Hardened Scales: A Powerhouse in Midrange and Combo Decks

This rare enchantment is a game-changer for any green deck that relies on +1/+1 counters to scale. Its ability ensures that creatures receive the maximum number of counters, turning one or more into five or more.

Its power level makes it a staple in midrange and combo decks, where it can amplify the strength of key creatures like Avacyn, Angel of Hope and Primal Bellow. It's particularly effective with tokens and token-generating cards like Fertile Mire.

While its popularity varies across formats, Hardened Scales sees significant play in Commander, where it can be paired with powerful artifact and enchantment enablers to create a devastating combo.

Hardened Scales

This enchantment has a single green mana cost and doesn't have any power or toughness, making it an artifact-like creature. Its oracle text defines its behavior when +1/+1 counters would be put on a creature you control.

Stack Interaction

When +1/+1 counters are placed on a creature under your control, the game checks for the presence of Hardened Scales. If it is present, and one or more counters would be added to the creature, Hardened Scales triggers and adds its own counter effect. This results in the creature receiving an additional counter equal to the number of counters that were initially going to be placed on it.

For example, if a Boros Charm is cast with two +1/+1 counters being placed on a Grizzly Bears, Hardened Scales will trigger and add three counters to Grizzly Bears: one from Boros Charm and two additional ones due to Hardened Scales.

Battlefield Presence

Hardened Scales remains on the battlefield as long as it's not destroyed or put into its owner's hand. Its ability is always active, but only triggers when a creature under your control would receive +1/+1 counters. If multiple creatures are gaining counters at the same time, Hardened Scales will trigger for each of them.

In a game featuring Sylvan Caryatid and Fertile Mire, which both gain counters from Fog]**, Hardened Scales on the battlefield would add its counter effect to both creatures simultaneously.

Edge Cases

• If no +1/+1 counters would be put on any creature, Hardened Scales does not trigger.
• When a permanent with an ability that adds counters (like Elesh Norn, the Heralded Eternity) is destroyed or sent to exile, its effect won't interact with Hardened Scales because the counter placement no longer occurs at that time.

Commander-Specific Quirks

In a Commander game featuring a commander that gains +1/+1 counters (like Atraxa, Praetors' Voice), Hardened Scales can create an exponential effect by repeatedly adding counters to the commander. This may lead to rapid growth in power and toughness for the commander.

Hardened Scales is considered a potential enabler for creatures that gain counters quickly, such as Kodama's Reach, making it a valuable addition to certain Commander decks.

Hardened Scales in Strategic Decks

This enchantment excels at maximizing the value of +1/+1 counters on creatures. In green decks, it's particularly effective when combined with cards that add or manipulate counters, such as Efficient Experimentation and Counterspell.

Competitive Builds:

• Counter Aggro: Pairing Hardened Scales with aggressive creatures like Monastery Swiftspear and Serra Ascendant, supported by Fertile Ground and other counter-adding spells, creates a formidable aggressive strategy.
• Midrange: Combine Hardened Scales with more defensive creatures, such as Llanowar Elves and Cathartic Reunion, to create a midrange strategy that can adapt to various opponents.

Casual Builds:

• Elf Ramp: Use Hardened Scales in an Elf Ramp deck, which emphasizes playing green creatures like Elvish Mystic and Llanowar Elves to ramp into more powerful spells.
• Token Generation: Pair Hardened Scales with token-generating cards such as Fertile Ground and Cathartic Reunion to create a swarm of small, but formidable, creatures.

Niche Builds:

• Infinite Combo: Hardened Scales can be used in infinite combo decks that rely on counter manipulation, such as the infamous "Counter-Combo" archetype.
• Mill Aggro: Combine Hardened Scales with mill-inducing spells like Phantasmal Conjuror and aggressive creatures to create a Mill Aggro strategy.

By incorporating Hardened Scales into these deck archetypes, players can create powerful and resilient strategies that take advantage of +1/+1 counters.

Hardened Scales is a versatile and powerful enchantment that can be used to amplify the effects of +1/+1 counter-generating cards. This card has several advanced uses, including:

• Synergies with +1/+1 Counter Generators: Cards like Aura Waker, Breathwatcher , and Golgari Findbroker generate multiple +1/+1 counters on a single creature. Hardened Scales can be used to double or triple the number of counters, making these creatures nearly unkillable.
• Combos with Token Generators: Cards like Ajani's Pridemate , Aurelia, the Warleader , and Conclave Cavalier generate token copies of themselves. Hardened Scales can be used to give each token a massive power boost by generating multiple +1/+1 counters on each one.
• Abuse with Ferocious AoP: If you have a creature with Ferocious, such as Winding Constrictor or Grenzo's Devotion , and Hardened Scales in play, your opponent will have to pay a massive life total if they try to attack you. This can be a game-changing combination.

To maximize the potential of Hardened Scales, consider pairing it with cards that generate +1/+1 counters or tokens. Some possible deck archetypes include:

• Counter-Combo: A deck focused on generating +1/+1 counters and using them to fuel combos.
• Token Swarm: A deck that generates a large number of tokens and uses Hardened Scales to make each one formidable.
• Infinite Combo: A deck that utilizes cards like Golgari Findbroker or Aurelia, the Warleader to generate an infinite number of +1/+1 counters.

