Bloodrock Cyclops MTG Card
1997-06-09 - Number 90
2000-10-01 - Number 36
2007-07-13 - Number 192
2020-07-17 - Number 297
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Cyclops |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Bloodrock Cyclops attacks each turn if able.
"He's big an' dumb an' ready to fight. A lot like ol' Hornhead here." —Squee, goblin cabin hand, scouting report
Cards like Bloodrock Cyclops
Bloodrock Cyclops is an interesting creature within the roster of Magic: The Gathering. Standing shoulder to shoulder with other red creatures, it compares to the likes of Raging Goblin for its direct, attack-oriented playstyle. While Bloodrock Cyclops is forced to attack each turn if able, Raging Goblin benefits from having haste, enabling an immediate impact on the battlefield. The Cyclops’ larger body, however, can absorb more damage and pose a bigger threat over time.
Moving on, we find Berserkers’ Onslaught, an enchantment that gives attacking creatures double strike, which amplifies the aggression of creatures like Bloodrock Cyclops. Unlike stand-alone creatures, Berserkers’ Onslaught requires a well-composed battalion to fully harness its potential. Lastly, Brute Force is a worthy comparison for its instant boost to a creature’s power and toughness, providing a similar aggressive edge—albeit temporarily—comparable to the sustained presence of a Bloodrock Cyclops on the field.
In summary, although Bloodrock Cyclops offers a relentless offense, it must be considered alongside other aggressive options. Its forced combat is a double-edged sword that can shape a game’s dynamics, solidifying its role in decks designed around unyielding aggression.
Cards similar to Bloodrock Cyclops by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Bloodrock Cyclops doesn’t directly offer card advantage in the traditional sense. However, its straightforward aggression can pressure an opponent into unfavorable trades, thereby potentially thinning their resources while you maintain board presence.
Resource Acceleration: While not designed for mana acceleration, the Cyclops’ consistent damage output can help end games quickly, reducing the need for extensive resources over prolonged matches. This hastens your route to victory, indirectly favoring resource management.
Instant Speed: The Bloodrock Cyclops itself isn’t an instant speed spell, but its sheer presence on the battlefield demands an immediate response from the opponent. This can force your adversary to act hastily, potentially misusing their instant speed answers and giving you the tempo advantage.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Bloodrock Cyclops does not require you to discard cards to be played, thereby avoiding card disadvantage and preserving your hand size.
Specific Mana Cost: Bloodrock Cyclops demands a color-specific mana investment with one red mana as part of its overall casting cost, which can be limiting when building a mana base in multicolored decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For a creature with its abilities, the casting cost of three mana, including the specific red requirement, can be seen as inefficient when compared to other creatures in the same mana range that offer additional abilities or higher power/toughness ratios.
Reasons to Include Bloodrock Cyclops in Your Collection
Versatility: Bloodrock Cyclops brings a straightforward aggression to red-based decks. Its inability to avoid combat makes it a great fit for decks that capitalize on forcing trades or those that circumvent blockers for direct damage.
Combo Potential: This card can be instrumental in combos that are designed around creatures attacking each turn. It synergizes well with cards that buff creatures or with effects that punish blocking, making it a surprisingly adaptable piece in the right build.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta filled with decks that prefer to maintain a strong defense or rely on complex strategies, Bloodrock Cyclops stands out by upholding constant pressure. It fits well in the current pace of gameplay, where maintaining an offensive stance can be key to victory.
How to beat Bloodrock Cyclops
Understanding your opponent’s cards is crucial in Magic: The Gathering, and with creatures like Bloodrock Cyclops on their side of the battlefield, knowing the right strategy is key. The Bloodrock Cyclops is known for its brute strength but comes with the drawback of being forced to attack each turn if able. This can be turned to your advantage.
To tackle this imposing creature, consider using control spells that keep it tapped down or redirect its aggression elsewhere. Cards with mechanics like “Pacifism” or “Encase in Ice” can neutralize the Cyclops without having to remove it from the board. Another viable strategy is to deploy creatures with higher toughness or those with the ability to block multiple attackers, such as any with the “Reach” or “Defender” abilities. This transforms the Cyclops’ aggression into a liability for your opponent.
Lastly, don’t overlook the value of instant-speed removal spells. Cards like “Doom Blade” or “Path to Exile” can efficiently remove the Cyclops from play before it has the chance to deal damage. By including such strategies in your deck, you’ll find yourself well-equipped to overcome the might of the Bloodrock Cyclops and maintain the upper hand.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Bloodrock Cyclops MTG card by a specific set like Weatherlight and Beatdown Box Set, 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 Bloodrock Cyclops 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 Bloodrock Cyclops Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 1997-06-09 and 2020-07-17. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1997-06-09 | Weatherlight | WTH | 90 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Tom Wänerstrand | |
| 2 | 2000-10-01 | Beatdown Box Set | BTD | 36 | 1997 | Normal | White | Tom Wänerstrand | |
| 3 | 2007-07-13 | Tenth Edition | 10E | 192 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Alex Horley-Orlandelli | |
| 4 | 2020-07-17 | Jumpstart | JMP | 297 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Alex Horley-Orlandelli |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Bloodrock Cyclops has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Bloodrock Cyclops 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 | There is no penalty if it can’t attack. |