Colossus of Akros MTG Card
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 8 |
Rarity | Rare |
Type | Artifact Creature — Golem |
Abilities | Defender,Indestructible,Monstrosity |
Released | 2013-09-27 |
Set symbol | |
Set name | Theros |
Set code | THS |
Power | 10 |
Toughness | 10 |
Number | 214 |
Frame | 2003 |
Layout | Normal |
Border | Black |
Illustred by | Zack Stella |
Text of card
Defender, indestructible 0: Monstrosity 10. (If this creature isn't monstrous, put ten +1/+1 counters on it and it becomes monstrous.) As long as Colossus of Akros is monstrous, it has trample and can attack as though it didn't have defender.
Cards like Colossus of Akros
Colossus of Akros presents a unique presence on the battlefield among artifact creatures in Magic: The Gathering. This massive statue is reminiscent of other formidable creatures such as Darksteel Colossus. Both cards boast indestructibility, which ensures they remain a persistent threat. However, Colossus of Akros takes it a step further with its monstrous ability, transforming into a colossal 20/20 creature that can easily dominate the game.
Another counterpart is Ulamog’s Crusher, an annihilator that forces the action with a mandatory attack each turn. While it lacks indestructibility, it compensates with an aggressive presence and the potential for serious board impact. Gargantuan creatures like Blightsteel Colossus also share the limelight. Blightsteel boasts infect, a powerful ability that can end games swiftly, offering a different but equally threatening strategy compared to the defensive fortress Colossus of Akros transforms into.
When contrasting Colossus of Akros with its colossal peers, it stands out for its ability to morph the tide of combat and serve as both a defensive bastion and an offensive juggernaut. Its versatility and resilience make it a unique and strategic inclusion in any deck capable of harnessing its power.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: With the Colossus of Akros, players can leverage its massive 10/10 stat line to dominate the battlefield. Once monstrous, it becomes a formidable 20/20 creature with trample, ensuring it can often take down several creatures in combat and push through considerable damage, offering a strategic advantage.
Resource Acceleration: Although this artifact creature commands a high mana cost, in decks focused on ramping, it provides an excellent mana sink. By investing mana into its monstrosity ability, you effectively create a game-ending threat that can emerge as early as mid-game, given sufficient resource acceleration.
Instant Speed: While the Colossus of Akros itself does not operate at instant speed, its indestructible nature means that it’s persistently present on the field, deterring opponents from attacking. Additionally, it’s able to become monstrous at instant speed during your opponent’s end step, catching them off guard right before your turn begins, maximizing surprise and effectiveness.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The powerhouse that is Colossus of Akros does not come to the battlefield easily. You’ll need to invest other resources to transform this artifact creature into a threat, which often means discarding valuable cards or sacrificing permanents that could sway the course of the game in your favor.
Specific Mana Cost: Tapping into the might of this massive statue requires a commitment of a significant amount of mana, specifically ten colorless mana. This specificity can be a hurdle in mana generation, especially in decks that rely on a variety of colors to execute their strategies and may not have enough resources dedicated to producing colorless mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the Colossus boasts impressive stats and the potential to be a game ender, its initial casting cost of eight mana is on the higher side, particularly when considering the additional cost needed to activate its monstrous ability. In a game where tempo can dictate victory, this high investment could leave players vulnerable as they dedicate their resources to summoning and activating this colossal force.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Colossus of Akros is able to augment a variety of strategies. As a formidable defender initially, it can protect you while setting up your board. Once monstrous, it transforms into a game-ending threat, capable of pressing the advantage in control or ramp decks alike.
Combo Potential: With its monstrous ability, Colossus of Akros becomes a powerhouse in combinations, especially with cards that synergize with high-powered creatures or rely on artifact interactions, amplifying its impact on the battlefield.
Meta-Relevance: Given its resilience to many common removal spells, Colossus of Akros can serve as a key player in environments saturated with control elements. In the right meta, it can consistently dominate the late-game and swing matches in your favor.
How to Beat Colossus of Akros
Colossus of Akros stands as a formidable creature in MTG with its towering defense and ability to become a monstrous threat. This artifact creature starts passive but evolves into a massive 20/20 creature with trample and indestructible, making direct combat challenging. Yet, there are several strategies for overcoming this giant.
One effective tactic is through enchanting the Colossus with cards that neutralize its abilities, like Darksteel Mutation or Song of the Dryads, which can turn it into a harmless land or insect without affecting its innate indestructibility. Permission spells like Counterspell or Negate ensure it never hits the battlefield, while board wipes like Merciless Eviction can exile it, bypassing indestructibility. In addition, cards offering direct player damage or life loss, such as Lightning Bolt or Exsanguinate, can target the opponent directly, diminishing the relevance of the Colossus presence.
Addressing the threat of Colossus of Akros requires a prepared deck with versatile answers. Path to Exile, for instance, offers a one-way ticket off the battlefield regardless of its monstrous status. Even stealing control of the creature using Act of Treason effects can turn the tide of battle. These strategies can effectively invalidate the Colossus, no matter its size.
BurnMana Recommendations
The Colossus of Akros is a true game-changer for those who know how to wield its monumental power on the battlefield. With the proper set-up and a deck designed to support its mana demands, this artifact creature can swing games drastically in your favor. Harnessing the potential of the Colossus requires knowledge, keen strategy, and an understanding of MTG metagames. We encourage you to continue exploring the depths of your strategies and deck-building skills to optimize the Colossus’s impact. For more insights and guidance on how to make the Colossus of Akros a cornerstone of your winning deck, dive in with us.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Colossus of Akros MTG card by a specific set like Theros, 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 Colossus of Akros 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Colossus of Akros has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Commander | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Modern | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Pioneer | Legal |
Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Colossus of Akros card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
Date | Text |
---|---|
2013-09-15 | An ability that triggers when a creature becomes monstrous won't trigger if that creature isn't on the battlefield when its monstrosity ability resolves. |
2013-09-15 | Colossus of Akros doesn't lose defender when it's monstrous. It's just able to attack. |
2013-09-15 | Monstrous isn't an ability that a creature has. It's just something true about that creature. If the creature stops being a creature or loses its abilities, it will continue to be monstrous. |
2013-09-15 | Once a creature becomes monstrous, it can't become monstrous again. If the creature is already monstrous when the monstrosity ability resolves, nothing happens. |