Gluttonous Cyclops MTG Card

The Cyclops can create card advantage by drawing out removal spells meant for more crucial threats. It requires a hefty mana investment, which can be a challenge in non-mono-red or slower decks. Combining with monstrosity-related cards elevates its value as a formidable late-game threat.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	6
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Cyclops
Abilities	Monstrosity
Released	2014-05-02
Set symbol
Set name	Journey into Nyx
Set code	JOU
Power	5
Toughness	4
Number	99
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Steve Prescott

Text of card

: Monstrosity 3. (If this creature isn't monstrous, put three +1/+1 counters on it and it becomes monstrous.)

The cyclops had learned to never eat a shepherd. Instead he gently flung the "pit" aside to grow a new flock.

Understanding Gluttonous Cyclops

Gluttonous Cyclops enters the realm of MTG as a monolithic red creature, offering a unique mono-red presence on the board. It stands alongside notable giants in its category, presenting a beefy body capable of swinging the game balance. Its comparison is ripe with intrigue when set beside fellow colossal beings like Colossus of Akros.

Cards like Gluttonous Cyclops

When examining Gluttonous Cyclops closely, one finds that it shares space with other prominent MTG creatures such as Volcanic Dragon. Both share the red mana, signaling their swift and destructive potential. Although not as agile given its higher mana cost, the Cyclops compensates with an impactful 5/4 stature which overshadows the Dragon’s 4/4. Another kindred card, Desolation Giant, might offer a board-wiping effect upon entering the battlefield, but it lacks the sheer permanence and standalone power that the Cyclops commands.

Moreover, Gluttonous Cyclops offers a monstrosity feature, allowing it to grow even more formidable during the late game, a distinguishable facet that not all of its kin possess. Compared to the likes of Rumbling Slum which passively accumulates damage over time, the Cyclops can decide the course of a match with a single burst of growth, given the right circumstances.

Ultimately, Gluttonous Cyclops has its place among MTG giants with its single-minded strength, though it lacks the utility of some counterparts. It stands, a testament to red’s philosophy of overwhelming force, a literal and figurative giant amongst other formidable creatures of its ilk.

Cards similar to Gluttonous Cyclops by color, type and mana cost

Lu Bu, Master-at-Arms - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Gluttonous Cyclops stands out for its considerable size, meaning once on the battlefield, it demands an answer. By pressuring the opposing player to deal with it, the Cyclops can indirectly lead to a card advantage if it draws out a removal spell that could have been used on a more critical threat in your deck.

Resource Acceleration: Although not inherently providing direct resource acceleration, the sheer presence of Gluttonous Cyclops on the field might dissuade opponents from attacking, effectively buying you time to build up your mana base and deploy your strategy without pressure.

Instant Speed: While Gluttonous Cyclops doesn’t operate at instant speed, it influences plays at instant speed. Opponents might need to keep mana open to respond to it or hold back instant speed removals, subtly shifting the tempo and dictating the pace of the match when the Cyclops is in play or even just when it’s perceived as a threat in your hand.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Unlike some other creatures that come with a built-in advantage, Gluttonous Cyclops requires a significant creature sacrifice to become monstrous, which means you could be giving up board presence or potential defense.

Specific Mana Cost: Gluttonous Cyclops demands a mana investment of five red and two colorless, which can be challenging to accumulate, particularly in decks that aren’t mono-red or those not focused on ramping up quickly.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Its seven-mana cost for a 5/5 creature without an immediate impact on the board can be a hindrance. There are options available that can provide a faster tempo or a more substantial presence for the same or less mana investment.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Gluttonous Cyclops offers flexibility as a robust late-game creature that can dominate the battlefield. Its massive size makes it a formidable blocker and a serious threat to opponents.

Combo Potential: The monstrosity mechanic of Gluttonous Cyclops pairs well with effects that trigger when creatures become monstrous, as well as with cards that capitalize on high-powered creatures on the field.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where large creatures dictate the pace of the game, Gluttonous Cyclops stands out as an impactful addition. It can swing games in your favor by overpowering smaller creature-based strategies.

How to beat

The Gluttonous Cyclops presents a formidable challenge on the battlefield, towering over many creatures in Magic: The Gathering. Its hefty power and cumbersome presence make it a threat that can overwhelm opponents who are unprepared. Yet, even the mightiest Cyclops has its weaknesses, and knowing how to exploit them is key to claiming victory.

One effective strategy to defeat the Gluttonous Cyclops is through control spells that can bypass its sheer size. Cards that offer unconditional removal options, such as Murder or Path to Exile, provide a straightforward solution to eliminate the Cyclops regardless of its power. Additionally, enchantments that pacify creatures or force them to tap without untapping in the next untap step, like Claustrophobia, can neutralize the Cyclops and render it harmless on the battlefield. It’s also beneficial to use combat tricks that can outmaneuver the Cyclops or cards that prevent it from blocking, allowing you to chip away at your opponent’s life points unimpeded.

When facing the Gluttonous Cyclops, remember that strategy and smart deckbuilding can turn the tide in your favor. Employing removal, tap-down effects, or evasion tactics will help ensure that this monstrous creature doesn’t devour your chances of winning.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Gluttonous Cyclops MTG card by a specific set like Journey into Nyx, 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 Gluttonous Cyclops and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Gluttonous Cyclops has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Penny	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2014-04-26	An ability that triggers when a creature becomes monstrous won't trigger if that creature isn't on the battlefield when its monstrosity ability resolves.
2014-04-26	Monstrous isn't an ability that a creature has. It's just something true about that creature. If the creature stops being a creature or loses its abilities, it will continue to be monstrous.
2014-04-26	Once a creature becomes monstrous, it can't become monstrous again. If the creature is already monstrous when the monstrosity ability resolves, nothing happens.