Basalt Gargoyle MTG Card
2006-10-06 - Number 145
2021-03-19 - Number 153
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Gargoyle |
| Abilities | Echo,Flying |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Flying Echo (At the beginning of your upkeep, if this came under your control since the beginning of your last upkeep, sacrifice it unless you pay its echo cost.) : Basalt Gargoyle gets +0/+1 until end of turn.
Cards like Basalt Gargoyle
Basalt Gargoyle stands out as an intriguing creature in MTG due to its ability to gain flying until end of turn. This feature rings familiar when compared to cards like Spire Gargoyle, which requires an artifact to enable its flying trait. However, Basalt Gargoyle starts with a higher power and is not dependent on external conditions to fly.
Another noteworthy peer is Calcite Snapper, which can shift between shroud and being a potent attacker, much like Basalt Gargoyle toggles flying. Yet, the flexibility of Basalt Gargoyle to activate its ability multiple times in a turn could offer more aggressive tactical options. Then there’s the Faultgrinder, a creature with the echo ability akin to Basalt Gargoyle’s, but instead of enhancing its combat capabilities, it serves a distinct role by destroying lands.
Evaluating the utility and versatility among its kindred, Basalt Gargoyle can be a strategic asset in a deck. Its capacity for sudden altitude adjustment provides a reliable surprise element, holding its own in the ecosystem of creatures with variable battling traits in MTG.
Cards similar to Basalt Gargoyle by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Though Basalt Gargoyle doesn’t directly allow you to draw cards, its echo ability provides a form of card advantage. By paying the echo cost, you essentially get two uses out of a single card—initially casting a creature with a solid 3/2 body, followed by yet another creature the next turn if you choose to keep it on the battlefield.
Resource Acceleration: Basalt Gargoyle isn’t typically viewed as a tool for resource acceleration. However, its flying ability makes it less likely to be blocked, which indirectly accelerates your damage resources towards your opponent’s life total, potentially quickening the pace of the game in your favor.
Instant Speed: While Basalt Gargoyle itself is a creature cast at sorcery speed, its ‘suspend’ ability mimics the flexibility of instant speed interaction. By suspending it for just a single mana, you open up your resources to respond to an opponent’s plays, while setting up a future threat that will emerge with haste—allowing you to immediately put pressure on your opponent.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Basalt Gargoyle requires precise deck construction to mitigate the risk of discarding valuable cards. This could leave you at a disadvantage when you’re strained for options in your hand.
Specific Mana Cost: Basalt Gargoyle demands a specific mana combination to cast, which may not seamlessly integrate into all decks, especially those that are not built around its color identity.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The cost to summon and activate the abilities of Basalt Gargoyle can be steep relative to other creatures with comparable attributes or abilities. This may lead players to choose more mana-efficient options for their strategies.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Basalt Gargoyle offers the flexibility to fit into numerous deck archetypes. Its ability to evade blockers with flying and its echo cost provide both early aggression and late-game presence.
Combo Potential: With its built-in ability to become temporarily unblockable, Basalt Gargoyle works well in combos that capitalize on attacking creatures. For instance, coupling it with cards that trigger upon combat damage to a player could be particularly effective.
Meta-Relevance: Given its adaptability and cost-effective nature, Basalt Gargoyle aligns well with the dynamic nature of the current MTG landscape. In formats where artifacts and evasion tactics are prized, it holds a place as a solid choice.
How to Beat Basalt Gargoyle
Battling against Basalt Gargoyle on the MTG battlefield requires a well-thought-out approach. This card, known for its flexibility, can pose a significant challenge due to its flying ability and the potential to gain temporary invulnerability through its “echo” ability. Adding to its defenses, the Basalt Gargoyle can turn itself into a 3/3 creature until end of turn, which can be a surprise to an unprepared opponent.
To deal with this rocky nuisance, consider using spells that can bypass its abilities or remove it before the echo ability can be exercised. Instant speed removals that can target creatures irrespective of their power, such as “Doom Blade” or “Path to Exile,” can be highly effective. Additionally, strategies that force your opponent to sacrifice creatures will get around the Gargoyle’s ability to dodge targeted spells. Board wipes are another solid choice, as they can clear the Gargoyle along with other potential threats on the board.
Overall, while Basalt Gargoyle may seem daunting at first glance, keeping up instant-speed responses or planning for a board reset can ensure that this stone sentinel doesn’t keep you from victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Basalt Gargoyle MTG card by a specific set like Time Spiral and Time Spiral Remastered, 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 Basalt Gargoyle and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
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Printings
The Basalt Gargoyle Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2006-10-06 and 2021-03-19. Illustrated by Clint Langley.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2006-10-06 | Time Spiral | TSP | 145 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Clint Langley | |
| 2 | 2021-03-19 | Time Spiral Remastered | TSR | 153 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Clint Langley |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Basalt Gargoyle has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |