Scattershot is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.
Official card text
Scattershot deals 1 damage to target creature. Storm (When you cast this spell, copy it for each spell cast before it this turn. You may choose new targets for the copies.)
Complete guide
Scattershot is a red instant that embodies the chaotic nature of the Storm mechanic, turning a simple ping into a deadly barrage. Originally hailing from the Scourge set, this spell rewards players for chaining multiple actions together in a single turn to clear a path through enemy forces.
Storming the Battlefield
When you cast Scattershot, the Storm ability triggers and counts every spell cast earlier in the turn by any player. This includes spells cast from hands, graveyards, or exile, and even spells that were eventually countered. The triggered ability then places a specific number of copies onto the stack, one for each previous spell.
Resolution Step-by-Step
First, you cast Scattershot and choose an initial target. The Storm trigger goes on the stack above it; when that trigger resolves, it creates the copies. You can choose a new target for every single copy generated this way. Each copy is an independent object on the stack and resolves one at a time, meaning you can respond between each point of damage.
Common Misconceptions
A frequent mistake is thinking that countering the original Scattershot stops the whole storm. Because the copies are created by a triggered ability, you would need to counter that specific trigger to stop the barrage; otherwise, the copies will still resolve even if the original is removed. Additionally, the copies themselves are not 'cast', so they do not add to the count for any subsequent Storm spells you cast later that turn.
Strategic Timing
Scattershot is best used during your second main phase after you have already developed your board or cast several cheap cantrips. However, it can also be used defensively during an opponent's turn if they have cast multiple spells, allowing you to pick off their utility creatures using their own momentum against them.
Interaction examples
Deflecting SwatIf your opponent casts Scattershot with a Storm count of three, they put the original spell and three copies on the stack. If you cast Deflecting Swat, you can only change the target of one of those four objects. To save multiple creatures, you would need multiple ways to redirect or counter each copy individually.
Chaos WarpImagine you cast Chaos Warp to deal with a threat, then follow up with Scattershot. The Chaos Warp counts toward the Storm total, even if it hasn't resolved yet or if it was countered. This allows Scattershot to generate at least one copy, dealing 1 damage from the original and 1 damage from the copy created by the Storm trigger.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Scattershot
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
- #1· Wizards of the Coast
The copies are put directly onto the stack. They aren't cast and won't be counted by other spells with storm cast later in the turn.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #2· Wizards of the Coast
Spells cast from zones other than a player's hand and spells that were countered are counted by the storm ability.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #3· Wizards of the Coast
A copy of a spell can be countered like any other spell, but it must be countered individually. Countering a spell with storm won't affect the copies.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #4· Wizards of the Coast
The triggered ability that creates the copies can itself be countered by anything that can counter a triggered ability. If it is countered, no copies will be put onto the stack.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #5· Wizards of the Coast
You may choose new targets for any of the copies. You can make different choices for each copy.
No other card is named in this ruling.
Legal formats
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Meta decks with Scattershot
No archived Top 8 deck with this card yet.