By leveraging these synergies and combos, experienced players can unlock new strategies with Hardened Scales.

Timing Issues with Hardened Scales

One common mistake players make with Hardened Scales is timing. The card's ability triggers when +1/+1 counters would be put on a creature, not when they are actually added. This means that if you have a creature with an ability that gives it a +1/+1 counter at the beginning of your next turn, Hardened Scales will trigger and give it even more counters, but these additional counters won't be counted for anything yet.

• Example: A creature like Llanowar Elves has an ability that gives it a +1/+1 counter when it dies. If you have Hardened Scales on the battlefield, when Llanowar Elves dies, its ability will trigger and give the creatures with counters (including itself) even more counters. However, these additional counters won't be counted for anything until the next turn.

Misunderstood Rules

Another issue that arises from misunderstanding the rules of Hardened Scales is applying the counter bonus in a wrong way. The card states that if one or more +1/+1 counters would be put on a creature, that many plus one +1/+1 counters are put on it instead. This means that for every +1/+1 counter being added, another additional +1/+1 counter is applied.

• Example: If Ajani's Pridemate has 5 +1/+1 counters and you have Hardened Scales on the battlefield, when an ability adds 2 more +1/+1 counters to it, the total number of new +1/+1 counters would be (3) * 2 = 6.

Poor Synergies

Players also often make mistakes with Hardened Scales in regards to its synergies. While it's true that combining it with Nantuko Husk is powerful because the latter has an ability to add +1/+1 counters, this combination doesn't fully utilize the card's potential.

• Example: A more optimal strategy would be pairing Hardened Scales with Soul Wist or Worn Powerstone, both of which can add a significant number of counters in a turn.

Hardened Scales

• Mana Cost: {G} (1 green mana)
• Rarity: Rare
• Card Type: Enchantment
• Set: Commander Masters (CM2)

Effects and Synergies

• +1/+1 Counter Manipulation: If one or more +1/+1 counters would be put on a creature you control, that many plus one +1/+1 counters are put on it instead.
• Synergy with +1/+1 Counter Generating Cards: Hardened Scales amplifies the effects of cards like Ajani's Pridemate or Bloom Titan, turning one counter into two.

Flavor and Lore

Hardened Scales is a rare enchantment from the CM2 set, part of the green color scheme. It has a price point of $2.75 in USD, making it relatively expensive compared to other options.

Budget-Friendliness

• Price Point: $2.75 in USD
• Availability and Reprints: Recent addition to the game with limited availability, which may impact its budget-friendliness.
• Similar Options:
  • Elvish Mystic: A more affordable option providing similar functionality as a mana dork, priced at around $0.25 in USD.
  • Scryb Sprites: Another budget-friendly choice that can provide a boost to your board presence and help ramp up your mana, starting at $1.50 in USD.

Commander Considerations

In Commander, consistent mana dorks are crucial for maintaining a strong board presence. Hardened Scales doesn't directly contribute to this goal but could be used as an adjunct strategy by taking advantage of existing counters on the field.

• Llanowar Elves: A staple in many Commander decks, these mana dorks are incredibly affordable at around $0.50 in USD.
• Fungal Behemoth: This 2-mana creature can help ramp up your mana and provides a boost to your board presence. Prices start at around $1.00 in USD.

Availability

Availability and prices may vary depending on your region and the specific market you're buying from.

EDHREC Statistics

• EDHREC Rank: 233
• CMC: 1.0
• Colors: Green (G)

Flavor Text: In Valyria's heart, where life bursts forth in vibrant hues and resilient forms, even the smallest of creatures can grow strong enough to shield their kin.

Full Card JSON

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Hardened Scales is a versatile enchantment that amplifies the effect of +1/+1 counters on creatures. This ability synergizes well with various color identities, Commanders, and themes that revolve around counter-based engines.

Green-based decks

As a 1-mana green enchantment, Hardened Scales fits perfectly into green-based decks. It pairs exceptionally well with cards like Llanowar Elves, Elvish Mystic, or Fangren Marauder to accelerate +1/+1 counter generation. Consider adding creatures like Aurelia, the Warleader or Ezuri's Predators to take advantage of the additional counters.

Golgari and Stax decks

The ability to add extra +1/+1 counters makes Hardened Scales an attractive addition to Golgari and Stax-style decks. Cards like Golgari Findbroker or Cultivate can fuel your counter generation, while creatures like Scavenging Ooze or Bolas's Citadel benefit from the extra counters.

Commander options

Hardened Scales works well with Commanders that generate +1/+1 counters or create tokens. Some examples include:

• Ezuri, Renowned Leader
• Aurelia, the Warleader
• Kemba, Kha Regent
• Sisay, Winding Wanderer

These Commanders can provide a steady stream of +1/+1 counters, making Hardened Scales a valuable addition to their respective decks.

