Scourge Servant MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Phyrexian Zombie |
| Abilities | Infect |
| Released | 2011-02-04 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Mirrodin Besieged |
| Set code | MBS |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 54 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Daarken |
Text of card
Infect (This creature deals damage to creatures in the form of -1/-1 counters and to players in the form of poison counters.)
"The union of the oil and necrogen has produced many pleasing reactions." —Sheoldred, Whispering One
Cards like Scourge Servant
Scourge Servant adds a unique touch to the roster of infect creatures in Magic: The Gathering. Its closest relatives could be thought of as Plague Stinger and Ichorclaw Myr. Both of these cards also feature the infect ability, which allows them to deal damage in the form of -1/-1 counters to creatures or poison counters to opponents. While the Scourge Servant is mana-heavier than Plague Stinger, it compensates with a sturdier body that can withstand more damage.
Another card in the same vein is Corpse Cur. It shares the infect ability and similarly sits at four mana. However, Corpse Cur leans towards utility, with the added capability of bringing another infect creature from the graveyard to your hand. This recovery can be crucial in longer games, providing a form of card advantage that Scourge Servant lacks. Then, considering the mana-to-power ratio, Tangle Angler is a noteworthy comparison. Like Scourge Servant, it demands a mana investment but brings in the utility of forcing opponent creatures to block, potentially clearing the way for other attackers.
Ultimately, when it comes to infect-based strategies, Scourge Servant holds its own by offering a robust presence on the battlefield, despite facing competition from cheaper or utility-oriented infect creatures.
Cards similar to Scourge Servant by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Scourge Servant enhances the strategic depth of your deck by potentially increasing your creature count. This synergizes well with mechanics that feed off the number of creatures you control or that leverage creature sacrifice for benefits.
Resource Acceleration: When incorporated in decks that benefit from the presence of numerous creatures, Scourge Servant can act as a catalyst. Its infect ability, which places -1/-1 counters on opponents’ creatures, can quickly escalate your board position against an opponent without directly spending additional resources.
Instant Speed: Although Scourge Servant itself isn’t an instant, its presence can deter opponents from attacking or block strategical plays, mirroring an instant speed effect. The threat of activating its infect ability can be leveraged at almost any phase in the game, making it a versatile tool in the hands of a skilled player.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: When playing with Scourge Servant, you’ll find the card requires a discard from your hand to unleash its potential. This can prove to be a setback, particularly when your hand is running low, and each card you hold is crucial to your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: Scourge Servant demands a precise combination of mana to cast, including a need for black mana. This can restrict the card to decks that are heavy on black mana sources, which may not always align with your deck’s overarching theme or strategy.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its high mana cost relative to its impact on the game, Scourge Servant might not provide the efficiency savvy players seek. In the fast-paced format where every mana point matters, investing such a cost into a single card can be a sizeable gamble that doesn’t always pay off, especially when alternatives may offer more value or versatility.
Reasons to Include Scourge Servant in Your Collection
Versatility: Scourge Servant has a place in decks that aim to overwhelm opponents with creature swarms. As a 3/3 for five mana, it’s a solid addition especially within black-centric or infect decks that capitalize on its Infect ability to deal damage in the form of -1/-1 counters rather than regular damage.
Combo Potential: When paired with cards that proliferate or double the number of counters being placed on creatures, Scourge Servant becomes quite a menace. Its ability to potentially end the game with fewer successful attacks can be game-changing in the right build.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where slower, more controlling strategies prevail, a well-timed Scourge Servant can shift the tide of the battle. Infect creatures like Scourge Servant can be particularly potent in such environments, slipping past defenses and applying pressure with inevitable, unhealable damage.
How to beat
Scourge Servant is a card that demands respect on the battlefield. With its imposing presence and Infect ability, it can spell trouble for any player unprepared for its onslaught. This creature can bypass traditional defense by dealing damage in the form of -1/-1 counters, bringing games to a swift conclusion if left unchecked.
Nevertheless, formidable as it might be, the Servant has its vulnerabilities. Removal spells are a straightforward way to clear the path, with options like Doom Blade or Path to Exile efficiently dispatching the threat. For those preferring a more defensive strategy, cards like Holy Day can buy time, preventing all combat damage for a turn and thus neutralizing the Infect assault temporarily. In multiplayer settings, diplomacy can also be key, aligning with others to focus on the threat the Servant poses can diffuse the danger it presents.
While the Scourge Servant can be daunting, proper planning and the right mix of spells can ensure your survival against it. Understanding the mechanics and having a plan in place will turn the tides to your favor and keep your life total safe from its poisonous touch.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Scourge Servant MTG card by a specific set like Mirrodin Besieged, 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 Servant 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Scourge Servant has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |