Gangrenous Goliath MTG Card


Gangrenous Goliath can massively swing games by returning multiple Clerics to the battlefield. Its mana cost is offset by tapping Clerics, encouraging Cleric-tribe deck synergy. Despite its strengths, the card’s high cost and specific mana needs may limit versatility.
Gangrenous Goliath - Onslaught
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Zombie Giant
Released2002-10-07
Set symbol
Set nameOnslaught
Set codeONS
Power 4
Toughness 4
Number150
Frame1997
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byJustin Sweet

Text of card

Tap three untapped Clerics you control: Return Gangrenous Goliath from your graveyard to your hand.

Cabal clerics don't heal the sick—they heal the dead.


Cards like Gangrenous Goliath

Gangrenous Goliath is an intriguing card for those looking to amplify their Cleric tribe strategies in Magic: The Gathering. A direct comparison could be drawn with Scion of Darkness, which also carries a tribal aspect albeit for the Horror tribe. Gangrenous Goliath’s edge lies in its ability to capitalize on the Cleric tribe, trading three Clerics to muster a potential game-shifting board presence. In contrast, Scion of Darkness relies on cycling and combat dynamics for board impact, which doesn’t provide the same targeted tribal synergies.

Moving into the realm of sacrifice mechanics, Nantuko Husk presents itself as another creature that benefits from sacrificing other creatures. While Nantuko Husk offers increased power and toughness as a reward, it doesn’t create the same one-shot substantial boost that Gangrenous Goliath grants. Finally, considering Siege-Gang Commander, which also thrives on sacrificing creatures, the Commander brings immediate value by creating tokens on entry, while Gangrenous Goliath focuses more on long-term tribal play payoff.

Comparing these elements showcases Gangrenous Goliath’s unique stand among creature sacrifice cards, particularly within the Cleric archetype, making it a notable choice for players aiming to exploit these synergies in Magic: The Gathering.

Scion of Darkness - MTG Card versions
Nantuko Husk - MTG Card versions
Siege-Gang Commander - MTG Card versions
Scion of Darkness - MTG Card versions
Nantuko Husk - MTG Card versions
Siege-Gang Commander - MTG Card versions

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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Gangrenous Goliath offers a strategic edge by enabling the revival of multiple Cleric creatures from your graveyard when activated. This effect generates card advantage by effectively reusing cards that were previously considered resources spent.

Resource Acceleration: Its ability to tap three untapped Clerics you control rather than pay its mana cost can significantly accelerate your resource deployment. This cost reduction can be particularly impactful in Cleric-heavy decks, allowing more efficient use of mana each turn.

Instant Speed: While Gangrenous Goliath itself does not function at instant speed, it enables various instant speed interactions within your deck. The clerics you return to the battlefield can have instant speed abilities themselves, potentially altering the game state significantly during an opponent’s turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Gangrenous Goliath requires pitching a creature card, which could deplete your hand and weaken your board presence if done recklessly.

Specific Mana Cost: With a casting cost demanding black mana, this card is not as flexible across various deck types and can be difficult to play outside mono-black or two-color decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Sitting at five mana with an activation cost, this card comes into play quite late and can be less efficient compared to other creatures providing immediate impact on the game state.


Reasons to Include Gangrenous Goliath in Your Collection

Versatility: Gangrenous Goliath offers a unique set of abilities that enable it to serve multiple roles in decks. As a creature with a significant power and toughness, it can act as a formidable blocker or an aggressive attacker that demands an answer from your opponent.

Combo Potential: This card thrives in decks that focus on creature-based strategies. Its ability to tap and untap other creatures opens up a plethora of combo possibilities, meshing well with cards that capitalize on such interactions for added value or victory conditions.

Meta-Relevance: In game environments where graveyard manipulation is prevalent, Gangrenous Goliath can be extremely relevant. It can recur creatures that provide additional utility and synergize with decks that capitalize on a large creature presence or sacrifice mechanics.


How to beat

Gangrenous Goliath is a creature card that demands a very specific approach when facing it across the battlefield. As a card that can rapidly overpower an opponent with its morbid ability, giving it the potential for colossal power increases, it is vital to have a strategy in place to neutralize or circumvent its strength. One effective method is to utilize removal spells that can target and eliminate Gangrenous Goliath before its ability becomes activated. Instant speed removal such as Path to Exile or Murderous Rider can be particularly efficient as they can be cast at the end of your opponent’s turn, reducing the likelihood of a morbid trigger being successful.

Countering is another viable strategy; spells like Negate or Essence Scatter ensure that Gangrenous Goliath never hits the board in the first place. Additionally, maintaining a steady flow of creature removal will discourage your opponent from sacrificing creatures to power up the Goliath. If Gangrenous Goliath does become a problem on the board, having a plan to handle large creatures, such as edict effects like Diabolic Edict, can force your opponent to sacrifice it, rendering the morbid ability moot. It is also wise to manage your own creature count carefully so as not to give Gangrenous Goliath undue advantage should your creatures die in battle.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Gangrenous Goliath MTG card by a specific set like Onslaught, 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 Gangrenous Goliath and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Gangrenous Goliath has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Gangrenous Goliath card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2004-10-04 The ability can only be activated while this card is in your graveyard.