Goliath Sphinx MTG Card
2010-02-05 - Number 28
2023-08-04 - Number 99
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 7 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Sphinx |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 8 |
| Toughness | 7 |
Text of card
Flying
He makes his home on the tallest mountain in Sejiri, where the vista is as endless as his patience.
Cards like Goliath Sphinx
Exploring the realm of Magic: The Gathering behemoths, Goliath Sphinx stands tall as an imposing flyer. With similar intimidating fliers like Serra Sphinx and Sphinx of Uthuun, the comparison highlights different tactical edges. The Serra Sphinx, while smaller, offers the same vigilance at a reduced mana cost. Unlike Goliath Sphinx, Sphinx of Uthuun brings with it a built-in Fact or Fiction effect, presenting deck filtering benefits despite its comparable mana investment.
Moving to Guardian of Tazeem, this card combines landfall triggers with a controlling ability to freeze opponent’s creatures. Though Goliath Sphinx edges out on raw power, the Guardian proposes a more interactive gameplay. Conversely, Windreader Sphinx presents an advantage in multiplayer formats, rewarding the controller with card draw for every creature that takes to the skies.
Each of these sphinxes presents a strategic choice for players, balancing mana cost, abilities, and the potential for game impact. Whether it’s raw strength, deck manipulation, control or incremental advantage, Goliath Sphinx finds its place among the top-end creatures in a sphinx-themed deck or as a formidable finisher in a blue-heavy build.
Cards similar to Goliath Sphinx by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: With its formidable presence on the battlefield, Goliath Sphinx often necessitates multiple cards from an opponent to be handled effectively. This means that deploying it can indirectly contribute to gaining card advantage as your opponents exhaust resources attempting to deal with this aerial behemoth.
Resource Acceleration: While Goliath Sphinx itself doesn’t have a direct resource acceleration ability, its sheer size could lead to a game state where opponents are forced to defensively tap out or chump block, leaving you with more resources at your disposal for other strategic plays or further development of your board state.
Instant Speed: Although not an instant itself, its presence in decks that can flash creatures in or use other instant speed tricks to cheat it onto the battlefield can be pivotal. For example, using Goliath Sphinx in combination with cards like Leyline of Anticipation enables a surprise blocker or an end-of-turn threat that opponents must immediately address, thus exploiting the instant speed dynamic in deckbuilding and gameplay.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing the Goliath Sphinx comes with the requirement of discarding other potential resources, a constraint that might not always align with your game strategy or hand condition.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s mana cost is not only steep but also requires a specific combination of blue and generic mana, making it less flexible and potentially difficult to cast outside of blue-centric or mana-flexible decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its significant mana investment, the Goliath Sphinx may arrive on the battlefield significantly later than other options, potentially leaving you vulnerable or lagging behind in board development in earlier turns.
Reasons to Include Goliath Sphinx in Your Collection
Versatility: Goliath Sphinx serves as both an aerial threat and a substantial blocker. Its ability to hold the skies in commander and casual formats makes it a useful addition to blue-based decks that require a solid finisher.
Combo Potential: With a power of 8, this creature synergizes well with mechanics like Flicker or Reanimate, allowing it to re-enter the battlefield for impact or to be brought back from the graveyard for repeat performances.
Meta-Relevance: Flying creatures maintain relevance in various metas and can be game-changers in limited formats. The Goliath Sphinx performs admirably where a stable, high-powered flyer can make the difference in stalling your opponent or delivering the crucial blow.
How to beat
Goliath Sphinx is an imposing figure on the battlefield, with its strength being its sheer size as a flying creature. Taking down this behemoth might seem daunting due to its 8/7 stats, which can dominate the skies, but there are strategies to overcome it. Removal spells are your best asset—Direct damage spells like Lightning Bolt won’t do the trick on their own, but combined efforts or stronger spells like Murder can swiftly take the Goliath Sphinx out of the equation.
Enchantment-based removal options like Pacifism or Control Magic can also neutralize the Sphinx effectively, turning its strength against your opponent or removing its ability to attack and block altogether. Don’t overlook the power of board wipes either; a well-timed Day of Judgment or Damnation can clear the playing field, sphinx included. Remember, the key to victory is preparedness and maintaining control until you can safely handle threats of this magnitude.
Ultimately, while Goliath Sphinx may initially be intimidating, understanding your deck’s resources and the importance of timing in using your removal spells can ensure that you’re capably equipped to take down giants on your path to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Goliath Sphinx MTG card by a specific set like Worldwake and Commander Masters, 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 Goliath Sphinx 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 Goliath Sphinx Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2010-02-05 and 2023-08-04. Illustrated by Greg Staples.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2010-02-05 | Worldwake | WWK | 28 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples | |
| 2 | 2023-08-04 | Commander Masters | CMM | 99 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Goliath Sphinx has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |