Scuttlegator MTG Card

Transforms without extra cards, providing strategic advantage and conserving hand resources. Flexible adaptation at substantial resource investment that could enhance aggressive strategies. While lacking instant abilities, it fits well in decks designed for instant-speed control.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Crab Turtle Crocodile
Abilities Adapt,Defender
Power 6
Toughness 6

Text of card

Defender {GW}{GW}: Adapt 3. (If this creature has no +1/+1 counters on it, put three +1/+1 counters on it.) As long as Scuttlegator has a +1/+1 counter on it, it can attack as though it didn't have defender.

Cards like Scuttlegator

Scuttlegator is a unique blend of defense and aggression in MTG. It finds its peers in creatures like Mossbridge Troll which also offers a robust defensive presence. With Scuttlegator’s ability to adapt and possibly become a 9/9, it shines by being both a formidable blocker and a potential offensive powerhouse. By contrast, Mossbridge Troll has the advantage of regeneration and a way to soar to an even greater power with its unique ability.

Another creature that shares some similarity with Scuttlegator is the Guardian Project beast, charging in as another high-toughness creature. While the Guardian Project creature doesn’t have the adaptability, it rewards players for having a diversity of creatures. Much like Scuttlegator, it has a condition that must be met to unlock its full potential.

Certainly, when considering the role of versatile and powerful creatures within the game of MTG, Scuttlegator stands tall amongst its counterparts. Its capacity to switch from an immovable object into a crushing force can be quite a game-changer in the late stages of play, making it a noteworthy card in creature-based strategies.

Mossbridge Troll - MTG Card versions
Guardian Project - MTG Card versions
Mossbridge Troll - MTG Card versions
Guardian Project - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Scuttlegator can potentially outvalue opponents as it transforms from a defensive structure into a massive creature without the need to expend an additional card. This shift from an early-game deterrent to a late-game threat gives players a strategic edge and conserves cards in hand.

Resource Acceleration: Despite its initial cost, Scuttlegator provides an adaptability feature that can be activated when you’ve accumulated sufficient resources. This ability works well in decks that thrive on ramping up their mana base, allowing Scuttlegator to become an offensive powerhouse without hindering your mana curve or resource development.

Instant Speed: While Scuttlegator itself does not have abilities that can be activated at instant speed, it fits comfortably into a strategy that includes instant-speed interaction. Its presence on the battlefield can deter aggressors, allowing you to keep mana open for instant speed responses and tricks, ensuring you maintain board presence and control.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Scuttlegator demands that players sacrifice a creature in order to activate its adapt ability. This requirement can set you back by reducing your board presence, which is a critical factor in games where maintaining control of the battlefield is essential.

Specific Mana Cost: Scuttlegator comes with a specific mana cost requiring both green and blue mana. This restricts its play to Simic or multicolored mana bases, potentially making it a less versatile option for decks not aligned with these colors.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost of six, including two colored mana, Scuttlegator is on the higher end of the spectrum. There are other creatures and cards available that could have an immediate impact on the game for a similar or lower mana investment, making it a less attractive option for competitive play where efficiency is key.

Reasons to Include Scuttlegator in Your Collection

Versatility: Scuttlegator offers a unique blend of defense and offense, capable of being a stalwart defender or a menacing attacker when the conditions are right. This adaptability can be crucial in decks that need time to establish their game plan.

Combo Potential: Given its ability to become unblockable with enough +1/+1 counters, Scuttlegator pairs well with strategies focused on counter manipulation or those that capitalize on creature synergies, opening the door to various lethal combinations.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state where heavy ground creatures rule the battlefield, Scuttlegator can serve as both an effective deterrent and a formidable threat, maintaining relevance in diverse competitive environments.

How to beat

Scuttlegator poses a formidable challenge on the battlefield with its high toughness and ability to become unblockable with the ascend mechanic. This makes it both a fierce defender and an aggressive attacker in the right deck. To circumvent this aquatic menace, one strategy is to prevent it from reaching its full potential. Counterspells such as Cancel or Essence Scatter can nip the problem in the bud by stopping Scuttlegator from hitting the board in the first place.

Another tactic involves employing removal spells. Since Scuttlegator requires quite the mana investment, targeting it with efficient removal like Murder or Cast Down can heavily set back your opponent. Additionally, cards that force the opponent to sacrifice creatures bypass the high toughness of Scuttlegator entirely. Look to cards like Diabolic Edict or Plaguecrafter to coerce your opponent into sacrificing their sea-born juggernaut. Remember, key to these strategies is timing; wait for your adversary to commit to their plan, then strike with your removal or sacrifice effects.

Ultimately, handling a Scuttlegator is about control and disruption. By preventing it from reaching the board or efficiently removing it once it’s out, you can navigate past this daunting creature and steer your game towards victory.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Scuttlegator MTG card by a specific set like Ravnica Allegiance and Ravnica: Clue Edition, 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 Scuttlegator and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Scuttlegator Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2019-01-25 and 2024-02-23. Illustrated by Jehan Choo.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12019-01-25Ravnica AllegianceRNA 2182015NormalBlackJehan Choo
22024-02-23Ravnica: Clue EditionCLU 2062015NormalBlackJehan Choo

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Scuttlegator has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2019-01-25 If a creature somehow loses all of its +1/+1 counters, it can adapt again and get more +1/+1 counters.
2019-01-25 You can always activate an ability that will cause a creature to adapt. As that ability resolves, if the creature has a +1/+1 counter on it for any reason, you simply won’t put any +1/+1 counters on it.