Basilisk Gate MTG Card
2022-06-10 - Number 346
2024-06-14 - Number 320
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Land — Gate |
Text of card
: Add . , : Target creature gets +X/+X until end of turn, where X is the number of Gates you control. Activate only as a sorcery.
The eastern passage into the city is filled with reminders that the patriars are literally looking down on you.
Cards like Basilisk Gate
Basilisk Gate makes a remarkable entrance into the roster of utility lands within Magic: The Gathering. It holds a likeness to other modal double-faced cards, offering not only a land on one side but also a powerful spell on the other, akin to the innovative design seen in cards like Valakut Awakening. Basilisk Gate’s ability to become a creature with deathtouch provides a versatile defensive edge, similar to Crawling Barrens, which also turns into a creature, though without the deathtouch feature.
Examining further, Haven of the Spirit Dragon shares the theme of a land transforming into a potent threat. It, too, echoes the essence of utility and adaptability, though it specifically caters to Dragon creature types. Basilisk Gate serves a broader scope of decks, not confined to a singular creature archetype. Additionally, Zoetic Cavern also emerges as a comparable entity, with its Morph ability allowing a surprise element on the battlefield, much like the sudden creature transformation afforded by Basilisk Gate.
While each card in this domain presents its unique strategic advantages, Basilisk Gate’s combination of offering an immediate creature with a valued keyword ability and the potential for mana fixing positions it as a distinct and powerful choice for players looking to enhance their deck’s flexibility and defensive line-up.
Cards similar to Basilisk Gate by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Basilisk Gate. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Caw-Gates | Pauper | Caw-Gates | Pauper League 2024-04-29 |
 | Mardu Synthesizer | Pauper | Mardu Synthesizer | Pauper League 2024-05-04 |
 | WBR | Pauper | Pauper League 2024-05-06 | |
| Caw Gates | Pauper | Caw-Gates | AWESOME PAUPER |
 | Flicker Gates | Pauper | Jeskai Ephemerate | Monthly Tournament #38 @ Paper Pauper Magic Discord |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Basilisk Gate shines when it comes to maintaining momentum in the game. Its ability to potentially replace itself in your hand, by drawing a card upon fulfilling certain conditions, means players can keep applying pressure while not losing out on resources.
Resource Acceleration: This versatile artifact can be a powerful tool for players looking to ramp up their available resources. By smoothing out mana curves, it aids in deploying threats earlier than expected, tipping the scales in your favor.
Instant Speed: One of the most strategic aspects of Basilisk Gate is its capacity to operate at instant speed. This allows players to stay flexible and responsive, adapting to their opponent’s moves and turning the tide of the match at a moment’s notice.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: With Basilisk Gate, you must part ways with another card in your hand to activate its abilities, which can set you back when your hand is already running short. This discard rule may force players to make difficult decisions, especially in the late game when each card’s value is magnified.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s mana requirement includes colors that are specific to particular strategies, potentially limiting its versatility across various deck types. If your deck doesn’t support these mana colors, including Basilisk Gate could disrupt your mana curve and slow down your gameplay.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When you’re trying to optimize your mana expenditure, the cost for Basilisk Gate might seem steep. In the context of gameplay, this can make it less appealing compared to other options that fulfill similar roles at a lower mana investment. Cards with a leaner cost could allow you to play multiple spells in a turn or leave mana open for responses during your opponent’s turn.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Basilisk Collar is a highly adaptable card that can be integrated into a variety of deck archetypes. With its ability to give a creature lifelink and deathtouch, it can turn even the smallest creature into a significant threat in both offensive and defensive positions.
Combo Potential: This card has tremendous synergy with creatures that have abilities triggered by dealing damage. It pairs exceptionally well with cards that have effects like pinging, wherein even one point of damage can become lethal to an opposing creature, while also gaining you life.
Meta-Relevance: In a game where creatures often dominate the battlefield, Basilisk Collar’s abilities are perpetually relevant. Its presence can deter opponents from attacking and can turn the tide in creature-heavy matchups, making it a card worth considering in the current MTG play environment.
How to Beat
Basilisk Collar is an artifact popular among MTG players for the distinct advantage it confers to creatures, namely deathtouch and lifelink. When facing an opponent with a creature equipped with Basilisk Collar, every confrontation becomes a calculated risk. To beat Basilisk Collar, it’s essential to disrupt the combo that makes it powerful.
One strategy is to employ artifact removal spells like Disenchant or Naturalize, which can target and destroy the Collar directly. Another approach is to prevent the creature from dealing damage in the first place with cards like Pacifism or other control elements that bypass the deathtouch and lifelink abilities by either tapping the creature or reducing its power. Utilizing board wipes to clear out all creatures at once can also negate the lifelink benefit by not allowing single combat to occur.
Considering its impact on the board, mastering the ways to counteract Basilisk Collar is a valuable tactic in MTG. Strategies revolving around timely removal and control of enemy creatures are key in diluting the potency of the artifact, ensuring that your opponent can’t capitalize on the Collar’s game-altering abilities.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Basilisk Gate MTG card by a specific set like Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate and Modern Horizons 3 Commander, 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 Basilisk Gate 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Basilisk Gate Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2022-06-10 and 2024-06-14. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2022-06-10 | Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate | CLB | 346 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Julian Kok Joon Wen | |
| 2 | 2024-06-14 | Modern Horizons 3 Commander | M3C | 320 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jorge Jacinto |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Basilisk Gate has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |