Monstrosity of the Lake MTG Card


Facilitates card draws and mana acceleration, crucial for maintaining game momentum and casting spells early. Can be played at instant speed, giving tactical flexibility to surprise opponents and control the game’s pace. Demands card discard and specific mana, potentially impacting hand resources and deck construction flexibility.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Kraken
Abilities Cycling,Islandcycling,Landcycling
Power 4
Toughness 6

Text of card

When Monstrosity of the Lake enters the battlefield, you may pay . If you do, tap all creatures your opponents control, then put a stun counter on each of those creatures. Islandcycling


Cards like Monstrosity of the Lake

Monstrosity of the Lake slots into the exciting lineup of creature cards in Magic the Gathering with formidable power and unique abilities. This colossal threat mirrors the characteristics of other high-cost leviathans like Island Kraken, sharing the trait of being an overwhelming force once on the board. However, Monstrosity of the Lake distinguishes itself with an ability that can manipulate combat dynamics considerably, forcing strategic reassessments on the fly.

When pitted against cards such as Lorthos, the Tidemaker, Monstrosity of the Lake stands out with its potential board control once its monstrosity ability is activated. While Lorthos can tap multiple permanents, it lacks the surprise element that Monstrosity of the Lake can deploy. Another comparable card is Scourge of Fleets which also exerts influence on the board by potentially sending multiple creatures back to their owner’s hand, yet it does not offer the situational flexibility or the recurring threat posed by Monstrosity of the Lake’s activated ability.

Each card has its niche, yet Monstrosity of the Lake earns its spot among these sea giants with abilities that can sway the tide of battle, demonstrating it is a formidable inclusion in any deck that capitalizes on high-powered creatures.

Lorthos, the Tidemaker - MTG Card versions
Scourge of Fleets - MTG Card versions
Lorthos, the Tidemaker - MTG Card versions
Scourge of Fleets - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Monstrosity of the Lake by color, type and mana cost

Vesuvan Doppelganger - MTG Card versions
Water Elemental - MTG Card versions
Air Elemental - MTG Card versions
Pirate Ship - MTG Card versions
Sandbar Crocodile - MTG Card versions
Segovian Leviathan - MTG Card versions
Psionic Entity - MTG Card versions
Taniwha - MTG Card versions
Sun Ce, Young Conquerer - MTG Card versions
Wu Admiral - MTG Card versions
Mawcor - MTG Card versions
Timin, Youthful Geist - MTG Card versions
Geology Enthusiast - MTG Card versions
Dreamtail Heron - MTG Card versions
Coastal Hornclaw - MTG Card versions
Meloku the Clouded Mirror - MTG Card versions
Azami, Lady of Scrolls - MTG Card versions
Richard Garfield, Ph.D. - MTG Card versions
Cloudhoof Kirin - MTG Card versions
Tidewater Minion - MTG Card versions
Vesuvan Doppelganger - MTG Card versions
Water Elemental - MTG Card versions
Air Elemental - MTG Card versions
Pirate Ship - MTG Card versions
Sandbar Crocodile - MTG Card versions
Segovian Leviathan - MTG Card versions
Psionic Entity - MTG Card versions
Taniwha - MTG Card versions
Sun Ce, Young Conquerer - MTG Card versions
Wu Admiral - MTG Card versions
Mawcor - MTG Card versions
Timin, Youthful Geist - MTG Card versions
Geology Enthusiast - MTG Card versions
Dreamtail Heron - MTG Card versions
Coastal Hornclaw - MTG Card versions
Meloku the Clouded Mirror - MTG Card versions
Azami, Lady of Scrolls - MTG Card versions
Richard Garfield, Ph.D. - MTG Card versions
Cloudhoof Kirin - MTG Card versions
Tidewater Minion - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Monstrosity of the Lake ensures that you keep your hand replenished by allowing additional card draws. This advantage is crucial in outmaneuvering opponents by consistently having more options to play with each turn.

Resource Acceleration: This powerful card helps ramp up your available resources. Its ability to untap lands allows for a significant boost in mana generation. This effect can be pivotal in casting high-cost spells ahead of time, thereby accelerating your game plan.

