Hey everyone! Arcknight here. Today, we're going to deep dive on one of the newest archetype who debuted on Dimension Force (DIFO) and it's no other than Scareclaw. The deck has an interesting concept of swarming monsters to summon their boss monster Scareclaw Trich Heart where even Red-Eyes Dragoon will bow down. They also have their own level 4 monster that can instantly turn into a +2 in terms of overall card advantage when you have 3 or more defense position monsters. It really does prey on the weak but is it strong enough to face the current meta? That's what we're going to find out in this exclusive article!
In this article, we'll divide the analysis into 3: What worked, What didn't Work, What will work. As we anticipate a possible 2nd wave on the next sets, we expect that the supports they got are just the beginning. Let's dive in on the cards and strategies that worked for them.
What worked
- Consistency - On debut, Scareclaw already shows potential. They've got a theme searcher in the form of their field spell Lifobia, the Wanton and Willful World of Desire and a Spell/Trap searcher in the form of Scareclaw Reich Heart which can also net you another +1 by drawing a card so long as you have at least 3 defense position monsters regardless of the field. The field spell can also minus your opponent as it can destroy a card if the field has at least 3 defense position monsters. Lastly, Scareclaw Trich Heart searches monsters itself so you're goal is to summon him as soon as you can so you'll have your instant monster toolbox.
- OTK Factor - The level 3 beasts allows your Scareclaw Trich Heart to gain extra effects that is beneficial in the battle phase. The more defense position monsters on the field, the higher chance of achieving an OTK. As Scareclaw Trich Heart puts majority of the monsters except link to defense position, there's a high chance that it will overwhelm the opponent's monsters with its high ATK.
- Cheap (At the moment) - We all know that Scareclaw was outclassed by Therion being the golden archetype of the set Dimension Force. With only Scareclaw Reich Heart and Scareclaw Trich Heart as foils in OCG yet the deck hasn't made an impact in the OCG Scene, we can see that the deck is quite affordable to build. If you're someone like me who's fond of waiting for better support only to be disappointed because the support is meh (Ice jade *cough*), this one's for you..
- Access to generic cards - Rescue Cat is a great tech in this deck being able to tutor two of your beast monsters so all you need is another monster to summon Scareclaw Trich Heart. Reinforcement of the Army and Terraforming can search your theme searchers as well.
- Control - Scareclaw Trich Heart puts great pressure in the current meta as top decks rely on fusion and synchro monsters (Brave Despia and Brave Tenyi). They also have a theme omni-negate trap called Scareclaw Sclash to add to that control factor so you wouldn't worry going first.
What didn't work
- Consistency - Even though the deck has its own field spell searcher and a monster that almost act as a theme Sky Striker Mobilize - Engage, the archetype still has consistency issue as their main boss monster Scareclaw Trich Heart requires 3 monsters to begin with. This makes it hard for Scareclaw to jump right away to their link 3 as it costs to much hand advantage adding the fact that card removal and negation are present.
- Speed - They lack a 1-card combo to begin with. In addition, the end field that their 2-3 card combo created isn't that overwhelming as well compared to the current meta decks in the scene.
- Control - They fall short when facing link reliant decks and unlike Bagooska, Scareclaw Trich Heart protects itself and not prevent. This still lets the opponent to still take advantage of their monster effects. Tri-Brigade is still faster and more explosive than Scareclaw but that didn't happen 'til the next wave where they received Tri-Brigade Kitt so perhaps there is still some hope for Scareclaw.
What will work
- A card that summons 2-3 Level 3 Beast monster straight from Deck but with restriction to only summon Scareclaw monsters for the entire turn - Seriously, one card that can instantly summon their boss monster can turn the tides down. I added a restriction to summon only Scareclaw monsters to prevent engine abuse that we are experiencing at the moment. This allows them to have an extreme consistency boost and a way to bait stuff.
- A link 1 or link 2 that searchers and will be treated as 2 monsters - Hopefully something that can search their theme field spell. I added the additional effect to treat itself as 2 materials to aid Scareclaw Trich Heart harsh summoning requirement.
- Theme protection - While Scareclaw Nova protects the link by banishing itself in graveyard, they lack a card to protect the Scareclaw monsters to begin with. Since the theme is looking like an OTK centric deck, we should receive a support that can secure your OTK.
- Seriously, a meta shift is needed - The current decks in the meta are just too overpowered to start so it's really hard to bring Scareclaw to the table. If April 2022 OCG list hits the current decks and Scareclaw receives more support, perhaps there's a chance. Right now, it's hard to imagine but I'm hopeful.
Summary
The deck reminds me of Dinorphia when it started as a rogue control deck until they got an alternate win condition with Dinorphia Rexsturm which boosts their play style and strength. As a player who's fond of seeing potential on decks, I'm really hoping that they'll get the support that they need soon. We still have 2 months before the next main set Power of the Elements arrive and a lot can happen honestly. If you think Scareclaw isn't scary yet, wait 'til the next set. Hopefully, they can unleash their hidden claw when that happens. (And perhaps, us understanding the real purpose of Visas = Staffrost)
'Til next time! Don't forget to share this article to our fellow Scareclaw fans!
Arcknight
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