Gorilla War Cry MTG Card
1996-06-10 - Number 73b
1996-06-10 - Number 73a
2011-01-10 - Number 124
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Attacking creatures cannot be blocked by only one creature this turn. Play only during combat before defense is chosen. Draw a card at the beginning of the next turn's upkeep.
"Theirs is the art of blood." —Jaeuhl Carthalion, Juniper Order Advocate
Cards like Gorilla War Cry
Gorilla War Cry is an intriguing card in the Magic: The Gathering universe, offering a unique ability to disrupt opponents during combat. It can be likened to cards such as Fervor, which also grants haste to creatures you control. While Fervor provides a more permanent solution by giving all your creatures haste, Gorilla War Cry acts situationally, giving only attacking creatures the potential to surprise an unprepared opponent.
Another card worth mentioning is Break Through the Line, which shares the ability to make creatures harder to block by paying mana. Although it also affects only attacking creatures, Break Through the Line offers more control over which creatures gain this advantage, at the cost of spending mana for each one. On the other hand, Gorilla War Cry applies to all attacking creatures but does so as a one-off effect and includes the minor upside of forcing the opponent to block if able.
Assessing these cards highlights how Gorilla War Cry’s value lies in its ability to alter combat dynamics on the fly, potentially swinging a game when used at the optimal moment. It makes for an interesting choice for players looking to catch their opponents off-guard in aggressive red-based decks within Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Gorilla War Cry by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Gorilla War Cry adds depth to your hand by allowing you to potentially disrupt your opponent’s strategy while maintaining your own threats on the board. This can translate into superior positioning as the game progresses.
Resource Acceleration: Although not directly providing mana or resources, the ability to force a reaction or determine how your opponent blocks can help clear the way for more significant plays, effectively accelerating your board state’s development.
Instant Speed: The power of Gorilla War Cry lies in its versatility at instant speed. Casting this during combat on your opponent’s turn can create unforeseen challenges, forcing suboptimal blocks or preserving your creatures from unfavorable confrontations.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The action of playing Gorilla War Cry entails a discard from your hand, which may not always be favorable, particularly when you’re holding crucial cards that are needed for later stages of the game or to maintain card advantage against the opponent.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a precise combination of mana to cast. If you’re running a multicolor deck, Gorilla War Cry’s cost requires a specific commitment to red mana, which may not always align with your mana base or overall deck strategy.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that is on the higher side for its effects, players may find Gorilla War Cry less appealing compared to other red cards with lower casting costs or cards that provide comparable effects with additional benefits. This could make it a less optimal choice in various deck builds where efficiency and speed are key.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Gorilla War Cry adds a tactical edge to aggressive decks. Its ability to force opposing creatures to block can disrupt your opponent’s strategy and clear the way for devastating attacks.
Combo Potential: With Gorilla War Cry, savvy players can engineer favorable combat scenarios. It can be paired with cards that benefit from creatures dying or cards that power creatures up during combat to create unexpected win conditions.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta with a heavy focus on creature-based strategies, Gorilla War Cry can serve as a potent sideboard card. Ensuring your creatures get through, or your opponent’s best defenders are eliminated, can be game-changing.
How to beat Gorilla War Cry
In the fast-paced world of Magic: The Gathering, Gorilla War Cry stands out as an instant that can potentially disrupt an opponent’s strategy during combat. Unlike other combat tricks, Gorilla War Cry adds a layer of complexity by requiring the opponent to make snap decisions that can leave them at a disadvantage. Not only does it force creatures without haste to attack, but it also allows you to draw a card, making it a tool for both aggression and card advantage.
To efficiently counter this card, thorough knowledge of both your and your opponent’s deck is imperative. Utilizing instant-speed removal spells like Path to Exile or Rapid Hybridization can neutralize the effect by removing key attackers before the declare attackers step, keeping the pressure to a minimum. In addition, keeping up mana for counter spells like Negate or Dovin’s Veto can stop Gorilla War Cry from ever hitting the battlefield. Being vigilant about the mana your opponent has available and the cards in play is crucial when anticipating and preparing for the potential surprise Gorilla War Cry could bring to the table.
While Gorilla War Cry can force an aggressive playstyle, adapting your game plan by maintaining a flexible defense and considering the right timing for your removal or counterspells will help in mitigating its impact on the game. This situational awareness can be your key to success when facing off against this unique instant.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Gorilla War Cry MTG card by a specific set like Alliances and Alliances, 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 Gorilla War Cry 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 Gorilla War Cry Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1996-06-10 and 2011-01-10. Illustrated by Bryon Wackwitz.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1996-06-10 | Alliances | ALL | 73b | 1993 | Normal | Black | Bryon Wackwitz | |
| 2 | 1996-06-10 | Alliances | ALL | 73a | 1993 | Normal | Black | Bryon Wackwitz | |
| 3 | 2011-01-10 | Masters Edition IV | ME4 | 124 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Bryon Wackwitz |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Gorilla War Cry has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Gorilla War Cry card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2013-09-20 | If a turn has multiple combat phases, this spell can be cast during any of them as long as it’s before the beginning of that phase’s Declare Blockers Step. |