Cloudgoat Ranger MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 5 |
Rarity | Uncommon |
Type | Creature — Giant Warrior Ranger |
Power | 3 |
Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
When Cloudgoat Ranger comes into play, put three 1/1 white Kithkin Soldier creature tokens into play. Tap three untapped Kithkin you control: Cloudgoat Ranger gets +2/+0 and gains flying until end of turn.
Cards like Cloudgoat Ranger
Cloudgoat Ranger is an intriguing creature in the Magic: The Gathering universe that offers more than meets the eye. This card is akin to other creature-based strategies that generate additional tokens upon entering the battlefield. For example, Captain of the Watch also provides a similar function, deploying multiple soldier tokens, which can quickly bolster your army. However, Cloudgoat Ranger stands out with its unique ability to boost its own power and toughness by leveraging the Kithkin tokens it creates.
Another card worth mentioning in comparison is Geist-Honored Monk. Like Cloudgoat Ranger, this creature’s strength and defense are directly influenced by the number of creatures under your control. While the Monk potentially grows larger than the Ranger, it lacks the tactical versatility Cloudgoat Ranger offers by being able to become a flying threat.
Considering these comparisons, Cloudgoat Ranger holds a strong position among token-generating creatures in Magic: The Gathering. Its capacity to manipulate the battlefield with token creation, coupled with the ability to take to the skies and become an imposing force, grants it a special edge.
Cards similar to Cloudgoat Ranger by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When Cloudgoat Ranger enters the battlefield, it creates three 1/1 white Kithkin Soldier creature tokens, effectively giving you four creatures for the price of one. This influx of new units on your side of the battlefield is an excellent way to outnumber your opponents and maintain control.
Resource Acceleration: Cloudgoat Ranger provides immediate board presence which can be critical in matches where tempo plays a significant role. While it doesn’t generate mana or Treasure tokens, having multiple bodies enables you to quickly amplify your board state and overwhelm your adversary.
Instant Speed: While Cloudgoat Ranger itself does not have flash, its ability to tap Kithkin creatures you control to give it +2/+0 and flying until end of turn can be used at instant speed. This flexible power boost can catch opponents off guard, allowing for tactical blocks or unexpected swings in the air during combat.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The closest effect akin to a discard requirement for Cloudgoat Ranger is the need to tap three white creatures as part of the cost to use its ability, which might leave you with fewer blockers or unable to respond with other creature abilities.
Specific Mana Cost: Cloudgoat Ranger’s mana cost includes triple white, creating a demand for a heavy white mana base, potentially limiting its inclusion to mono-white or two-color decks with substantial white mana sources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value of five, Cloudgoat Ranger may be considered costly for its stat line and impact when compared with other creatures or spells at the same cost level that could offer immediate impact or greater power and toughness.
Reasons to Include Cloudgoat Ranger in Your Collection
Versatility: Cloudgoat Ranger is a flexible card that seamlessly integrates into white-based token strategies or decks that capitalize on creature numbers. Its ability to generate multiple tokens upon entry makes it a solid contributor to board presence.
Combo Potential: This card works well with effects that pump up your creatures, take advantage of tapping or untapping creatures, or require sacrificing creatures for greater benefits. Its tokens can activate various synergies across a wide array of deck themes.
Meta-Relevance: In games where establishing a quick defense is paramount, Cloudgoat Ranger offers immediate value by adding multiple bodies to the field. This can be particularly relevant in slower-paced formats or metas where having numerous creatures is advantageous.
How to beat
Cloudgoat Ranger is a versatile creature that can be a game-changer in Magic: The Gathering, thanks to its ability to create three 1/1 white Kithkin Soldier creature tokens upon entering the battlefield. Not only does it bolster your forces, but it also has the potential to become a significant aerial threat when you tap three untapped Kithkin you control.
To effectively counter Cloudgoat Ranger, players should consider removal spells that can handle multiple creatures or that can specifically target key threats before they become too large to manage. Board wipes like Wrath of God or spot removal like Path to Exile are excellent tools for this. Additionally, preventing it from entering play through countermagic like Counterspell or essence scatter keeps its tokens off the board. Tactics involving minimizing token advantages are crucial; consider sweepers such as Pyroclasm to clear out the smaller tokens thereby reducing the Ranger’s power on the field.
Beyond direct removal, strategies that mitigate creature abilities or prevent tapping can also stifle Cloudgoat Ranger’s effectiveness. Cards like Linvala, Keeper of Silence or Frozen Aether can interrupt the synergy it hopes to establish, ensuring that the Ranger’s impact is minimized, preserving your chances of remaining dominant on the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Cloudgoat Ranger MTG card by a specific set like Lorwyn and Modern Masters, 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 Cloudgoat Ranger 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 Cloudgoat Ranger Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2007-10-12 and 2021-02-05. Illustrated by Adam Rex.
# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2007-10-12 | Lorwyn | LRW | 10 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Adam Rex | |
2 | 2013-06-07 | Modern Masters | MMA | 10 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Adam Rex | |
3 | The List | PLST | LRW-10 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Adam Rex | ||
4 | 2021-02-05 | Kaldheim Commander | KHC | 21 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Adam Rex |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Cloudgoat Ranger has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Commander | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Paupercommander | Restricted |
Modern | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Predh | Legal |
Penny | Legal |