Scrapbasket MTG Card

Scrapbasket provides versatile color identity shifts, beneficial for multicolor deck strategies and dodging removal. Activation demands card discard and colored mana, which could challenge players with limited resources. Flexible and combo-friendly, Scrapbasket adapts to the evolving MTG meta, making it a collection-worthy card.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Common
Type	Artifact Creature — Scarecrow
Released	2008-05-02
Set symbol
Set name	Shadowmoor
Set code	SHM
Power	3
Toughness	2
Number	262
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Heather Hudson

Text of card

: Scrapbasket becomes all colors until end of turn.

Once a tool of kithkin farmers, scarecrows of all shapes now skitter and lurch across Shadowmoor, animated by residual rustic magics.

Cards like Scrapbasket

Scrapbasket is a unique artifact creature card in Magic: The Gathering that offers a flexible approach to color affiliation. When we compare it to other variable color creatures such as Prismatic Omen, we notice a distinction. Prismatic Omen provides colors passively to all your lands, while Scrapbasket requires an active investment of mana to gain the desired color until end of turn.

Analyzing it next to Mycosynth Lattice, another color-adaptive card, we see differences in scope and function. Mycosynth Lattice transforms all permanents on the field into artifacts, thus overriding color restrictions globally, which is a broader effect but also affects opponents and comes at a higher mana cost. Conversely, Scrapbasket’s color-changing ability is limited to itself but is much more mana-efficient. Amoeboid Changeling offers a similar on-demand color identity shift. This creature, however, can target any creature on the battlefield, not just itself, granting a larger range of tactical changes although within a limited scope of creature to creature interaction.

In essence, while assessing the adaptability and strategic applications of various cards, Scrapbasket holds a moderate position within the MTG landscape, with its own set of merits for decks that capitalize on color versatility.

Cards similar to Scrapbasket by color, type and mana cost

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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Although Scrapbasket itself doesn’t directly offer card draw, its ability to become any color or combination of colors at instant speed can provide a tactical edge. This versatility allows Scrapbasket to synergize with multicolor strategies, effectively fitting into various deck archetypes and complementing other cards that thrive on color diversity.

Resource Acceleration: While Scrapbasket does not generate additional mana, its flexibility in mana expenditure can indirectly accelerate your resources. By adapting its color identity on the fly, it can free up your other mana sources to be utilized more efficiently for spells and abilities that match your evolving game plan.

Instant Speed: The true power of Scrapbasket lies in its ability to respond instantly to the changing tides of battle. At a moment’s notice, it can adapt to blockers, attackers, or color-specific spells, providing unexpected combat tricks or sneaky counters to your opponent’s strategies. This can disrupt an adversary’s plans, making Scrapbasket a valuable asset in games that may require rapid adaptation.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Scrapbasket demands a disposal of another card from your hand to activate its full potential, which could set you back when your hand is already running thin.

Specific Mana Cost: While versatile in terms of color, Scrapbasket’s activation cost requires a specific commitment to colored mana that can strain a deck’s mana base, particularly in multicolored decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For three mana, Scrapbasket presents a moderate body that doesn’t impact the board right away. Considering the competitive scene, players may find more impactful creatures or spells at the same or lower cost.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Scrapbasket can be a chameleon on the battlefield, able to adapt its color to fit numerous strategies and evade color-specific removal. Its flexible nature makes it a versatile choice for many deck builds.

Combo Potential: With the ability to change its colors on the fly, Scrapbasket offers unique combo potential by synergizing with multicolor matters cards or enabling the activation of abilities typically out of reach for certain deck types.

Meta-Relevance: As the game evolves and the meta shifts, having adaptable cards like Scrapbasket can provide an unexpected edge. Its ability to slot into diverse strategies can catch opponents off-guard and turn the tide of battle in your favor.

How to beat

Scrapbasket presents an interesting challenge on the battlefield when playing Magic: The Gathering. This shapeshifting artifact creature has the unique ability to become all colors until end of turn, making it adaptable and potentially difficult to counter. However, pinpointing its weaknesses can turn the tide of the game to your favor.

One approach to undermine Scrapbasket is to utilize removal spells that don’t target specific colors or use colorless destruction, such as Oblivion Ring or Path to Exile, ensuring its chameleon-like abilities are rendered moot. Additionally, since its ability requires activation, instant speed removal can successfully dispatch it before it becomes a threat in combat. Employing board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation can also erase its presence regardless of its color at the time.

Lastly, considering that Scrapbasket’s strength lies in its versatility, preventing its ability from activating with cards that inhibit activated abilities, such as Pithing Needle, can neutralize it effectively. By strategically incorporating these countermeasures, you can maintain control over the board and leave Scrapbasket in the scrapheap.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Scrapbasket MTG card by a specific set like Shadowmoor, 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 Scrapbasket and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Scrapbasket has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Scrapbasket card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date	Text
2008-05-01	After Scrapbasket’s ability resolves, an effect that changes its colors will overwrite that ability’s effect. For example, casting Cerulean Wisps on it will turn it just blue.
2008-05-01	Scrapbasket’s ability won’t stop it from being an artifact. It’ll just be a colorful artifact.