Instant Speed: The agility to react at instant speed gives you the upper hand during the heat of battle. Monstrosity of the Lake can be played when most advantageous, often when an opponent least expects it, allowing strategic plays that can turn the tide of a match.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Monstrosity of the Lake requires you to discard a card when it enters the battlefield or when it’s turned face up. This makes it a risky play when your hand is limited or contains crucial pieces.

Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost of Monstrosity of the Lake demands a specific combination of blue mana. This may restrict deck flexibility, making it harder to integrate into multi-colored or colorless mana bases.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a higher than average mana cost to cast, this creature may come into play later in the game, potentially after your opponents have established a dominant board presence.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Monstrosity of the Lake offers dynamic options for gameplay, easily integrating with decks that thrive on creature strategies or that manipulate the graveyard. Its ability to be a key player in various situations makes it a valuable card to have within arm’s reach.

Combo Potential: This card boasts the capability to synergize with numerous combos, particularly those that revolve around tapping and untapping creatures or using +1/+1 counters to amplify your monsters’ prowess.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where adaptability is tantamount, Monstrosity of the Lake maintains its relevance. As the MTG landscape evolves, the presence of a flexible threat that can scale in power becomes increasingly vital, potentially shifting the tide of any match in your favor.


How to beat

The Monstrosity of the Lake has made a splash as a formidable creature card in Magic: The Gathering, demanding strategic plays to subdue. This elusive beast can potentially lock down the board, giving its controller a tight grip on the game with its oppressive abilities. One effective strategy to overcome this aquatic terror is by deploying removal spells that can bypass its potential hexproof. Spells such as “Rapid Hybridization” or “Pongify” can transform it into less threatening forms without targeting it directly. Board wipes are another avenue, clearing the field of all creatures and sending the Monstrosity back to the deep from whence it came.

Tackling this colossal card also involves proactive resource management, ensuring you have the means to cast these answers when needed. Understanding the rhythms of the lake’s inhabitant and timing your spells to disrupt your opponent’s plans is crucial. Ensuring that your deck has a suite of versatile answers will help you stay afloat against its overwhelming presence. In essence, preparation and adaptability are your staunch allies in triumphing over the Monstrosity of the Lake. Keep your deck equipped with flexible solutions, and you’ll be able to navigate the treacherous waters it dominates.


BurnMana Recommendations

A deep dive into the depths of Monstrosity of the Lake reveals a card ripe with potential for deckbuilders and strategists in the MTG realm. Maximizing its strengths while understanding the trade-offs can unleash powerful plays and set the stage for victory. By curating decks tailored to harness its instant-speed plays, combo potentials, and its sheer force as a sea behemoth, players can integrate this card as a formidable asset. Ready to navigate these waters? Enhance your collection, tap into the synergy, and let Monstrosity of the Lake surge your gameplay to new horizons. Dive deeper with us into MTG’s vast ocean of possibilities.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Monstrosity of the Lake MTG card by a specific set like Tales of Middle-earth Commander and Tales of Middle-earth Commander, 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 Monstrosity of the Lake and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Monstrosity of the Lake Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-06-23 and 2023-06-23. Illustrated by Ben Wootten.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-06-23Tales of Middle-earth CommanderLTC 1052015NormalBlackBen Wootten
22023-06-23Tales of Middle-earth CommanderLTC 4242015NormalBlackBen Wootten
32023-06-23Tales of Middle-earth CommanderLTC 222015NormalBlackBen Wootten

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Monstrosity of the Lake has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2023-06-16 Typecycling is a form of cycling. Any ability that triggers on a card being cycled also triggers on a card being typecycled. Any ability that stops a cycling ability from being activated also stops a typecycling ability from being activated.
2023-06-16 Unlike the normal cycling ability, typecycling doesn't allow you to draw a card. Rather, it lets you search your library for a card with the type or types indicated by the ability name. For example, a card with basic landcycling lets you search for a basic land card, and a card with Wizardcycling lets you search for a Wizard card.