Iron Golem MTG Card
2021-07-23 - Number 348
2021-07-23 - Number 247
2022-07-07 - Number 258
Text of card
Vigilance Iron Golem attacks or blocks each combat if able.
Cards like Iron Golem
In the realm of Magic: The Gathering, Iron Golem stands as a testament to the variety of artifact creatures available to players. One can draw parallels between Iron Golem and Spined Thopter. Both are colorless, which allows them to fit seamlessly into multiple deck archetypes. While Iron Golem offers a substantial 5/3 body that must attack each turn, Spined Thopter brings a lighter 2/1 frame with the advantage of flying.
However, consider Juggernaut, another artifact creature that like Iron Golem cannot be held back from the fray. Juggernaut’s imposed aggression comes with a sturdier 5/3 stat line, matching Iron Golem’s power, yet its inability to block creatures with power 2 or less sets it apart. Delving into the depths of the colorless creatures, we also find Myr Enforcer, a card that can potentially be played for much less due to its affinity for artifacts, albeit with a weaker 4/4 stat line compared to Iron Golem’s imposing presence on the battlefield.
While evaluating the synergy and compatibilities of artifact creatures within MTG, Iron Golem aligns well with the aggressive nature of similar artifact creatures, yet offers a unique challenge with its always-attack ability, situating it as a formidable option amongst its peers.
Cards similar to Iron Golem by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Iron Golem card offers players a solid boost in their strategy by presenting a formidable creature that can be a significant threat on the board. Its robust presence can force opponents to deal with it, potentially leading to advantageous trades and preserving your other valuable creatures and resources.
Resource Acceleration: While the Iron Golem itself may not directly produce mana or Treasure tokens, its generally low casting cost for its power level means it can hit the battlefield earlier than other creatures with similar stats. This efficient use of mana aids in maintaining tempo and can accelerate your game plan by having a dominant force early on.
Instant Speed: Although the Iron Golem operates at sorcery speed, its impact on the battlefield can be immediate, particularly if used in conjunction with artifacts or spells that can cheat it into play or unexpectedly boost its capabilities. This presents opportunities to surprise your opponent and make game-changing plays without having to invest resources during your own turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Iron Golem requires a discard from your hand to activate certain abilities. This condition may strain your hand, especially if you’re playing a deck that doesn’t replenish its cards quickly.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Iron Golem involves specific mana types, which might not align seamlessly with multi-color decks, potentially restricting its versatility and requiring careful mana base construction.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a higher mana cost for its size and abilities, the Iron Golem might lag behind other creatures in terms of board impact. This can be a significant drawback when faster and more efficient creatures are available within the same mana range.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Iron Golem can be a robust addition across various deck types. Its existence as a colorless creature makes it a universal fit, able to deliver significant impact regardless of the color identity of your deck.
Combo Potential: With the right setup, this artifact creature can play a crucial role in combinations involving sacrifice mechanics or strategies centered on artifact synergies. Its solid build often makes it a reliable cog in complex gameplay machinery.
Meta-Relevance: When facing decks with a multitude of blockers, Iron Golem stands out as a formidable force due to its ability to trample over defenses, ensuring that no defender goes unscathed. In a combat-focused meta, this can quickly turn the tides in your favor.
How to beat
The Iron Golem card towers as a formidable artifact creature in the deck-building strategy of Magic the Gathering. Yet, overcoming this metal monstrosity is not an insurmountable task. One strategy is to exploit its natural vulnerability to enchantments. By using cards like Pacifism, which can prevent the creature from attacking or blocking, players can effectively neutralize this ironclad threat.
Another approach is through direct removal spells. Unmaking the Iron Golem requires minimal efforts from cards like Murder or Path to Exile, swiftly exiling it from play without the need for combat. Additionally, combat tricks also serve well; creatures with deathtouch for example, can dismantle the Golem regardless of its size or might. Furthermore, leveraging board wipes such as Wrath of God can treat the symptom of a rampaging Golem and also address the larger issue of a crowded battlefield.
In essence, while the Iron Golem may initially seem indomitable, its achilles’ heel is present when facing efficient removal, clever enchantments, or creatures too lethal to tread lightly. Knowledge of these tactics arms a player with the necessary tools to confidently dismantle even the toughest of constructs.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Iron Golem MTG card by a specific set like Adventures in the Forgotten Realms and Adventures in the Forgotten Realms, 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 Iron Golem 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
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Printings
The Iron Golem Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2021-07-23 and 2022-07-07. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2021-07-23 | Adventures in the Forgotten Realms | AFR | 348 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Justine Jones | |
| 2 | 2021-07-23 | Adventures in the Forgotten Realms | AFR | 247 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Nicholas Gregory | |
| 3 | 2022-07-07 | Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate | HBG | 258 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Nicholas Gregory |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Iron Golem has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Iron Golem card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2021-07-23 | If the Iron Golem can't attack or block for any reason (such as being tapped), then it doesn't attack or block. If there's a cost associated with having it attack or block, its controller isn't forced to pay that cost, so it doesn't have to attack or block in that case either. |
Guide to Vigilance card ability
In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.