Case of the Gateway Express MTG Card


Offers card draw and resource acceleration, crucial for gaining an upper hand in matches. Demands deck adaptability due to color-specific mana requirements and discard costs. Stands out in the MTG meta for its versatile utility and robust combo potential.
Case of the Gateway Express - Murders at Karlov Manor
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeEnchantment — Case
Released2024-02-09
Set symbol
Set nameMurders at Karlov Manor
Set codeMKM
Number8
Frame2015
LayoutCase
BorderBlack
Illustred byEdgar Sánchez Hidalgo

Text of card

When this Case enters the battlefield, choose target creature you don't control. Each creature you control deals 1 damage to that creature. To solve — Three or more creatures attacked this turn. (If unsolved, solve at the beginning of your end step.) Solved — Creatures you control get +1/+0.


Cards like Case of the Gateway Express

Case of the Gateway Express is an intriguing card in the landscape of Magic: The Gathering, inviting comparisons with other transportive spells. When assessing cards of similar ilk, Sky Skiff stands out. Both are artifacts that require crewing to become vehicles, but while Case of the Gateway Express demands a higher crew cost, it compensates with a renowned creature type – Train.

Furthermore, we have Ovalchase Dragster, which offers more power and haste but lacks the durability of Case of the Gateway Express. Where the Dragster zooms in for rapid impact, Case of the Gateway Express offers a steadfast presence turn after turn. Additionally, Renegade Freighter might enter the discussion, boasting beefier stats upon attacking. However, it pales slightly in terms of versatility and ease of integration into various deck types when compared to the steady functionality of Case of the Gateway Express.

In conclusion, while each of these vehicles provides unique advantages and playstyles, Case of the Gateway Express establishes its worth with balance between power, resilience, and flavor, enhancing its player’s board with reliable mechanical ingenuity in the realm of MTG.

Sky Skiff - MTG Card versions
Ovalchase Dragster - MTG Card versions
Renegade Freighter - MTG Card versions
Sky Skiff - MTG Card versions
Ovalchase Dragster - MTG Card versions
Renegade Freighter - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Case of the Gateway Express by color, type and mana cost

Circle of Protection: Blue - MTG Card versions
Blessing - MTG Card versions
Circle of Protection: Red - MTG Card versions
Circle of Protection: Black - MTG Card versions
Crusade - MTG Card versions
Island Sanctuary - MTG Card versions
Circle of Protection: White - MTG Card versions
Hallowed Ground - MTG Card versions
Circle of Protection: Artifacts - MTG Card versions
Serra Bestiary - MTG Card versions
Energy Storm - MTG Card versions
Ward of Lights - MTG Card versions
Pacifism - MTG Card versions
Gossamer Chains - MTG Card versions
Angelic Renewal - MTG Card versions
I'm Rubber, You're Glue - MTG Card versions
Absolute Grace - MTG Card versions
Serenity - MTG Card versions
Mageta's Boon - MTG Card versions
Seal of Cleansing - MTG Card versions
Circle of Protection: Blue - MTG Card versions
Blessing - MTG Card versions
Circle of Protection: Red - MTG Card versions
Circle of Protection: Black - MTG Card versions
Crusade - MTG Card versions
Island Sanctuary - MTG Card versions
Circle of Protection: White - MTG Card versions
Hallowed Ground - MTG Card versions
Circle of Protection: Artifacts - MTG Card versions
Serra Bestiary - MTG Card versions
Energy Storm - MTG Card versions
Ward of Lights - MTG Card versions
Pacifism - MTG Card versions
Gossamer Chains - MTG Card versions
Angelic Renewal - MTG Card versions
I'm Rubber, You're Glue - MTG Card versions
Absolute Grace - MTG Card versions
Serenity - MTG Card versions
Mageta's Boon - MTG Card versions
Seal of Cleansing - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Case of the Gateway Express. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Boros ConvokeBoros Convoke StandardBoros ConvokeStandard League 2024-04-23

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Case of the Gateway Express plays a substantial role in advancing your position on the battlefield by offering access to additional cards. Drawing into more options can decisively tilt the match in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: This card is a key to unlocking your deck’s full potential more swiftly. Not only does it enhance your mana pool, but it also streamlines your ability to deploy high-impact cards ahead of schedule, pushing the pace of the game.

Instant Speed: The flexibility of instant speed interaction cannot be overstated. It empowers strategic plays that adapt to the evolving game state, ensuring that you can respond to threats immediately or capitalize on moments when your adversary is most vulnerable.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Case of the Gateway Express demands a card to be discarded to activate its ability. This can be a serious drawback when your hand is already dwindling, and you’re trying to maintain card advantage over the opponent.

Specific Mana Cost: Harnessing the power of this card requires a precise mana configuration. Its specific color dependency makes it less flexible, potentially excluding it from a variety of multicolored decks not aligned with its mana needs.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana cost reaching towards the upper end of the spectrum for its effects, players might hesitate to include it in their decks. When assessing the card’s utility versus mana expense, it’s clear that there are alternative options within the game that could provide similar – or even better – outcomes without such a hefty mana investment.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Case of the Gateway Express offers a diverse utility for deckbuilders, easily incorporating into artifact-centric strategies or acting as a key piece for synergistic play in decks that manipulate or benefit from card types.

Combo Potential: With its inbuilt mechanics, this card can serve as a lynchpin in creative combinations, setting the stage for powerful plays that can turn the tide of a game through its unique interactions.

Meta-Relevance: Due to its flexible nature, Case of the Gateway Express remains highly applicable in a constantly shifting competitive environment, adapting well against a variety of decks and conforming to the nuanced demands of the current meta-game.


How to Beat

Case of the Gateway Express presents a unique challenge for Magic: The Gathering players. This card introduces a blend of strategic artifact interactions that can catch opponents off guard and propel its controller toward victory. To tackle this card effectively, it’s crucial to interrupt the powerful synergies it facilitates. That could mean deploying artifact removal spells that can directly dismantle the Gateway, or even broader effect spells that purge the board of all nonland permanents, dampening the Gateway’s utility for your opponent.

One should consider instant-speed interaction as a key tool in this battle. Instant-speed removal lets you wait for the opportune moment to strike, potentially in response to your opponent activating the Gateway, thereby disrupting their well-laid plans. Keeping your mana untapped can signal to your opponent that you have countermeasures ready, which might dissuade them from committing to a play at all. By remaining vigilant and adopting a playstyle that emphasizes control and disruption, you can effectively nullify the advantages bestowed by the Case of the Gateway Express and maintain an upper hand throughout your Magic: The Gathering matches.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Case of the Gateway Express MTG card by a specific set like Murders at Karlov Manor, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Case of the Gateway Express and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Case of the Gateway Express has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
StandardbrawlLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal