Rage-Scarred Berserker MTG Card


Rage-Scarred Berserker - Theros Beyond Death
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Minotaur Berserker
Released2020-01-24
Set symbol
Set nameTheros Beyond Death
Set codeTHB
Power 5
Toughness 4
Number113
Frame2015
Layoutnormal
Borderblack
Illustred byAntonio José Manzanedo

Key Takeaways

  1. Rage-Scarred Berserker provides quick board presence and potential card advantage through threat imposition.
  2. Its synergy with spells and creature-based mechanics heightens its versatility and combo capabilities.
  3. Meta relevance assures that this Berserker is a formidable force in creature-centric decks.

Text of card

When Rage-Scarred Berserker enters the battlefield, target creature you control gets +1/+0 and gains indestructible until end of turn. (Damage and effects that say "destroy" don't destroy it.)

The fury of the slaughter god Mogis burns within him.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Rage-Scarred Berserker, when played adeptly, can offer indirect card advantage by presenting a substantial threat that requires the opponent to deal with it, potentially using up more than one of their cards in the process.

Resource Acceleration: As a creature that impacts the board immediately thanks to its decent power and toughness, this card can hasten the depletion of your opponent’s resources, accelerating the game in your favor.

Instant Speed: While Rage-Scarred Berserker itself lacks instant speed capabilities, its potential synergy with instant speed spells cannot be understated, offering flexibility in your strategy as you can respond to your opponents’ actions while developing your own board presence.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: To cast Rage-Scarred Berserker, you might find yourself in a pinch where you have to get rid of a potentially valuable card from your hand, compromising your game strategy and leaving you at a disadvantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Being a card needing a precise combination of mana types, Rage-Scarred Berserker demands commitment to a deck that can reliably generate both black and red mana, therefore restricting its versatility across different deck styles.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost that might be deemed steep for its in-game impact, Rage-Scarred Berserker could be seen lagging when faced against other options within the same mana range that either bring more to the battlefield or possess additional abilities that justify the investment.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Rage-Scarred Berserker’s ability to serve both as a formidable creature and a means of granting life upon entering the battlefield fits well in a variety of decks, providing flexibility and resilience against different opponents.

Combo Potential: This card pairs excellently with mechanics that trigger off creatures entering the battlefield or dying, opening up opportunities for powerful synergies in your game plan.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state that rewards players for maintaining a sturdy presence on the board, Rage-Scarred Berserker holds its ground by being a solid addition to strategies focused on creature-based tactics and life gain.


How to beat Rage-Scarred Berserker

Rage-Scarred Berserker is a menacing presence on the battlefield, often tilting the scales with its “When Rage-Scarred Berserker enters the battlefield, target creature an opponent controls gets -1/-1 until end of turn.” A clever strategy to overcome this card is to ensure a lineup of creatures with solid toughness. This mitigates the impact of the Berserker’s entrance effect, allowing your creatures to withstand the initial -1/-1 debuff. Additionally, keeping instant-speed removal spells at the ready can efficiently deal with the Berserker before the temporary buff becomes a turning point. Watch out for moments when your opponent is tapped out or low on cards, making it the ideal time to strike.

Control decks that can outmaneuver creature-based strategies shine here. Sweepers like Shatter the Sky or Doomskar can clear the board of the Berserker and its comrades. Moreover, the use of exile effects bypasses potential graveyard strategies that a Rage-Scarred Berserker might be part of. Cards such as Soul-Guide Lantern help manage the graveyard, weakening any recurring threats. In sum, a combination of preventative measures and responsive tactics will keep the Rage-Scarred Berserker in check, securing your lead in the game.


Cards like Rage-Scarred Berserker

Rage-Scarred Berserker holds its ground in the category of creature spells within Magic: The Gathering. Its likeness can be seen in cards like Centaur Courser, which shares the same mana cost and creature type. However, Rage-Scarred Berserker edges forward with its “When you cast a spell” trigger that gives it a pivotal role in enabling spectacle or providing an immediate impact on the board state by damaging an opponent or creature.

In a similar context, we have the Voracious Typhon. While also a 4-mana creature, it differs with an added escape ability, offering longevity in games where the graveyard can be utilized as a resource. Despite that, it lacks the direct aggression and immediate board influence that Rage-Scarred Berserker exhibits. Lastly, we consider Skyclave Squid, a modestly costed creature with a defensive upside due to its landfall ability. However, it doesn’t quite match the raw power and utility that Rage-Scarred Berserker presents in more aggressive and spell-oriented decks.

In essence, Rage-Scarred Berserker can be a preferred choice for players seeking to enhance their decks with creatures that provide immediate value upon casting spells, contributing to both aggressive and spectacle-based strategies in the game.

Centaur Courser - MTG Card versions
Voracious Typhon - MTG Card versions
Skyclave Squid - MTG Card versions
Centaur Courser - Magic 2010 (M10)
Voracious Typhon - Theros Beyond Death (THB)
Skyclave Squid - Zendikar Rising (ZNR)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Rage-Scarred Berserker MTG card by a specific set like Theros Beyond Death, 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 Rage-Scarred Berserker and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Rage-Scarred Berserker has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

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