Giant Tortoise MTG Card
1993-12-17 - Number 15†
1993-12-17 - Number 15
1995-04-01 - Number 76
1995-04-01 - Number 76
1995-08-01 - Number 27
1995-08-01 - Number 34
2007-09-10 - Number 34
2011-01-10 - Number 50
2016-06-10 - Number 52
| Card sets | Released in 9 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Turtle |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Giant Tortoise gains +0/+3 while untapped.
Cards like Giant Tortoise
Giant Tortoise serves as an intriguing figure in the realm of low-cost creatures in MTG. It shares the defensive characteristic with creatures like Wall of Wood, which also offers a protective presence for minimal mana investment. Yet, Giant Tortoise sets itself apart with the ability to be a formidable blocker once its endurance condition is met—an aspect the Wall of Wood does not possess.
Another comparable card is Sejiri Turtle, showcasing low-cost defense but with the added ability to potentially swing for damage if the right land conditions are satisfied. Although the Turtle doesn’t possess the regenerative durability of the Giant Tortoise, it does provide an offensive angle that can surprise opponents. On the higher end of the scale, Horned Turtle brings a consistent toughness to the board without conditional requirements like Giant Tortoise, yet this stability comes with a slightly higher mana cost.
When we closely compare the nuances and strategic uses of these creatures, Giant Tortoise finds its niche within MTG as a cost-effective blocker with conditional resilience, offering players a robust defensive option in the early phases of the game.
Cards similar to Giant Tortoise by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Giant Tortoise’s low casting cost combined with its ability to effectively block many early game creatures can help you maintain card advantage on the board. By trading with higher-cost creatures or deterring attacks altogether, Giant Tortoise aids in preserving your hand while depleting your opponent’s resources.
Resource Acceleration: Though Giant Tortoise doesn’t directly generate mana or ramp, its low economic investment can free up your resources for other strategies. It allows you to establish a board presence without sacrificing significant mana, paving the way for more powerful plays in subsequent turns.
Instant Speed: While Giant Tortoise is not an instant itself, its defensive capabilities can encourage a playstyle that favors instant speed interactions. With a dependable blocker on the field, you may confidently pass the turn with mana available for instant speed spells, knowing your defense is secured.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: In the context of resource management, this card does not directly pose a discard requirement; however, its low impact on the game might lead you to discard it in favor of more dynamic options within blue-centric decks.
Specific Mana Cost: Giant Tortoise requires a specific blue mana to cast, which could restrict its deployment exclusively in blue or blue-inclusive decks, potentially making it a less versatile pick when deck building.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While not exorbitant, the mana needed for Giant Tortoise’s level of board presence may be seen as too significant for what is, essentially, a creature with very situational toughness that offers no immediate board impact upon arrival. In the world of MTG, there are numerous creatures at similar costs that provide additional abilities and higher strategic value.
Reasons to Include Giant Tortoise in Your Collection
Versatility: Giant Tortoise provides defensive flexibility in the early game. Whether you’re playing a control or tempo deck, its ability to have a higher toughness during your turn makes it a reliable early blocker.
Combo Potential: This card is a wonderful addition to decks utilizing tap and untap mechanics. With its conditional toughness increase, it has latent synergy with cards that require creatures to tap without attacking, making it unexpectedly beneficial.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where aggressive strategies thrive, Giant Tortoise offers a cost-effective way to obstruct attackers. Its staying power on the board could thwart an opponent’s early onslaught, giving you time to establish your winning conditions.
How to beat
Giant Tortoise offers a resilient defense mechanism to players in MTG, especially when it’s untapped, boasting a notable toughness upgrade. To strategically navigate around this shelled fortress, consider deploying creatures that can bypass its defensive boost. Aggressive strategies could falter, as attacking with small creatures leads to potential losses without scratching your opponent’s health.
Utilizing removal spells that don’t rely on damage, such as exile or destroy effects, can effectively neutralize the Giant Tortoise. Flying creatures also provide a clear path over the Tortoise’s defenses, applying pressure from the skies. Moreover, incorporating spells that reduce toughness can turn this sturdy creature into an easy target. Alternatively, evasion tactics, such as making your creatures unblockable, can help you maintain the offensive without confronting the Tortoise head-on.
Considering the Giant Tortoise’s specific protective trait operates only on being untapped, managing to keep it consistently engaged, perhaps through tapping abilities, can leave it vulnerable to attacks. By aligning your strategy with these approaches, the Giant Tortoise’s defensive shell can be cracked, smoothing the path to victory in your MTG matchups.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Giant Tortoise MTG card by a specific set like Arabian Nights and Arabian Nights, 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 Giant Tortoise 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 Giant Tortoise Magic the Gathering card was released in 8 different sets between 1993-12-17 and 2016-06-10. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1993-12-17 | Arabian Nights | ARN | 15† | 1993 | Normal | Black | Kaja Foglio | |
| 2 | 1993-12-17 | Arabian Nights | ARN | 15 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Kaja Foglio | |
| 3 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border | 4BB | 76 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Kaja Foglio | |
| 4 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition | 4ED | 76 | 1993 | Normal | White | Kaja Foglio | |
| 5 | 1995-08-01 | Rinascimento | RIN | 27 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Kaja Foglio | |
| 6 | 1995-08-01 | Renaissance | REN | 34 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Kaja Foglio | |
| 7 | 2007-09-10 | Masters Edition | ME1 | 34 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Kaja Foglio | |
| 8 | 2011-01-10 | Masters Edition IV | ME4 | 50 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Kaja Foglio | |
| 9 | 2016-06-10 | Eternal Masters | EMA | 52 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Richard Wright |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Giant Tortoise has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |