Carnage Gladiator MTG Card
2013-05-03 - Number 61
2016-08-26 - Number 199
2017-03-17 - Number 155
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Skeleton Warrior |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Whenever a creature blocks, that creature's controller loses 1 life. : Regenerate Carnage Gladiator.
Not the foulest or bloodiest act at Rix Maadi by a stretch.
Cards like Carnage Gladiator
Carnage Gladiator is a standout card in Magic: The Gathering, offering a unique blend of aggression and control within Rakdos decks. It shares the battlefield with other formidable creatures like Blightning, which also synergizes with the intent to cause havoc on an opponent’s game plan through damage and disruption. However, Carnage Gladiator pushes the envelope with its ability to penalize opponents whenever they block, dissuading defensive strategies and promoting a more offensive playstyle.
A closer look might draw comparisons with cards like Stingscourger, which provides utility through creature bouncing, disrupting the opponent’s board. However, this effect doesn’t directly tie into the consistent damage strategy that the Gladiator employs. There’s also the creature Boggart Ram-Gang which presents an immediate threat through haste and can leave a mark on the match quickly, yet it lacks the Gladiator’s ability to shape the opponent’s tactical decisions round after round.
Examining the arena of direct combat penalization, Carnage Gladiator finds its niche. Its unique set of abilities combine to create both a psychological and tactical advantage, reinforcing its position as a card that influences combat choices and pressures opponents in a way few others can match within the world of Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Carnage Gladiator by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Carnage Gladiator provides a unique mechanism that tactically disrupts opponents’ strategies while giving you the upper hand. Each time an opponent’s creature is regenerated, its ability not only deals damage to that player but also allows you to stay ahead in the game by incrementally whittling down their life total.
Resource Acceleration: Although not directly responsible for resource acceleration, the Gladiator’s presence on the board can indirectly accelerate your resources. By pressuring your opponent’s life total, you force them to allocate resources defensively, often leaving you with more freedom to utilize your mana and cards to further your game plan.
Instant Speed: The Carnage Gladiator may not operate at instant speed, but its ability affects the game at any time your opponent regenerates a creature. This means you’re getting a benefit during their turn without expending additional mana or resources at that time, effectively giving you an instant speed-like advantage.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Carnage Gladiator demands discarding which can deplete your hand, leaving fewer options for later turns.
Specific Mana Cost: With both black and red mana needed, it can be challenging for decks that aren’t already aligned with those colors.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: A total of four mana with a double color requirement might be cost-prohibitive in fast-paced games where efficiency is key.
Reasons to Include Carnage Gladiator in Your Collection
Versatility: Carnage Gladiator is a robust choice for several deck builds, aptly fitting into strategies centered around aggressive play and board control. Its ability to deal damage to opponents whenever they block encourages a more open battlefield, ideal for those looking to press an attack.
Combo Potential: With its ability to hurt opponents when creatures block, Carnage Gladiator can be synergistic with strategies that discourage blocking, or it can combine with cards that force opponents to block under disadvantageous conditions. This lends itself to tactical plays that can shift the tide of a game.
Meta-Relevance: As the meta shifts toward creature-heavy decks or token strategies, Carnage Gladiator remains pertinent. Its constant pressure and punishing ability can disrupt your opponent’s plans and turn the game in your favor, making it a useful card against various popular matchups.
How to Beat Carnage Gladiator
Carnage Gladiator stands out in the realm of Rakdos cards due to its ability to deter opponent creatures from regenerating. This can pose a challenge on the battlefield, particularly within creature-heavy decks. However, to maneuver around its strengths, consider using removal spells that bypass regeneration altogether. Spells like Path to Exile or other exile effects can effectively deal with the Gladiator without triggering its regeneration clause. Additionally, flying creatures or those with protection from red or black can also serve as strategic counters since Carnage Gladiator lacks reach or any inherent defense against such abilities.
Drawing upon creature control spells like Supreme Verdict or Wrath of God will also clear the field without the fear of regeneration, providing a clean slate. Moreover, instant speed spells grant flexibility to respond appropriately during combat or at the end of your opponent’s turn, keeping the pressure on the Gladiator’s controller. Lastly, minimizing combat interactions by focusing on non-creature win conditions or using strategies that don’t involve attacking can also help evade the Gladiator’s damaging effects while progressing your game plan.
Altogether, while Carnage Gladiator can create a formidable presence, a well-prepared player can employ several tactics to circumvent its influence and maintain control of the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Carnage Gladiator MTG card by a specific set like Dragon's Maze and Conspiracy: Take the Crown, 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 Carnage Gladiator and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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 Carnage Gladiator Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2013-05-03 and 2017-03-17. Illustrated by Ryan Barger.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2013-05-03 | Dragon's Maze | DGM | 61 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Ryan Barger | |
| 2 | 2016-08-26 | Conspiracy: Take the Crown | CN2 | 199 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Ryan Barger | |
| 3 | 2017-03-17 | Modern Masters 2017 | MM3 | 155 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Ryan Barger |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Carnage Gladiator has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Carnage Gladiator card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2017-03-14 | Carnage Gladiator’s ability triggers whenever any creature blocks, regardless of who controls that creature or which creature it blocked. |
| 2017-03-14 | If a creature can block multiple creatures and does so, Carnage Gladiator’s ability triggers only once. |