Epitaph Golem MTG Card
2016-04-08 - Number 254
2020-07-03 - Number 230
2023-03-21 - Number 249
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Artifact Creature — Golem |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 5 |
Text of card
: Put target card from your graveyard on the bottom of your library.
Many names and many memories bound together in grim purpose.
Cards like Epitaph Golem
Exploring the realm of artifact creatures in Magic: The Gathering, Epitaph Golem presents a unique self-recursion ability, solidifying its role in decks that manipulate the graveyard. The Golem shares conceptual ground with Scrabbling Claws, as they both regulate graveyard contents. However, the Golem shines as a persistent board presence capable of reshaping your library’s landscape.
Another artifact creature, the Reito Lantern, echoes the Golem’s graveyard manipulation by selectively placing cards back into the library. While not a creature, this lantern is more flexible in target selection. Also orbiting this theme, Junktroller stands out as a defender that can repeatedly perform a similar function to Epitaph Golem without tapping. But what sets the Golem apart is its ability to bypass summoning sickness, as it doesn’t require tapping to activate its ability, thus enabling immediate utility post summon or after surviving an opponent’s turn.
When viewed through a lens that captures game strategy and longevity, Epitaph Golem earns its respect among artifact creatures. Its continuous impact on one’s own library depth, resilience to graveyard hate, and synergy with decks focusing on the top-card manipulation all contribute to its distinct role within Magic: The Gathering’s intricate ecosystem.
Cards similar to Epitaph Golem by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Epitaph Golem offers a unique form of card selection, helping you retrieve key cards from your graveyard to stack your deck to your advantage.
Resource Acceleration: While not a direct source of mana, Epitaph Golem aids in smoothing out draws, ensuring that you have access to the resources you need without unwanted repeats.
Instant Speed: Although Epitaph Golem operates at sorcery speed, its ability can be activated during your turn to keep mana open and interact with the graveyard when it’s most advantageous.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Epitaph Golem requires you to put cards from your graveyard on the bottom of your library as an activation cost. This can be a limiting factor in strategies that leverage graveyard synergies or aim to recur certain cards for repeat value.
Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost of Epitaph Golem includes colorless mana, which can be restrictive in mana bases that rely predominantly on colored sources. This may complicate the casting of the golem in multi-colored decks that need tight color requirements for other spells.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of six mana, Epitaph Golem sits on the higher end of the mana curve for creatures. Considering its stats and effect, many players might find more efficient options for the same mana investment, especially in faster-paced games where tempo is crucial.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Epitaph Golem serves as a solid utility piece in decks that manipulate their graveyard. It excels in long games by preventing you from milling yourself out, making it a great addition to any commander or self-mill deck strategy.
Combo Potential: This card offers synergy with strategies that involve recurring cards from the graveyard to the library. It can be a key component in loops that require specific cards to be redrawn or to avoid undesirable graveyard interactions from your opponents.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment rife with graveyard hate and mill strategies, Epitaph Golem provides a counterbalance that can preserve your key resources. Its presence can turn the tides in a meta where graveyard tactics are prevalent.
How to beat
Epitaph Golem presents a unique challenge on the battlefield for MTG enthusiasts due to its ability to manipulate a player’s graveyard. This artifact creature allows its controller to put any number of cards from their graveyard on the bottom of their library. With such a mechanism, it effectively shields against milling strategies and offers a degree of sustainability in longer matchups, where running out of cards is a real threat.
To effectively counter Epitaph Golem, you should focus on removal strategies that bypass its graveyard looping. Direct removal spells like Path to Exile or Murderous Rider can exile Epitaph Golem, ensuring it doesn’t return to the library. Alternately, countering it on the stack with spells like Counterspell or Negate can prevent it from ever hitting the field. Additionally, applying pressure with aggressive creature strategies can overwhelm a player relying on Epitaph Golem for late-game stability. Ensnaring the golem with control enchantments such as Pacifism or Darksteel Mutation can also neuter its impact without having to remove it directly.
Understanding these tactics is pivotal for players facing down this unique artifact creature. A balanced approach utilizing exile, counters, and aggression can keep the golem in check and prevent your opponent from capitalizing on its graveyard recycling abilities.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Epitaph Golem MTG card by a specific set like Shadows over Innistrad and Core Set 2021, 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 Epitaph Golem 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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Printings
The Epitaph Golem Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2016-04-08 and 2023-03-21. Illustrated by Adam Paquette.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2016-04-08 | Shadows over Innistrad | SOI | 254 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Adam Paquette | |
| 2 | 2020-07-03 | Core Set 2021 | M21 | 230 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Adam Paquette | |
| 3 | 2023-03-21 | Shadows over Innistrad Remastered | SIR | 249 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Adam Paquette |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Epitaph Golem has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |