Scrapdiver SerpentHow it works & interactions with other cards

Unblockable Through Industry

The core mechanic of Scrapdiver Serpent is a static ability that checks the board state for artifacts. As long as the defending player controls at least one artifact, Scrapdiver Serpent cannot be blocked by any creatures. This includes artifact creatures, tokens like Clues or Treasures, and even Equipment attached to their creatures.

Timing the Block

The restriction on blocking is only checked at a specific moment: the start of the declare blockers step. If your opponent controls an artifact when you move to blockers, they cannot assign any creatures to stop the Serpent. However, if the Serpent is already blocked and the opponent somehow acquires an artifact afterward, the Serpent remains blocked and will still engage in combat with the creature currently blocking it.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is assuming that removing an artifact during the declare blockers step will allow a block to happen. Once the game moves to the declare blockers step, the check is performed immediately. If you want to block the Serpent, you must remove all artifacts the defending player controls during the declare attackers step at the latest. Conversely, if you are the attacker, ensure your opponent has an artifact before you move out of the declare attackers step to guarantee the Serpent's evasion.

Strategy and Board Presence

Scrapdiver Serpent is best utilized in formats where Treasure tokens or artifact-heavy decks are prevalent. Because it costs seven mana, it is a late-game finisher. Pairing it with cards that give your opponent artifacts or simply waiting for them to play their own enables a consistent path to their life total without worrying about their blockers.

Interaction examples

Slipping Past the Horror

Hullbreaker Horror

You attack an opponent who controls Hullbreaker Horror and a Treasure token. Because the opponent controls an artifact (the Treasure), Scrapdiver Serpent cannot be blocked. Even though Hullbreaker Horror is a massive 7/8, it cannot be assigned to block the Serpent. The Serpent deals its full damage to the player.

Aerial Defense Failure

Consecrated Sphinx

Your opponent controls Consecrated Sphinx and an artifact land like Seat of the Synod. You move to combat and declare Scrapdiver Serpent as an attacker. During the declare blockers step, the opponent wants to block with the flying Sphinx. However, because they control the artifact land, the Serpent is unblockable, and the Sphinx is forced to stay on the sidelines.