Hashaton, Scarab’s Fist is a notable commander featured in the Magic: The Gathering Aetherdrift set. Available as an alternate commander in the Eternal Might preconstructed deck, Hashaton shines brightest when utilized outside the constraints of that deck list.
This commander brings a fresh approach to reanimation by creating token copies of formidable creatures rather than bringing cards back from the graveyard. Since these tokens aren’t exiled, players can leverage both reanimation and token generation, leading to a powerful and versatile battlefield presence that can adapt to various situations.
Deck Overview
The deck features 29 creatures, six sorceries, ten instants, 13 artifacts, seven enchantments, and 34 lands. The focus is on discard outlets, potent creatures, and counterspells.
Key Cards
Hashaton, Scarab’s Fist
As the commander, Hashaton is arguably the most valuable card in the deck, allowing players to generate 4/4 Zombie tokens from any discarded creature card. While primarily aimed at casting expensive creatures early on, Hashaton can also transform weaker creatures into formidable threats.
It’s worth noting that Hashaton has low stats and lacks keyword abilities. Therefore, players should consider waiting to cast it until they can maximize its powerful effect.
These token copies are Zombies, enabling synergy with various Zombie support cards. Keep in mind that using Hashaton’s ability requires three mana, so having ample mana on hand is crucial when creating these tokens.
Tortured Existence
A vital card for enabling Hashaton’s strategy is Tortured Existence. It allows for continuous recycling of the best creatures, creating a dynamic combination where players can pay four mana to generate a 4/4 Zombie token of any creature. This card keeps the battlefield active, ensuring that players can bring back any creature from the graveyard, as long as they have a creature card in hand.
Peregrine Drake
Another standout in the deck is Peregrine Drake. As a creature that can turn into a Zombie token, it effectively refunds the three lands used to create it with Hashaton, generating two extra mana on top. This card is pivotal in a combo with Hashaton and Tortured Existence, allowing for the generation of infinite mana and tokens, which can surprise opponents by creating an overwhelming army of Drakes.
The combo process involves:
- Having Hashaton and Tortured Existence on the battlefield, along with Peregrine Drake in hand. You should be able to generate four mana from your lands.
- Activating Tortured Existence, discarding Peregrine Drake, and returning a creature to your hand.
- Hashaton triggers, creating a token of Peregrine Drake for two generic mana and one blue mana.
- The token enters the battlefield and untaps five lands.
- Repeating this process gives infinite Peregrine Drake tokens and infinite mana.
Skirge Familiar
While Skirge Familiar is generally not a strong card, it becomes a valuable asset in a Hashaton deck. Although it normally requires five mana, Hashaton allows its ability to create Zombie tokens for only three mana. The ability to discard a card for one black mana transforms Hashaton’s effect into a much cheaper option.
Since Skirge Familiar can be used repeatedly as long as you have cards to discard, it can help enhance your mana production, making it easier to put key permanents into play faster.
Playing the Deck
The overall strategy of a Hashaton, Scarab’s Fist deck revolves around flooding the battlefield with Zombie tokens created from your best creatures. Numerous discard outlets facilitate activating Hashaton, alongside a selection of mana rocks to ensure enough resources for its abilities.
Importantly, the token copies created by Hashaton are Zombies and lose all original creature types but retain their abilities. This offers additional opportunities to create extra tokens, like with Renewed Solidarity, which boosts Zombies and generates copy tokens, or On Wings of Gold, providing you with Zombie tokens when cards exit the graveyard.
The primary win conditions typically involve combat or well-timed combos. Cards like Maha, Its Feathers Night and Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite can dismantle your opponent’s defenses, while the looping combo with Peregrine Drake and Tortured Existence often leads to victory.
However, the biggest challenge faced by this deck is its speed. While it can deliver explosive plays, ramping up to that point can take time. The deck struggles with consistent mana generation, which means early on, players might find themselves low on defenses. Although mana rocks can alleviate this issue, maintaining momentum in the initial stages is crucial for overall success.