Synergy cards

Some synergy cards that pair well with Hardened Scales include:

• Falkenrath Marauder, which generates multiple +1/+1 counters
• Scour from Existence, which can remove unwanted counters and make room for more
• Regrowth, which recycles +1/+1 counters to fuel your engine

Combo notes

Hardened Scales can be used in combination with other cards to create powerful combos. For example:

• Pairing Hardened Scales with Ezuri's Predators and a token-generating Commander like Sisay, Winding Wanderer can lead to explosive +1/+1 counter generation.
• Using Hardened Scales in conjunction with Golgari Findbroker or Cultivate and creatures that benefit from the extra counters can create a strong gameplan.

By incorporating Hardened Scales into your deck, you can amplify the effect of +1/+1 counters and create a more robust and dynamic gameplan.

Impact in Commander

Hardened Scales is a potent enchanment in Commander that synergizes well with various +1/+1 counter generators and manipulators. Its ability to apply an additional +1/+1 counter for each counter already on a creature makes it a strong fit for decks featuring cards like Feldon of the Third Path, Grafdigger's Cage, or Estrid, the Masked. By chaining these effects together, players can quickly ramp up their creatures' power and toughness.

In particular, Hardened Scales pairs well with creature tokens, such as those generated by Kumena, Tyrant of Orazca or Zurgo Bellstriker. This combination allows players to create formidable token swarms that can overwhelm opponents. Additionally, the enchantment complements cards like Bolas's Wager, which can generate additional counters.

Competitive and Casual Play

While Hardened Scales has a significant impact in Commander, its competitive viability is somewhat limited due to its relatively low mana cost. In casual games, players can more freely experiment with combining it with various +1/+1 counter generators.

In the wilder side of Commander, where players often prioritize fun over competitive strategy, Hardened Scales shines as a valuable addition to creature-based decks. Its ability to accelerate a single target's growth makes it an attractive choice for casual gameplay.

Banned or Overlooked

Hardened Scales is not banned in any format, including Commander and its various offshoots like Brawl and Pioneer. In terms of visibility, it remains relatively overshadowed by more flashy or iconic +1/+1 counter manipulators like Rhystic Study or Grapple with the Past. However, experienced players who understand the synergy potential between this enchantment and other cards can unlock powerful strategies that might catch opponents off guard.

Format Breakdown

Note: The analysis focuses on the card's potential interactions and impact in various formats, rather than speculating about its overall value or rarity.

Key Scenarios & Matchups

Hardened Scales excels in environments where +1/+1 counter synergies are prevalent, and its effect can be amplified by other cards.

• In a deck featuring Ajani's Pridemate, the additional counters from Hardened Scales will make Ajani's Pridemate a formidable force on the battlefield.
• When paired with Doubling Season, Hardened Scales' ability can create a massive, indestructible creature.

However, in matchups where opponents have an abundance of removal spells targeting +1/+1 counters, Hardened Scales becomes less effective. For instance:

• Against a deck loaded with Abrupt Decay and [Serrated Arrows, the value of Hardened Scales diminishes significantly.
• In a format where [Path to Exile is ubiquitous, opponents can easily neutralize the benefits of Hardened Scales by removing counters from their creatures.

Hardened Scales, a rare enchantment from the CM2 set, has had several printings. It has appeared in multiple sets, including the original print in CM2 and subsequent reprints in Commander Anthology Volume II (reprint), Double Masters 2021 (reprint), and Midnight Hunt (reprint).

EDHREC's statistics for Hardened Scales show a rank of 233. This indicates that while it is not among the most popular or widely used cards, it still sees some play.

In terms of notable appearances, Hardened Scales has been featured in various Commander decks. Its ability to apply an extra +1/+1 counter when counters are added to a creature makes it a valuable addition to green-based aggro and ramp strategies.

In the verdant heart of the ancient forest of Valyria, where the trees whisper secrets to the wind and the creatures roam wild and free, there exists a unique bond between the land and its inhabitants. The Hardened Scales enchantment embodies this symbiosis, allowing creatures that dwell within its domain to fortify their defenses in the most remarkable way.

When a creature is about to be bolstered by +1/+1 counters, as often seen with cards like Bloom Titan or Evolving Wilds, Hardened Scales intervenes, adding one more counter than what would have been applied. This means that a single +1/+1 counter can turn into two, amplifying the creature's size and strength. For example, applying two counters to a creature through Azcanta's Revelatory Flame or similar effects now equates to three counters being placed on it, significantly enhancing its combat prowess.

This enchantment resonates with the natural world, echoing the principle of resilience that permeates through all living beings in Valyria. Creatures under its protection become symbols of this fortitude, growing stronger with each challenge they face. This is especially evident when combined with cards like Fertile Ground or Selesnya Guildgates, which further amplify the effects of +1/+1 counters, creating an unstoppable synergy.

In the world of Magic, Hardened Scales serves as a testament to the enduring bond between life and nature, reminding us that even in adversity, there is always room for growth. Its presence on the battlefield transforms creatures into unyielding champions of resilience, making it a compelling addition to any strategy focusing on adapting to changing circumstances or embracing the untamed power of the natural world.

Flavor Text: In Valyria's heart, where life bursts forth in vibrant hues and resilient forms, even the smallest of creatures can grow strong enough to shield their kin.