Viridian Scout MTG Card


Viridian Scout provides persistent board presence and instant speed interaction without card loss. While limited by specific mana cost and absence of discard synergy, it excels in green strategies. Viridian Scout shines against creature-heavy metas and has potential combo applications in MTG.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Elf Warrior Scout
Power 1
Toughness 2

Text of card

, Sacrifice Viridian Scout: Viridian Scout deals 2 damage to target creature with flying.

They know a hoverguard's only blind spot is directly above it.


Cards like Viridian Scout

Viridian Scout has made its mark within Magic: The Gathering’s suite of creatures that provide utility beyond simple combat roles. Its kinship can be seen with cards like Viridian Zealot, which also offers an ability that can be activated from the battlefield to interact with other permanents. The Zealot provides the ability to destroy artifacts or enchantments, offering a more direct method of removal compared to the Scout’s damage-dealing capability.

Another card that mirrors the flexible use of creatures is Sylvan Safekeeper. Like the Viridian Scout, the Safekeeper has an activatable ability, though it serves a distinctly different purpose, sacrificing lands to protect creatures from targeted spells. The Scout, in contrast, pivots towards offensive utility by dealing damage to flying creatures, highlighting its role in maintaining aerial defense.

When evaluating Viridian Scout in comparison to these alternatives, it’s clear that each card is designed with diverse strategies in mind. The Viridian Scout boasts an advantageous attribute in green’s arsenal — the capacity to manage flying threats, an often tricky obstacle for green-centered decks to overcome.

Viridian Zealot - MTG Card versions
Sylvan Safekeeper - MTG Card versions
Viridian Zealot - MTG Card versions
Sylvan Safekeeper - MTG Card versions

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Giant Spider - MTG Card versions
Marsh Viper - MTG Card versions
Scarwood Bandits - MTG Card versions
Carnivorous Plant - MTG Card versions
Erhnam Djinn - MTG Card versions
War Mammoth - MTG Card versions
Aurochs - MTG Card versions
Lhurgoyf - MTG Card versions
Jackalope Herd - MTG Card versions
Golden Bear - MTG Card versions
Argothian Swine - MTG Card versions
Elvish Piper - MTG Card versions
Erithizon - MTG Card versions
Skyshroud Cutter - MTG Card versions
Ulvenwald Oddity // Ulvenwald Behemoth - MTG Card versions
Fungusaur - MTG Card versions
Monkey Monkey Monkey - MTG Card versions
Matsu-Tribe Birdstalker - MTG Card versions
Order of the Sacred Bell - MTG Card versions
Anaconda - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Viridian Scout can be beneficial in matchups where the ability to repeatedly deal with threats is necessary. By continually bouncing the Scout back to your hand and replaying it, you maintain a presence on the board without losing card resources.

Resource Acceleration: In decks that synergize with creature spells or enter the battlefield effects, the Viridian Scout can accelerate your game plan by enabling additional opportunities to trigger these effects. It’s also worth noting that efficiently using your mana to replay the Scout can lead to a tempo advantage over the opponent.

Instant Speed: The Viridian Scout’s ability can be activated at instant speed, providing flexibility during the game. This allows players to make strategic decisions based on the unfolding situation, potentially disrupting an opponent’s plans during their turn without telegraphing your own strategy.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: In certain strategies, Viridian Scout’s effectiveness is limited as it doesn’t require a card discard, potentially missing synergy with decks that capitalize on discard mechanics.

Specific Mana Cost: Viridian Scout has a specific mana cost which includes green, making it less versatile for multicolored or colorless decks that may struggle with green mana availability.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that could be considered high for its base stats and ability, Viridian Scout may be outperformed by other cards with a lower mana investment providing similar or better effects.


Reasons to Include Viridian Scout in Your Collection

Versatility: The Viridian Scout’s ability to serve as both an early blocker and a creature removal tool makes it a flexible addition to a variety of green decks, particularly helpful in formats like Pauper where efficient creature control is crucial.

Combo Potential: When paired with cards that untap creatures or recycle abilities, Viridian Scout can repeatedly eliminate key threats or weaken an opponent’s board presence, highlighting its utility in combo-oriented decks.

Meta-Relevance: Given its ability to disrupt creature-heavy strategies and contribute to green’s interaction suite, the Scout can be particularly advantageous in metas dominated by aggressive decks, maintaining both board control and life totals.


How to beat

The Viridian Scout has established its presence as a versatile creature in the world of MTG, offering players a chance to deal damage directly to creatures. The Scout’s unique ability may not seem formidable at first glance but can become quite a nuisance if left unchecked. To overcome this card, focusing on mass removal or spells that prevent abilities from being activated can be crucial. Cards such as Pithing Needle or Phyrexian Revoker can effectively neutralize the Scout’s ability. Additionally, applying pressure with larger creatures can often force your opponent to make unfavorable trades, therefore diminishing the Scout’s impact on the game. Timing is also key; by waiting to deploy these strategies until your opponent has invested in equipping their Scout, you can maximize your advantage by disrupting their planned course of action. Ultimately, early recognition of the threat and swift implementation of these tactics will help you to maintain control of the game and beat the Viridian Scout.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Viridian Scout MTG card by a specific set like Fifth Dawn and Salvat 2005, 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 Viridian Scout and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Viridian Scout Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2004-06-04 and 2005-08-22. Illustrated by Daren Bader.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12004-06-04Fifth Dawn5DN 1002003NormalBlackDaren Bader
22005-08-22Salvat 2005PSAL B312003NormalWhiteDaren Bader

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Viridian Scout has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal