Zanikev Locust MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Insect |
| Abilities | Flying,Scavenge |
| Released | 2012-10-05 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Return to Ravnica |
| Set code | RTR |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 84 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Cliff Childs |
Text of card
Flying Scavenge (, Exile this card from your graveyard: Put a number of +1/+1 counters equal to this card's power on target creature. Scavenge only as a sorcery.)
Cards like Zanikev Locust
Zanikev Locust is an intriguing creature card in Magic: The Gathering, brimming with potential for synergy in insect and graveyard-centric decks. It draws parallels to the card Brood of Cockroaches, which also features an insect creature type with a recurrent ability that allows it to return to a player’s hand upon death, enhancing endurance during matches. However, Zanikev Locust takes the utility up a notch by having flying, granting it an aerial advantage over similar non-flying counterparts.
In a similar thread, we find the card Reassembling Skeleton. Much like Zanikev Locust, it has the tenacity to come back from the graveyard, ensuring persistent board presence. Although it lacks flying, its two-mana reanimation cost offers a cheaper resurrection compared to Zanikev Locust. Another comparable card is Endless Cockroaches, granting a resilient presence and guaranteed return to the player’s hand after being sent from the battlefield to the graveyard, akin to Zanikev Locust’s recursive trait.
In essence, while Zanikev Locust carries a higher mana cost, it compensates with its flying trait and offers substantial benefits in specific deck builds that favor flying creatures and graveyard mechanics. This combination makes the card a strong contender in its category, contributing to dynamic and adaptable gameplay in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Zanikev Locust by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: A pivotal aspect of Zanikev Locust is its ability to multiply your threats on the board. Each token it creates represents not just a creature, but potential for further strategic plays. By providing a swarm of flying insects, it rapidly shifts the dynamics of card economy in your favor, especially in prolonged matches where board presence becomes crucial.
Resource Acceleration: The locust tokens generated by this card have the added benefit of tapping for a colorless mana. This aspect of resource acceleration is invaluable, as it can dramatically increase the speed at which you can deploy your hand. Having additional mana sources that can simultaneously apply pressure on your opponent is a rare and powerful tool in any deck.
Instant Speed: The versatility of Zanikev Locust is further enhanced by its instant speed. This allows savvy players to wait until the end of an opponent’s turn to cast it, thus maintaining the element of surprise. Additionally, it serves as a strategic countermeasure to sweepers or removal spells, enabling you to replenish your board presence swiftly and unexpectedly.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Zanikev Locust demands that you pitch another card from your hand just to cast it, which can back you into a corner during critical moments when your options are already scarce.
Specific Mana Cost: The cast requirements insist on a precise combination of mana types, locking you into needing both black and blue sources which could be a stumbling block in a multicolored deck that struggles for consistency.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a significant cost of six mana to summon Zanikev Locust to the field, there are questions raised about its value, especially when other creatures or spells at a similar or lesser cost might provide more immediate impact or versatility in a match.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Zanikev Locust is a card that can seamlessly integrate into numerous deck archetypes. Its ability to generate insect tokens provides both offensive and defensive utility, making it a flexible pick for many strategies.
Combo Potential: With Zanikev Locust, there’s significant potential to chain together spells or abilities to unleash a swarm of tokens. This card is particularly synergistic with mechanics that benefit from creatures entering the battlefield, amplifying its impact in game-changing combos.
Meta-Relevance: Given how creature-centric many current decks are, the ability of Zanikev Locust to populate the board quickly may prove invaluable. It can sway the game by challenging opponents to find an answer to an ever-growing army of flying insects, solidifying its relevance in the current competitive scene.
How to beat
Zanikev Locust is an impactful creature card in the game of Magic: The Gathering. This card is known for its ability to generate a significant amount of insect creature tokens which can quickly overwhelm opponents. To counteract this, it’s essential to have strategies in place that can either prevent the Zanikev Locust from resolving on the battlefield or eliminate it before its ability triggers.
Removal spells are a reliable way to deal with Zanikev Locust. Cards like Path to Exile or Murderous Rider can swiftly dispatch the creature before the tokens become an issue. Board clears like Wrath of God or Supreme Verdict also prove highly effective against a swarm of insect tokens, should they arrive. Counter magic is another avenue, with spells like Counterspell or Dovin’s Veto keeping the troublesome insect at bay. Artifact options such as Grafdigger’s Cage can also hinder the Locust’s triggered ability from functioning, providing a continuous obstacle.
Successful strategies against Zanikev Locust involve being proactive and reactive in your plays. Keeping pace with removal options ensures that when this card appears, you’re equipped to handle both the Locust itself and its potential insect army. Smart deck building and anticipation of your opponent’s moves are crucial to claim victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Zanikev Locust MTG card by a specific set like Return to Ravnica, 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 Zanikev Locust and other MTG cards:
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- 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
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Zanikev Locust has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Zanikev Locust card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2013-04-15 | Exiling the creature card with scavenge is part of the cost of activating the scavenge ability. Once the ability is activated and the cost is paid, it’s too late to stop the ability from being activated by trying to remove the creature card from the graveyard. |