain spells or opting for an aggressive strategy of your own, redirecting the pressure back onto the Scrapper user. By keeping these strategies in mind, you can craft a game plan that mitigates the threat of Gruul Scrapper and keeps you one step ahead.


Cards like Gruul Scrapper

The Gruul Scrapper may remind seasoned players of other creature cards that thrive on raw power and aggression. A card like Borderland Marauder from the Core Set has a similar impact when it swings into combat, boasting an increase in power during its attack phase, though without the inherent trample ability that Gruul Scrapper enjoys.

Another counterpart in this discussion is the Khenra Charioteer, delivering trample to not just itself but also to other creatures you control. While this ups the ante in terms of board influence, the Gruul Scrapper stands out with its potential boost beyond mere trample facilitation when matched with the right deck.

In peering at the mechanics and strategies of different creatures, the Gruul Scrapper carves out its niche, especially in decks that favor swift and potent attacks. Its capacity to catch opponents off guard with trample makes it a formidable card to consider for a deck built around direct damage and combat trickery in the MTG arena.

Borderland Marauder - MTG Card versions
Khenra Charioteer - MTG Card versions
Borderland Marauder - Magic 2015 (M15)
Khenra Charioteer - Amonkhet (AKH)

Cards similar to Gruul Scrapper by color, type and mana cost

Tuknir Deathlock - MTG Card versions
Jungle Patrol - MTG Card versions
Yavimaya Kavu - MTG Card versions
Voracious Cobra - MTG Card versions
Sparkcaster - MTG Card versions
Chishiro, the Shattered Blade - MTG Card versions
Hans Eriksson - MTG Card versions
Bloodbraid Elf - MTG Card versions
Goblin Clearcutter - MTG Card versions
Giant Solifuge - MTG Card versions
Rumbling Slum - MTG Card versions
Yule Ooze - MTG Card versions
Rosheen Meanderer - MTG Card versions
Thorn-Thrash Viashino - MTG Card versions
Hellkite Hatchling - MTG Card versions
Rhox Brute - MTG Card versions
Spellbreaker Behemoth - MTG Card versions
Huntmaster of the Fells // Ravager of the Fells - MTG Card versions
Polis Crusher - MTG Card versions
Kird Chieftain - MTG Card versions
Tuknir Deathlock - Legends (LEG)
Jungle Patrol - Mirage (MIR)
Yavimaya Kavu - Invasion (INV)
Voracious Cobra - Invasion (INV)
Sparkcaster - Planeshift (PLS)
Chishiro, the Shattered Blade - Neon Dynasty Commander (NEC)
Hans Eriksson - Commander Legends (CMR)
Bloodbraid Elf - Secret Lair 30th Anniversary Countdown Kit (SLC)
Goblin Clearcutter - Legions (LGN)
Giant Solifuge - RNA Guild Kit (GK2)
Rumbling Slum - Planechase (HOP)
Yule Ooze - Happy Holidays (HHO)
Rosheen Meanderer - Mystery Booster (MB1)
Thorn-Thrash Viashino - Planechase Anthology (PCA)
Hellkite Hatchling - Planechase Anthology (PCA)
Rhox Brute - Battlebond (BBD)
Spellbreaker Behemoth - Commander 2013 (C13)
Huntmaster of the Fells // Ravager of the Fells - Dark Ascension (DKA)
Polis Crusher - Theros (THS)
Kird Chieftain - Magic 2015 (M15)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Gruul Scrapper MTG card by a specific set like Salvat 2005 and Salvat 2005, 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 Gruul Scrapper and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Gruul Scrapper Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2005-08-22 and 2006-02-03. Illustrated by Liam Sharp.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12005-08-22Salvat 2005PSAL I422003normalwhiteLiam Sharp
22005-08-22Salvat 2005PSAL I432003normalwhiteLiam Sharp
32006-02-03GuildpactGPT 892003normalblackLiam Sharp

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Gruul Scrapper has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

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