Scoured Barrens

Land

Scoured Barrens enters the battlefield tapped.

When Scoured Barrens enters the battlefield, you gain 1 life.

{T}: Add {W} or {B}.

Set March of the Machine
Rarity Common

Why Play Scoured Barrens

Budget Orzhov decks rely on Scoured Barrens as an affordable mana-fixing option that provides both white and black mana while offering a small life buffer. The one life gained helps stabilize against aggressive strategies in the early game, making it particularly valuable in slower midrange builds that need time to establish board presence. While entering tapped is a significant drawback, decks focused on four-mana and higher threats can afford the tempo loss for reliable mana access.

Format Notes

Scoured Barrens sees most play in Pauper, where it's one of the premier dual lands available to white-black decks due to format restrictions on uncommon and rare lands. Commander players often include it in casual Orzhov builds where budget considerations outweigh optimal performance. The card has minimal impact in faster formats like Modern or Pioneer, where untapped dual lands are essential for competitive play.

Combos & Synergies

Lifegain-matters cards like Ajani's Pridemate and Bloodthirsty Aerialist benefit from the guaranteed life trigger each game. Scoured Barrens works well alongside other Orzhov taplands and basics in slower decks that can sequence their lands properly. The life gain provides small but meaningful value with cards that care about your life total, such as Serra Ascendant or various Orzhov guild mechanics that reward higher life totals.

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Land