Floodgate MTG Card
1996-10-08 - Number 67
2019-11-07 - Number 381
2023-01-13 - Number 49
2020-09-26 - Number MIR-67
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Wall |
| Abilities | Defender |
| Power | 0 |
| Toughness | 5 |
Text of card
If Floodgate gains flying, bury it. If Floodgate leaves play, it deals to each nonblue creature without flying 1 damage for each two islands you control.
"Quick, Rhirhok—teach me to swim!" —Makht, goblin casualty
Cards like Floodgate
Floodgate, offering a unique twist on creature control, stands out among Magic: The Gathering’s vast array of defensive options. It shares some similarities with other board control cards like Propaganda, which also serves to hinder opposing creatures. However, Floodgate differs by providing a deterrent against flying creatures in particular, releasing a deluge that can wipe smaller creatures off the board when it’s destroyed.
Moat is another classic card that Floodgate can be measured against. While Moat entirely prevents non-flying creatures from attacking, Floodgate applies pressure by threatening to deal damage, thus acting not only as a prevention measure but a potential game-changer upon its destruction. Rounding out the comparison is Wall of Frost, a card that effectively freezes any creature it blocks. Although it doesn’t threaten wide-scale destruction like Floodgate, its ability to stop attackers in their tracks makes it an important card in the defensive lineup.
Ultimately, Floodgate finds its strength and strategic depth in a card pool rich with creature control options. By striking a balance between dissuading aerial attacks and setting the stage for a potential board wipe, it carves a niche within the defensive strategies in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Floodgate by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Floodgate offers a unique form of card advantage by potentially negating multiple threats with a single card. When conditions are right, removing blockers or attackers can swing the game in your favor, effectively providing a card advantage through tactical board control.
Resource Acceleration: This card might not directly contribute to traditional mana ramp, but it provides a strategic resource advantage. By controlling the flow of the game and dictating when creatures can attack or block, you’re accelerating your route to victory, which is an invaluable resource in and of itself.
Instant Speed: The power of instant speed interaction cannot be overstated, and Floodgate operates within this fast-paced realm. Its ability to be activated during your opponent’s turn or in response to a game-changing event gives you a flexible and responsive tool to outmaneuver and outpace the opposition, securing your position and further bolstering your strategic advantage.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Floodgate compels you to discard another card when activated. This can deplete your hand, reducing your options and potentially leaving you at a disadvantage.
Specific Mana Cost: The card’s activation requires a precise mix of mana, specifically blue, which may not synergize with all deck types and can restrict its inclusion to only certain strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost to deploy and activate that’s relatively steep, Floodgate’s resource requirements may be too demanding compared to other control or defensive options available at a lower cost.
Reasons to Include Floodgate in Your Collection
Versatility: Floodgate adds tactical depth to a diverse range of strategies, fitting seamlessly into control or tempo decks that aim to dictate the pace of the game.
Combo Potential: This card excels in synergizing with other cards that manipulate or benefit from the number of permanents on the battlefield, creating powerful interactions that can swing the game in your favor.
Meta-Relevance: Given its ability to counteract aggressive creature-based strategies, Floodgate holds a significant place in environments where such archetypes prevail, making it a smart inclusion for those looking to fortify their deck against prevalent threats.
How to beat
Understanding the dynamics of disruption in Magic: The Gathering can be as critical as deploying your own threats. The Floodgate card is no exception, offering a formidable defensive option for players looking to lock down the board. To effectively navigate around this card, players must emphasize removal options within their strategy. By countering Floodgate with targeted removal spells, one can swiftly eliminate the defense it provides and reinstate their tactical advantage. It’s essential to consider your deck’s compatibility with spells like Naturalize or Disenchant, which can dismantle this obstacle cleanly at a moment’s notice.
Besides direct removal, alternative strategies include applying pressure that compels your opponent to commit more resources to defending the Floodgate. This can be achieved through an aggressive lineup of creatures or relentless direct damage spells. By orchestrating a situation where the cost of maintaining Floodgate outweighs its benefits, players can coerce their opponent into a less favorable position. In doing so, the value of the card diminishes, giving way to your poised victory. Adaptation and calculated aggression are your keys to outmaneuvering this card’s capabilities and securing dominance in the duel.
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Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Floodgate MTG card by a specific set like Mirage and Mystery Booster, 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 Floodgate 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 Floodgate Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 1996-10-08 and 2023-01-13. Illustrated by Jeff Miracola.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1996-10-08 | Mirage | MIR | 67 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Jeff Miracola | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 381 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Jeff Miracola | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | MIR-67 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Jeff Miracola | ||
| 4 | 2023-01-13 | Dominaria Remastered | DMR | 49 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jeff Miracola |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Floodgate has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Floodgate card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2022-12-08 | Floodgate’s first triggered ability is a state trigger. It won’t trigger again while the ability is on the stack, but if the ability is countered and Floodgate still has flying, it will trigger again immediately. |