Strata Scythe MTG Card


Enhances creature power by scaling with similar land types, creating potential card advantage. Offers game acceleration and strategic depth through adaptable combat power boosts. Though potent, Strata Scythe’s efficiency is limited by its mana cost and land reliance.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeArtifact — Equipment
Abilities Equip,Imprint

Text of card

Imprint — When Strata Scythe enters the battlefield, search your library for a land card, exile it, then shuffle your library. Equipped creature gets +1/+1 for each land on the battlefield with the same name as the exiled card. Equip


Cards like Strata Scythe

Strata Scythe emerges as an intriguing equipment in MTG, bearing a resemblance to the functionality of cards that boost a creature’s power based on certain criteria. It’s akin to Nightmare Lash or Lashwrithe, which amplify power tied to the number of Swamps you control. Unlike these, Strata Scythe’s power boost reflects the number of lands sharing a type with the exiled card, giving it a broader potential across various deck types, especially in monocolored ones.

Executioner’s Hood is another comparable equipment, which also provides a power boost, but Strata Scythe arguably has a more significant impact due to the scalable nature of its effect. Then there’s the card Bonehoard, whose strength growth is relative to creature cards in all graveyards but lacks the immediate influence that Strata Scythe can have on board presence from the get-go.

Ultimately, Strata Scythe stands out in MTG for its potential to turn even the most unassuming creature into a formidable threat, especially in environments abundant with basic lands. Its uniqueness lies in its versatility and capacity for exponential growth in power, showcasing its commendable position among creature-enhancing equipment.

Nightmare Lash - MTG Card versions
Lashwrithe - MTG Card versions
Executioner's Hood - MTG Card versions
Bonehoard - MTG Card versions
Nightmare Lash - MTG Card versions
Lashwrithe - MTG Card versions
Executioner's Hood - MTG Card versions
Bonehoard - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Strata Scythe by color, type and mana cost

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Clay Pigeon - MTG Card versions
Ashnod's Altar - MTG Card versions
Jalum Tome - MTG Card versions
Patchwork Gnomes - MTG Card versions
The Stasis Coffin - MTG Card versions
Captain's Hook - MTG Card versions
Spellweaver Helix - MTG Card versions
Scale of Chiss-Goria - MTG Card versions
Lightning Coils - MTG Card versions
Loxodon Warhammer - MTG Card versions
Sword of Feast and Famine - MTG Card versions
Training Drone - MTG Card versions
Pristine Talisman - MTG Card versions
Alloy Myr - MTG Card versions
Guardians of Meletis - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Shackles - MTG Card versions
Herald's Horn - MTG Card versions
Manalith - MTG Card versions
Sword of Vengeance - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Strata Scythe can offer significant card advantage in the right deck. As an equipment card that scales with the number of lands sharing a name with the exiled card, it can effectively turn each land of that type into an additional power boost without requiring extra cards from your hand.

Resource Acceleration: By increasing the power of your creatures dramatically, Strata Scythe can accelerate the game towards your victory. Although not direct mana acceleration, the sheer force it can potentially add to your battlefield presence enables you to leverage your resources for a more efficient offense.

Instant Speed: While Strata Scythe itself does not operate at instant speed, it synergizes well with creatures that have instant speed capabilities or flash. Equipping the Scythe in response to an opponent’s move can catch them off guard and turn the tides abruptly, effectively utilizing the surprise factor and the strategic depth of playing at instant speed.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Although there is no discard requirement for Strata Scythe itself, it is worth noting that equipping it triggers exile of a land. In tight matches, this might hinder landfall strategies or synergies relying on a healthy land count.

Specific Mana Cost: Strata Scythe’s initial cost demands three generic mana, making it flexible for various decks. However, its equip cost of three can be steep in settings where mana efficiency is crucial.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Strata Scythe can be a game-changer in monocolored decks, its combined casting and equip costs of six mana may overshadow the benefits. This can become cumbersome when quicker, less mana-intensive alternatives are preferred in a fast-paced meta.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Strata Scythe has a unique place among equipment cards, thanks to its ability to scale with the number of lands you have that share a type. This makes it a strong choice in mono-colored decks or any deck that focuses on a particular type of basic land, amplifying its power and toughness bonus in accordance with your land base.

Combo Potential: Strata Scythe offers enticing synergy with land-centric strategies and cards that manipulate land types. Coupling it with cards that can change land types or increase the number of lands you have can result in some unexpectedly powerful creatures that can blindside opponents.

Meta-Relevance: In current meta-games that often hinge on creature combat, Strata Scythe can turn any creature into a significant threat. It’s particularly effective in formats where longer games give you the time to maximize the number of lands in play, thereby making Strata Scythe’s impact more profound.


How to beat

Strata Scythe is a unique equipment card that can drastically enhance a creature’s power based on the number of lands sharing a type with the imprinted card. To effectively combat an adversary’s Strata Scythe, it’s crucial to interfere with the number of lands in play. Removing lands through effects that force sacrifices or utilizing land destruction spells can severely limit Strata Scythe’s impact. Adaptation is key; cards like Ghost Quarter can disrupt the mana base, rendering the scythe less intimidating.

Alternatively, employing instant-speed removal spells to target the equipped creature before the damage phase can undercut the investment made in equipping Strata Scythe. Counterspells also play a pivotal role; preventing Strata Scythe from entering the battlefield in the first place ensures that it never becomes a threat. Artifact removal spells like Naturalize are equally essential, as dismantling the equipment directly neutralizes the threat. Consider how Strata Scythe becomes substantially less threatening when facing strategies ready with an array of answers to nullify its power-boosting capability.

In essence, hindering the user’s land count, interrupting creature strategies, and being prepared with direct answers are the methods to trump over Strata Scythe’s potential. It’s all about timing and having the right countermeasures at your disposal to address this formidable equipment card.


BurnMana Recommendations

Unlocking the full potential of Strata Scythe can mark the difference between a close-fought battle and an overwhelming victory. With its ability to turn a simple creature into an offensive powerhouse, understanding and maximizing this card’s capabilities is essential for any MTG player looking to dominate the field. If you’re intrigued by the strategic depth and potency of Strata Scythe, our detailed insights can further sharpen your edge. Dive into our comprehensive analysis where we not only dissect the attributes of Strata Scythe but also provide you with expert tips on integrating this equipment into your arsenal for a decisive advantage in your next match.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Strata Scythe MTG card by a specific set like Scars of Mirrodin and Commander 2014, 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 Strata Scythe and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Strata Scythe Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2010-10-01 and 2014-11-07. Illustrated by Scott Chou.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12010-10-01Scars of MirrodinSOM 2062003NormalBlackScott Chou
22014-11-07Commander 2014C14 2742015NormalBlackScott Chou

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Strata Scythe has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2011-01-01 The bonus counts all lands on the battlefield with the same name as the exiled card, not just lands you control.