Scavenger Folk MTG Card
1994-08-01 - Number 87
1995-07-01 - Number 69
1997-03-24 - Number 323
2001-04-11 - Number 267
2001-04-11 - Number 267★
2011-01-10 - Number 166
| Card sets | Released in 6 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
o G, oc T: Sacrifice Scavenger Folk to destroy target artifact.
String, weapons, wax, or jewels—it makes no difference. Leave nothing unguarded in Scarwood.
Cards like Scavenger Folk
Scavenger Folk may not capture the spotlight in the vast arsenal of creature cards within Magic: The Gathering, yet within its niche, it provides a straightforward utility. Taking a look at its peers, we can compare it to cards like Caustic Caterpillar and Gleeful Sabotage. Caustic Caterpillar shares the same mana cost as Scavenger Folk, with the additional benefit of having an easier mana requirement for activating its ability. Both creatures serve as an answer to troublesome artifacts and enchantments, with Caustic Caterpillar being a slightly more adaptable solution.
Examining Gleeful Sabotage, we see a sorcery that, while non-recurring like the Folk, offers the potential to destroy multiple targets thanks to its conspire ability. However, the Scavenger Folk’s advantage lies in its creature type, allowing it to participate in combat and synergies with cards that care about such traits. The Folk, therefore, fits nicely into decks that need a body on the board while still holding onto artifact and enchantment removal capabilities.
In sum, while Scavenger Folk might not be the first choice for all deck builders, it is certainly a card worth considering for its blend of offensive and utility roles, providing a strategic edge in games requiring quick and repeatable artifact or enchantment elimination.
Cards similar to Scavenger Folk by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Scavenger Folk, while not directly granting card advantage in terms of drawing cards, effectively offers a form of advantage by providing an answer to your opponent’s artifacts. Removing key artifacts can disrupt your opponent’s strategy and put you ahead.
Resource Acceleration: Though Scavenger Folk does not accelerate your resources in the traditional sense, its low casting cost allows for a swift on-board presence. This means you can develop your board and still have mana open for other plays.
Instant Speed: The ability to be sacrificed at instant speed grants Scavenger Folk flexibility. You can wait until the most opportune moment to remove a threatening artifact without sacrificing the pace of your own gameplay.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing Scavenger Folk often requires you to sacrifice the card itself to utilize its ability. This can lead to a decrease in creature count on your side of the board, a disadvantage especially if you’re attempting to maintain a presence on the field.
Specific Mana Cost: Scavenger Folk requires a green mana to cast. This can restrict the card’s inclusion in decks that aren’t green-centric or multi-colored decks that might not always have the necessary green mana available at the right moment.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While its converted mana cost is relatively low, the cost of using its artifact destruction ability includes sacrificing the Scavenger Folk itself. When compared to other artifact removal options in MTG that may not require a creature sacrifice or are more versatile, this can make Scavenger Folk a less optimal choice in some situations.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Scavenger Folk offers a straightforward yet effective ability to destroy artifacts. This utility makes it a fine addition to sideboards in formats where artifacts are commonplace, especially in casual decks looking for inexpensive solutions to troublesome permanents.
Combo Potential: While not inherently combo-driven, Scavenger Folk’s artifact removal can inadvertently disrupt opponent’s combos, making it a safety valve in games where artifacts are key pieces of an opponent’s strategy.
Meta-Relevance: If the current play environment is heavy with decks relying on artifacts, incorporating Scavenger Folk into your deck could provide significant edge. As metas evolve, cards like Scavenger Folk can become unexpectedly relevant, offering targeted removal without a hefty investment.
How to beat
Scavenger Folk presents an interesting dynamic in MTG, offering flexibility in dealing with artifacts. When facing this card, it’s essential to recognize the strategic window it opens for your opponent, particularly in older game formats where artifacts are prevalent. Anticipate the activation of its ability as a tactical maneuver; therefore, prioritize the protection of your valuable artifacts.
One direct method to circumvent Scavenger Folk’s threat is utilizing instant-speed removal spells. Cards like Lightning Bolt or Path to Exile can dispatch the creature before the artifact removal ability is used. Alternatively, playing artifacts that can protect themselves, such as Darksteel Forge, can be an effective countermeasure. Artifacts with indestructible traits remain unaffected by Scavenger Folk’s ability, considerably weakening its impact on your game plan.
To sum up, overcoming Scavenger Folk is about timing and choosing the appropriate countermeasures. Whether you’re using removal spells or playing artifacts that can withstand its ability, the key is to understand how it fits into your opponent’s strategy and disrupting it before it can affect your side of the board.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Scavenger Folk MTG card by a specific set like The Dark and Chronicles, 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 Scavenger Folk 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
Printings
The Scavenger Folk Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 1994-08-01 and 2011-01-10. Illustrated by 3 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1994-08-01 | The Dark | DRK | 87 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Dennis Detwiller | |
| 2 | 1995-07-01 | Chronicles | CHR | 69 | 1993 | Normal | White | Dennis Detwiller | |
| 3 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 323 | 1997 | Normal | White | Jeff Miracola | |
| 4 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 267 | 1997 | Normal | White | Matt Cavotta | |
| 5 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 267★ | 1997 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | |
| 6 | 2011-01-10 | Masters Edition IV | ME4 | 166 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Dennis Detwiller |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Scavenger Folk has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |