Semblance Scanner MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Artifact Creature — Equipment Shapeshifter |
| Abilities | Conjure,Reconfigure |
| Released | 2022-03-17 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Alchemy: Kamigawa |
| Set code | YNEO |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 9 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Leonardo Santanna |
Text of card
Whenever Semblance Scanner or equipped creature deals combat damage to a player, if it's not a token, conjure a duplicate of it into your hand. Reconfigure (: Attach to target creature you control; or unattach from a creature. Reconfigure only as a sorcery. While attached, this isn't a creature.)
Cards like Semblance Scanner
Semblance Scanner might have MTG strategists rejigging their artifact decks, inviting comparisons to efficient card advantage engines that are key in the game. Like Semblance Scanner, the card Ichor Wellspring provides value upon entering and leaving the battlefield, yet lacks the repeatable scry function that Scanner offers. This difference can provide players with ongoing deck filtering, a subtle but important edge in control strategies.
Prophetic Prism is another artifact that pairs mana fixing with card draw, yet it’s a one-time effect, unlike the consistent advantage Semblance Scanner can potentially give throughout the match. Another card of note is Golden Egg, presenting both life gain and card draw, which is beneficial in pinch situations, but again, it doesn’t offer the same prolonged utility as Semblance Scanner.
All things considered, Semblance Scanner holds a unique position in the realm of artifact-based card advantage. While each of these comparable cards can be valuable in the right deck, the scanner’s continuous scry ability arguably puts it a notch above in decks that aim for longevity and consistency over impulsive advantage.
Cards similar to Semblance Scanner by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Semblance Scanner. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Azorius Midrange | Gladiator | Sword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 06 2024 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Semblance Scanner has the potential to add cards to your hand each upkeep, keeping your options plentiful and ensuring that you stay ahead of the competition with a consistent flow of resources.
Resource Acceleration: Accelerating your resources is key in MTG, and Semblance Scanner efficiently puts a charge counter on itself, inching you closer to obtaining a crucial extra card without spending additional mana each turn.
Instant Speed: The ability to manipulate charge counters at instant speed grants you the flexibility to respond to your opponents’ actions effectively, while seamlessly integrating into your strategy and maximizing the efficiency of your plays.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Semblance Scanner necessitates discarding a card to activate its ability, leading to potential setbacks if your hand is already depleted or if you’re forced to discard a crucial piece of your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: Its activation requires both colorless and blue mana, restricting its seamless integration across various deck archetypes, especially those not running blue mana sources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting and ability activation cost that sums up to a notable mana investment, other artifacts or spells could be more cost-effective for surveilling or structuring the top cards of a library.
Reasons to Include Semblance Scanner in Your Collection
Versatility: Semblance Scanner is an artifact that can be a fit for numerous deck archetypes that value the manipulation of counters, ranging from those that synergize with +1/+1 counters to decks that proliferate all types of counters.
Combo Potential: With the ability to move counters from itself to other permanents, the Semblance Scanner works well with cards that have enter-the-battlefield effects or those that grow stronger with additional counters, thereby enabling powerful combinations.
Meta-Relevance: In a gaming environment where strategies utilizing various counters are prevalent, Semblance Scanner can be a critical piece helping to align your deck’s performance with the demands of the current meta.
How to beat Semblance Scanner
Semblance Scanner might seem daunting with its ability to mimic the essence of creatures on the battlefield. By copying characteristics, it can certainly turn the tide of a game in favor of your opponent. However, it’s not invincible. Interacting with the artifact itself is the first line of defense. Cards that specifically target artifacts, like Abrade or Natural State, effortlessly remove Semblance Scanner from the board, nullifying its potential threat.
Another strategy focuses on timing and bait. You can wait for your opponent to invest resources into the Scanner before you play removals, maximizing the resource disparity. Alternatively, countering spell-casters that would fetch the Scanner with spells like Cancel or Mana Leak ensures it never lands a presence on the field. Finally, you could also outpace it with swifter creature strategies that overrun an opponent before they can effectively utilize the Scanner’s capabilities. Cards such as Pithing Needle can also be used preemptively to shut down Semblance Scanner as soon as it hits the board, preventing any copy actions from taking place.
Key to trumping this card is maintaining card advantage and controlling the board state. Understanding when to play your disruptive cards will ultimately diminish the effectiveness of Semblance Scanner and keep you ahead in the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Semblance Scanner MTG card by a specific set like Alchemy: Kamigawa, 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 Semblance Scanner and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Semblance Scanner has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |