Toxic Scorpion MTG Card


Instant speed and deathtouch make Toxic Scorpion a dynamic defender and attacker in various decks. Demands careful consideration for hand management due to its discard requirement for optimal play. Meta-relevant, it provides a strategic edge in creature-heavy matches in the current MTG gameplay.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Scorpion
Abilities Deathtouch
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

Deathtouch When Toxic Scorpion enters the battlefield, another target creature you control gains deathtouch until end of turn.

"You want that venom? Collect it yourself! I'm not losing another pair of dragonhide gloves." —Old Rutstein


Cards like Toxic Scorpion

Toxic Scorpion presents a unique role in MTG as a deceptively simple creature card. It shares similarities with other low-cast poisonous creatures such as Sabertooth Cobra, another creature with the potential to inflict poison counters onto an opponent. Toxic Scorpion, however, has a slight edge with its added ability to do so with deathtouch, meaning it can take down larger threats regardless of their toughness, a feature Sabertooth Cobra lacks.

Comparing it further, we can look at Pit Scorpion, which also carries the potential for poison. Pit Scorpion requires one more mana to cast, which can make all the difference in those crucial early rounds. Moreover, Toxic Scorpion’s deathtouch ability puts it a notch above in terms of board control. Additionally, the Scorpion stings within the vast landscape of MTG as one of the more effective early-game defensive creatures.

The balance between cost-effectiveness, offensive potential, and defensive capabilities makes Toxic Scorpion an intriguing option for deck builders focusing on poison counter strategies. Its presence on the field provides strategic depth, handling both offensive and defensive roles competently for its mana value.

Sabertooth Cobra - MTG Card versions
Pit Scorpion - MTG Card versions
Sabertooth Cobra - MTG Card versions
Pit Scorpion - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Toxic Scorpion by color, type and mana cost

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Wyluli Wolf - MTG Card versions
Whirling Dervish - MTG Card versions
River Boa - MTG Card versions
Albino Troll - MTG Card versions
Silverglade Pathfinder - MTG Card versions
Quirion Elves - MTG Card versions
Blurred Mongoose - MTG Card versions
Llanowar Loamspeaker - MTG Card versions
Genesis Hydra - MTG Card versions
Jolrael, Mwonvuli Recluse - MTG Card versions
Scavenging Ooze - MTG Card versions
Heir of the Wilds - MTG Card versions
Mayor of Avabruck // Howlpack Alpha - MTG Card versions
Wren's Run Vanquisher - MTG Card versions
Muscle Sliver - MTG Card versions
Utopia Tree - MTG Card versions
Bloodline Shaman - MTG Card versions
Sakura-Tribe Elder - MTG Card versions
Oran-Rief Survivalist - MTG Card versions
Vine Trellis - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Toxic Scorpion offers players the ability to disrupt the opponent’s board, efficiently managing threats. Removing key creatures provides a subtle edge by reducing your opponent’s resources while maintaining your own count.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly impacting mana, the inclusion of Toxic Scorpion in a deck can be a form of resource acceleration. By eliminating high-priority targets, it allows for a more controlled and optimized development of your board state.

Instant Speed: The utility of being able to deploy the Toxic Scorpion at instant speed cannot be overstated. The flexibility to react to your opponent’s moves, while keeping mana open for other instant-speed interactions, provides strategic depth to any match.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Toxic Scorpion’s ability demands discarding, posing a challenge when your hand is already depleted or when holding key strategic cards.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring a particular blend of mana, this card is restrictive to decks that can produce both green and black mana efficiently.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana cost, Toxic Scorpion may lag in tempo against lower-cost creatures, potentially slowing down your game plan.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Toxic Scorpion offers a unique blend of offensive and defensive capabilities. Due to its deathtouch ability, it can work as an excellent deterrent against larger creatures, making it a fit for a variety of deck types looking to control the battlefield.

Combo Potential: Its ability to eliminate any creature it deals damage to makes it a prime candidate for synergies with equipment and spells that allow it to ping or fight other creatures, opening up opportunities for strategic plays.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where creature-based decks are prevalent, having a card like Toxic Scorpion could be key. It has the potential to swing the tempo in your favor by posing a constant threat to your opponent’s more powerful creatures.


How to Beat

Toxic Scorpion is an intriguing creature card that can pose a certain level of threat on the battlefield due to its deathtouch ability. This ability allows it to destroy any creature it deals damage to regardless of that creature’s toughness, making it a formidable blocker.

When facing a Toxic Scorpion, players should consider using removal spells that don’t involve combat, such as direct damage spells or spells that can exile creatures without having to fight them. Another effective strategy is to utilize flying creatures. Since Toxic Scorpion typically can’t block creatures with flying, this allows players to evade its deathtouch and press an offensive strategy from above. Artifacts and enchantments that prevent deathtouch or block abilities like it can also be employed to nullify the Scorpion’s effectiveness.

Lastly, mass removal spells are a clean solution to the problem, clearing the board of Toxic Scorpion and other potentially dangerous creatures all at once. By adapting your deck with these strategies in mind, dealing with this pesky arthropod becomes a much more manageable task.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG is both an art and a science, and the Toxic Scorpion card demonstrates how intricate and impactful a single creature can be. While we’ve dissected its pros, cons, and strategic uses, the true test comes when you shuffle it into your deck and see it in action. It’s not just about owning the cards, but understanding their roles in your strategy. For those looking to sharpen their gameplay or seeking to build a deck with a sting, the Toxic Scorpion is a card to consider. Delve deeper into MTG with us and discover how this card can turn the tides in your favor.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Toxic Scorpion MTG card by a specific set like Innistrad: Crimson Vow and Innistrad: Double Feature, 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 Toxic Scorpion and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Toxic Scorpion Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2021-11-19 and 2022-01-28. Illustrated by Simon Dominic.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12021-11-19Innistrad: Crimson VowVOW 2242015NormalBlackSimon Dominic
22022-01-28Innistrad: Double FeatureDBL 4912015NormalBlackSimon Dominic

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Toxic Scorpion has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal