Compass Gnome MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Artifact Creature — Gnome |
| Released | 2023-11-17 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | The Lost Caverns of Ixalan |
| Set code | LCI |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 250 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | David Astruga |
Text of card
When Compass Gnome enters the battlefield, you may search your library for a basic land card or Cave card, reveal it, then shuffle and put that card on top.
"I'm certain it's some kind of sophisticated navigational tool. If only I had any idea what it was telling me!" —Colbo, Brazen Coalition surveyor
Cards like Compass Gnome
Compass Gnome fits neatly into the range of artifact creature cards in Magic: The Gathering, comparable to others like the Pilgrim’s Eye. Both cards are designed to support land fetching, but Compass Gnome holds its own with its unique scry ability. Pilgrim’s Eye lets you search your library for a basic land card and put that card into your hand, ensuring a land drop. In contrast, Compass Gnome offers the flexibility of scrying to arrange your upcoming draws, providing a more strategic advantage in shaping future turns.
Another similar card is Skittering Surveyor, which also boasts the ability to seek out lands from your deck. Where Compass Gnome excels is in its repeatable scry effect, allowing you to continuously manipulate your upcoming cards, improving the consistency of your draws over time. Additionally, the Surveyor is a one-time use upon entering the battlefield, while Compass Gnome can continually affect the game as long as it remains untapped.
Ultimately, Compass Gnome carves out a distinctive role among its artifact creature peers by offering enduring utility with its scry ability, even as the game progresses. It holds a specific appeal for players looking to balance their draws and ensure the right cards are coming their way.
Cards similar to Compass Gnome by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Compass Gnome offers a consistent way to sift through your deck, helping you plan your moves and navigate towards your strategic goals more efficiently.
Resource Acceleration: This artifact creature can be an asset in artifact-centric decks, potentially acting as a cog in the machine that cranks your game into a higher gear, accelerating your resource development.
Instant Speed: Its instant speed ability allows you to adapt swiftly to the evolving battlefield, aligning your plays with the pace of the game and keeping opponents guessing.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Compass Gnome comes with an activation condition that compels you to discard a card. This can be a steep price to pay, particularly when your hand is already running low on cards, and could set you back if you need all resources on hand to respond to an opponent’s threats.
Specific Mana Cost: To cast Compass Gnome, you need to allocate mana specifically for its cost. This requirement can be restrictive, tying up resources that could be strategically used elsewhere, especially in multi-colored decks that need a more flexible mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost that’s on the higher side for its effects, the card could be considered inefficient compared to alternatives. In decks where every mana point matters, dedicating such an amount to get Compass Gnome on the field might not align with a strategy aiming for lean and efficient plays.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: The Compass Gnome introduces a unique dynamic where it becomes a crucial piece in artifact-centric decks as well as those looking to capitalize on landfall triggers due to its ability to repeatedly enter and leave the battlefield.
Combo Potential: With its modular nature, the Compass Gnome pairs well with effects that care about artifact count or ETB (Enter The Battlefield) triggers, bolstering strategies that may revolve around such synergies.
Meta-Relevance: Given that the current competitive scene often values cards that offer multiple functionalities, Compass Gnome’s adaptability makes it an under-the-radar yet potent candidate for inclusion in decks seeking an edge over common archetypes.
How to Beat Compass Gnome
Compass Gnome is a unique card from Magic: The Gathering that presents players with an interesting dilemma. This artifact creature can serve as a valuable tool for manipulating the top card of your library, especially in decks that capitalize on knowing this information. However, like any card in MTG, Compass Gnome has its weaknesses, and understanding how to exploit them can be key to overcoming an opponent who uses it effectively.
One strategy is to employ artifact removal spells. Cards like Naturalize or Disenchant are commonly included in many MTG decks and can dispatch Compass Gnome before it can have a significant influence on the game. Similarly, creature removal spells can eliminate it as a blocker or attacker, reducing the opponent’s field presence. Mass artifact removal like Shatterstorm will also do the trick, wiping out Compass Gnome along with other troublesome artifacts. Lastly, some decks may benefit from non-targeted removal or exile effects, ensuring that cards like Compass Gnome don’t recur or have lasting impacts.
In sum, while Compass Gnome can be a thorn in your side, there are a number of strategies MTG players can utilize to counter its effects. Tactical removal or preventively countering its deployment can ensure that your game plan goes uninterrupted by this intriguing yet manageable card.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Compass Gnome MTG card by a specific set like The Lost Caverns of Ixalan, 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 Compass Gnome 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Compass Gnome has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |