Scorched Rusalka MTG Card
2006-02-03 - Number 74
2013-03-15 - Number 43
2017-03-17 - Number 110
2024-01-12 - Number 122
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Spirit |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
, Sacrifice a creature: Scorched Rusalka deals 1 damage to target player.
Each small blaze she sets jogs her memory, letting her piece together the mystery of her own fiery end.
Cards like Scorched Rusalka
Scorched Rusalka, a creature known for its sacrificial abilities, contributes a distinct edge to red deck strategies in Magic the Gathering. It shows similarities to cards like Fanatical Firebrand, as both provide the option to deal direct damage to an opponent or a creature. However, Scorched Rusalka requires a mana investment to activate its ability, whereas Fanatical Firebrand does not, but instead sacrifices itself.
Another counterpart to consider is Mogg Fanatic, a creature with a sacrifice ability that doesn’t demand mana to execute its damage-dealing effect. This makes it slightly more flexible in urgent situations. Balancing these options, Scorched Rusalka stands out for its repeatable nature, given enough mana and creatures to sacrifice. Goblin Arsonist, also worth comparing, offers death-triggered damage similar to Scorched Rusalka’s ability, but it is non-repeatable, being limited to a one-time effect upon its destruction.
The nuanced differences between these cards can greatly influence a player’s deck dynamics and in-game tactics. Scorched Rusalka’s synergistic potential with recurring creature strategies provides a consistency that can be leveraged throughout a game, marking its valuable role within its niche in MTG.
Cards similar to Scorched Rusalka by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Scorched Rusalka offers strategic depth by providing a repeatable way to utilize excess creatures, converting them into direct damage. This becomes a form of card advantage as it allows for the conversion of creatures that might otherwise be removed or unused into a valuable effect on the board state.
Resource Acceleration: In certain deck builds, Scorched Rusalka can effectively act as resource acceleration. When combined with token-generating spells or abilities, Scorched Rusalka turns a stream of small creatures into consistent damage, effectively accelerating the pace at which you can reduce your opponent’s life total without the need for direct attack phases.
Instant Speed: Scorched Rusalka’s ability can be activated at instant speed, giving it flexibility during gameplay. This permits you to wait until the most tactically advantageous moment to sacrifice a creature, whether it’s in response to an opponent’s action or at the end of their turn, maximizing the impact of the damage dealt and keeping the opponent guessing.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One of the drawbacks of Scorched Rusalka is that it requires the player to sacrifice a creature to activate its ability. This can be a significant cost, especially in a game where maintaining a presence on the board is crucial. Sacrificing creatures can quickly deplete your resources.
Specific Mana Cost: Scorched Rusalka demands a specific red mana to use its ability. This can pose a challenge in multicolored decks or formats where mana flexibility is key. It may not always be possible to have the necessary red mana when you need to use its ability, which reduces its versatility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The activation cost of one red mana for a single point of damage is rather steep when compared to other cards that can deal damage more efficiently. There are several cards in MTG that can provide more damage output without sacrificing creatures, which can make Scorched Rusalka seem less appealing in a competitive environment.
Reasons to Include Scorched Rusalka in Your Collection
Versatility: Scorched Rusalka offers flexibility in deck construction, fitting well into aggressive red strategies that benefit from low-cost creature options. Its ability to convert creatures into direct damage allows it to serve various roles, from a finisher to removal support.
Combo Potential: This card is a key component in combos that revolve around sacrificing creatures for beneficial effects. It pairs exceptionally well with decks that produce a plethora of tokens or have recurring creatures to constantly feed its ability.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where small creatures are prevalent, Scorched Rusalka’s ability to clear away blockers or finish off weakened opponents can prove to be an asset, effectively tipping the scales in your favor.
How to beat
Scorched Rusalka, part of the multifaceted world of Magic: The Gathering, offers a unique advantage with its sacrifice ability, allowing players to whittle down an opponent’s life total. When playing against this fiery adversary, one effective strategy is to limit creatures on your own battlefield which can starve Scorched Rusalka of its ability fodder. Keeping your creatures count low forces the Rusalka’s controller to make more costly decisions.
Additionally, instant speed removal spells can disrupt the Rusalka’s ability by targeting it in response, thereby preserving your life points. Keep in mind cards such as Naturalize or creatures with Flash can create sudden advantageous shifts in the board state. Furthermore, enchantment removal plays a crucial role since Scorched Rusalka often functions in concert with other game pieces that amplify its effect. Sweep the board with spells like Wrath of God to ensure the Rusalka’s resources are depleted.
Understanding the inherent cost of activation for Scorched Rusalka can put you in a favorable position; knowing when to apply pressure and when to hold back could turn the tide of the match in your favor. Always weigh the value of your creatures against the potential damage Scorched Rusalka could inflict upon you.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Scorched Rusalka MTG card by a specific set like Guildpact and Duel Decks: Sorin vs. Tibalt, 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 Scorched Rusalka 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
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Printings
The Scorched Rusalka Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2006-02-03 and 2024-01-12. Illustrated by Luca Zontini.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2006-02-03 | Guildpact | GPT | 74 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Luca Zontini | |
| 2 | 2013-03-15 | Duel Decks: Sorin vs. Tibalt | DDK | 43 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Luca Zontini | |
| 3 | 2017-03-17 | Modern Masters 2017 | MM3 | 110 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Luca Zontini | |
| 4 | 2024-01-12 | Ravnica Remastered | RVR | 122 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Luca Zontini |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Scorched Rusalka has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |