Cataclysmic Gearhulk MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 8 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityMythic
TypeArtifact Creature — Construct
Abilities Vigilance
Power 4
Toughness 5

Key Takeaways

  1. Card advantage is gained by sculpting the battlefield to favor your most valuable permanents.
  2. Resource acceleration is achieved indirectly by clearing opponent’s ramping permanents.
  3. Instant speed interaction is possible, adding surprise and flexibility during play.
Vigilance card art

Guide to Vigilance card ability

In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.

Text of card

Vigilance When Cataclysmic Gearhulk enters the battlefield, each player chooses an artifact, a creature, an enchantment, and a planeswalker from among the nonland permanents he or she controls, then sacrifices the rest.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Cataclysmic Gearhulk provides a unique form of card advantage by selectively forcing each player to commit to their most valuable permanents. This can lead to a lopsided board state where you retain your best threats or answers while opponents are stripped of theirs.

Resource Acceleration: Although Cataclysmic Gearhulk doesn’t directly generate resources, its board sweep can accelerate your game plan by removing opponent’s mana dorks and other permanents that could potentially ramp their play. This evens the battlefield and can give you a tempo advantage.

Instant Speed: While Cataclysmic Gearhulk itself does not operate at instant speed, its impact on the game is immediate and sizable—akin to the surprise factor instants bring to the table. Additionally, it can be flashed into play through various means, such as with the card “Vedalken Orrery,” providing an unforeseen advantage during your opponent’s turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Unrelated to Cataclysmic Gearhulk’s direct abilities, players need to be aware that holding onto this card for the right moment might lead to a tougher decision-making process when other cards require a discard, especially if hand size is limited.

Specific Mana Cost: Cataclysmic Gearhulk requires a precise blend of mana types (one white and four of any other) to be cast, which can sometimes be restrictive, especially in multicolor decks that might struggle with mana consistency.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a total cost of five mana to deploy Cataclysmic Gearhulk onto the battlefield, it comes into play later than many other creatures or board-control options, potentially causing a delay in strategic plays or allowing opponents to establish a more dominant presence.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Cataclysmic Gearhulk offers a flexible solution for decks needing board control. Its ability to clear the battlefield while preserving key pieces makes it a strategic choice for a variety of gameplans.

Combo Potential: As a creature with a significant impact on the game state, Cataclysmic Gearhulk works well in combos that capitalize on enter-the-battlefield triggers or those that benefit from artifact synergies.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-based strategies dominate, Cataclysmic Gearhulk serves as a powerful reset button, keeping rampaging decks in check and maintaining a competitive edge.


How to beat Cataclysmic Gearhulk

Cataclysmic Gearhulk stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a power play in creature-heavy matches. Key to overcoming this formidable artifact creature is understanding its unique ability: when it enters the battlefield, each player chooses an artifact, creature, enchantment, and planeswalker from among the nonland permanents they control, then sacrifices the rest. An effective strategy to mitigate its impact is maintaining a diverse board presence, ensuring that your valuable permanents are spread across different types.

Timing is critical when facing Cataclysmic Gearhulk. By holding onto instant-speed removal spells, such as Doom Blade or Path to Exile, you can respond aptly to its trigger. Counterspells are also excellent tools – a well-timed Mana Leak or Negate can prevent the Gearhulk from causing any disruption at all. Lastly, leveraging the power of sacrifice effects, like Fleshbag Marauder or Diabolic Edict, forces the Gearhulk controller to make tough decisions about which of their creatures to keep. By employing these tactics, you can navigate the complexities Cataclysmic Gearhulk presents and maintain control of the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

Cataclysmic Gearhulk isn’t just another card to add to your MTG collection. Its ability to reshape the board with precision makes it a go-to for strategically minded players. Whether you’re juggling card advantage, seeking resource acceleration, or mastering instant speed plays, this Gearhulk fits into countless game plans. But remember, your strategy needs diversity to beat it. Stay updated with the latest tactics and build a deck that not only plays well but adapts swiftly to the dynamic battlefield this card creates. For deeper insight into crafting winning strategies with Cataclysmic Gearhulk, follow us and expand your MTG expertise.


Cards like Cataclysmic Gearhulk

Cataclysmic Gearhulk stands as a powerful artifact creature within Magic: The Gathering, offering a unique twist on board control. It echoes the functionality of Tragic Arrogance, a spell known for selectively stripping opponents’ boards while preserving some of your assets. Likewise, Cataclysmic Gearhulk requires each player to choose from among the nonland permanents they control an artifact, creature, enchantment, and planeswalker, then sacrifice the rest.

Analogous to the Gearhulk is Phyrexian Scriptures, a saga that, over the course of two turns, also purges the board of creatures. However, it goes further by targeting the graveyard, not just the battlefield. On the flip side, Cataclysmic Gearhulk offers an immediate impact and a sizable body to press the advantage. Another semblance can be seen in Planar Cleansing, which also clears all nonland permanents but without discrimination, affecting uncontested board wipes unlike the Gearhulk’s more strategic approach.

In evaluating their tactical viability, Cataclysmic Gearhulk is a formidable choice for its direct and impactful board presence combined with the tactical advantages it presents in mid to late-game scenarios.

Tragic Arrogance - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Scriptures - MTG Card versions
Planar Cleansing - MTG Card versions
Tragic Arrogance - Magic Origins (ORI)
Phyrexian Scriptures - Dominaria (DOM)
Planar Cleansing - Magic 2010 (M10)

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Essence of Antiquity - Murders at Karlov Manor (MKM)
Sentry Bot - Fallout (PIP)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Cataclysmic Gearhulk MTG card by a specific set like Kaladesh and Kaladesh Promos, 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 Cataclysmic Gearhulk and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Cataclysmic Gearhulk Magic the Gathering card was released in 8 different sets between 2016-09-30 and 2023-04-21. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12016-09-30KaladeshKLD 92015normalblackVictor Adame Minguez
22016-09-30Kaladesh PromosPKLD 9s2015normalblackVictor Adame Minguez
32016-09-30Kaladesh InventionsMPS 12015normalblackJason Rainville
42020-04-17Commander 2020C20 802015normalblackVictor Adame Minguez
52020-11-12Kaladesh RemasteredKLR 122015normalblackVictor Adame Minguez
62021-07-23Forgotten Realms CommanderAFC 652015normalblackVictor Adame Minguez
72022-02-18Neon Dynasty CommanderNEC 812015normalblackVictor Adame Minguez
82023-04-21March of the Machine CommanderMOC 1762015normalblackVictor Adame Minguez

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Cataclysmic Gearhulk has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Cataclysmic Gearhulk card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

DateText
2016-09-20 A permanent with more than one type may be chosen as either of the types or both. For example, an artifact creature may be chosen as the artifact, the creature, or both. Choosing the same permanent twice this way has the same result as choosing it once.
2016-09-20 Cataclysmic Gearhulk will be sacrificed to its own ability if you don't choose it as your artifact or your creature.
2016-09-20 First the player whose turn it is chooses permanents they control, then each other player in turn order does the same. Each player will know the choices made by players who chose before them. All of the unchosen nonland permanents are then sacrificed simultaneously.
2016-09-20 If you don't control any permanents of one of the types, you'll still choose the permanents of the types you do control.
2016-09-20 Lands can't be chosen and won't be sacrificed, even if they have other types (such as an artifact land).

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