Gilded Cerodon MTG Card

Gilded Cerodon can force opponents into unfavorable blocks, offering subtle yet powerful board control. Despite its higher mana cost, it fits well into aggressive red strategies that capitalize on combat phases. Timing removal spells and managing resources effectively are key to countering Gilded Cerodon’s battlefield impact.

Gilded Cerodon - Hour of Devastation (HOU)

Hour of Devastation (HOU)
2017-07-14 - Number 94

Gilded Cerodon - Amonkhet Remastered (AKR)

Amonkhet Remastered (AKR)
2020-08-13 - Number 155

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	5
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Beast
Power	4
Toughness	4

Text of card

Whenever Gilded Cerodon attacks, if you control a Desert or there is a Desert card in your graveyard, target creature can't block this turn.

The plating of its horns is a token of honor from Hazoret, who favors creatures with great hearts.

Cards like Gilded Cerodon

Gilded Cerodon shines within the realm of red creature cards in Magic: The Gathering due to its distinct ability to render a defending player’s creature unable to block. When put head to head with other creatures in its five mana slot, such as Shivan Dragon, we notice Gilded Cerodon offers a unique form of board control rather than raw power increase.

Embermaw Hellion is a worthy comparison as it also commands a five mana cost. While the Hellion enhances all red sources’ damage output, it lacks the tactical advantage Gilded Cerodon provides in manipulating enemy blockers. Siege Dragon, another impressive creature, asserts its dominance with its ability to destroy all non-flying creatures the defending player controls upon an attack. Yet again, Gilded Cerodon emerges as a tactician’s choice to effect combat without having to connect with the player directly.

Evaluating these creatures, it becomes apparent that Gilded Cerodon is tailored for strategists who value battlefield control over traditional brute strength. Its ability to toss a wrench in the opponent’s defense plan can shift the tide of battle in your favor, marking it as a card worth considering for its precise utility in red decks.

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Decks using this card

MTG decks using Gilded Cerodon. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#	Name	Format	Archetype	Event
	Abzan Aggro	Pioneer	4c Amalia Combo	#18 Last Chance Qualifier: Pioneer

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Gilded Cerodon doesn’t directly offer card draw or card advantage, but its ability can force opponents to make difficult decisions, potentially leading to advantageous trades for the controlling player.

Resource Acceleration: While this creature itself doesn’t provide any mana ramp, its sheer presence can accelerate the game’s pace by applying pressure, making it easier for a player to gain the upper hand and dictate the flow of resources.

Instant Speed: Gilded Cerodon operates at sorcery speed given it’s a creature card, but its ability to directly influence combat phases allows for strategic planning akin to the flexibility often provided by instant speed interactions. Its impact during the declare blockers step can serve to surprise an opponent, similar to instant-speed plays.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One notable downside of Gilded Cerodon is its absence of a discard effect, which can sometimes be utilized to a player’s advantage in the MTG world. This element would be especially beneficial in a deck strategy focused on graveyard synergies or enabling madness abilities.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Gilded Cerodon demands both generic and red mana resources, which can be restrictive. This requirement means the card is predominantly suitable for decks with a strong red mana base, potentially limiting its diversity and overall flexibility across various deck archetypes.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value of five, Gilded Cerodon sits at a higher point on the cost spectrum. For the same amount of mana, players might access creatures with either larger stats or more impactful abilities, thus the Cerodon’s cost-efficiency might not always be optimal in an aggressive or midrange deck.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Gilded Cerodon shines in decks that seek to control the battlefield. Its ability to restrict an opponent’s creatures from blocking can swing games when you achieve a board advantage, making it a flexible option in red decks.

Combo Potential: This creature pairs well with cards that encourage attacking, such as “Combat Celebrant” or “Ahn-Crop Crasher,” to exert opponents’ creatures and enhance its ability. It also works well in a strategy that punishes tapped creatures or during your end-of-turn phases.

Meta-Relevance: As aggressive strategies often populate the meta, Gilded Cerodon can function as both an enforcer and a finisher. Given that it can make the most of your attack phases and disrupt your opponent’s defense, it’s a relevant inclusion for those looking to capitalize on red’s attack-centric game plan.

How to beat

Gilded Cerodon presents a nuanced challenge on the battlefield. In Magic: The Gathering, this creature can turn blocking into a risky proposition for your opponent. Key to overcoming this card is keeping it from becoming an obstacle you can’t navigate. During your turn, Gilded Cerodon’s ability isn’t active, which makes this the opportune moment to deal with it. Employing removal spells such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile can efficiently dispatch the Cerodon before it can complicate your combat decisions.

Another tactic is to utilize bounce spells like Unsummon, not only removing the immediate threat but also setting your opponent back in terms of mana and tempo. Don’t forget that strategic blocking is also viable. It might be tempting to engage with every attack, but sometimes letting damage through to preserve your creatures for a strategic counter-strike or to eliminate Gilded Cerodon later is the smart play.

In essence, handling Gilded Cerodon is about timing and resource management. Striking during your turn and keeping control of the board will ensure that this beast becomes more of a nuisance than a deciding factor in the game’s outcome.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Gilded Cerodon MTG card by a specific set like Hour of Devastation and Amonkhet Remastered, 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 Gilded Cerodon and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Gilded Cerodon Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2017-07-14 and 2020-08-13. Illustrated by Matt Stewart.

#	Released	Name	Code	Symbol	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2017-07-14	Hour of Devastation	HOU		94	2015	Normal	Black	Matt Stewart
2	2020-08-13	Amonkhet Remastered	AKR		155	2015	Normal	Black	Matt Stewart

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Gilded Cerodon has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Penny	Legal
Timeless	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2017-07-14	For abilities that trigger only if you control a Desert or there is a Desert card in your graveyard, one condition must be true as the ability triggers and one must be true as the ability resolves. They don’t have to be the same condition, though. For example, you could sacrifice your only Desert after the ability triggers but before it has resolved.
2017-07-14	If an ability checks whether you control a Desert or there is a Desert card in your graveyard, having more than one doesn’t matter. Controlling one is the same as controlling five. There is also no extra bonus for both controlling one and having one in your graveyard.