Rakeclaw Gargantuan MTG Card
2008-10-03 - Number 186
2013-11-01 - Number 205
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Beast |
| Power | 5 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
: Target creature with power 5 or greater gains first strike until end of turn.
Naya teems with gargantuans, titanic monsters to whom both nature and civilization defer.
Cards like Rakeclaw Gargantuan
Rakeclaw Gargantuan enters the battlefield as a formidable presence in the realm of creature spells. Its likeness can be seen in other creatures like Krosan Cloudscraper. While both share the behemoth creature status, Rakeclaw Gargantuan offers an immediate impact with no sleeping sickness unlike the Cloudscraper, which has to wait a turn due to its sleeping mechanic. However, Krosan Cloudscraper’s strength and toughness exceed those of Rakeclaw Gargantuan, which is significant during late-game scenarios.
Comparing it further, we observe Ghor-Clan Rampager, which features the bloodrush ability, allowing it to be used as both a creature and a combat trick. Rakeclaw Gargantuan, contrastingly, relies solely on its static abilities and does not offer such versatility. Then we have Terra Stomper, a creature known for its ability to become uncounterable and its trample feature — traits that enhance its value. While Rakeclaw Gargantuan also boasts trample, the resistance to counterspells by Terra Stomper sometimes gives it an upper hand in play.
Summarizing these comparisons, Rakeclaw Gargantuan holds its own among powerhouses, with its influence felt immediately on the game, making it a solid choice for players seeking a high-impact creature card.
Cards similar to Rakeclaw Gargantuan by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Rakeclaw Gargantuan doesn’t directly provide card draw but its substantial power can lead to card advantage by dominating the battlefield and forcing unfavorable trades for your opponent.
Resource Acceleration: While not a direct source of mana acceleration, the card’s inclusion in a deck may synergize well with ramp strategies, helping you cast high-cost creatures sooner and bolstering your board presence rapidly.
Instant Speed: Rakeclaw Gargantuan may not have instant speed itself, but its formidable presence can influence opponents to withhold their instant-speed responses, providing strategic advantages during their turn planning.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing Rakeclaw Gargantuan requires a conscious strategy around card management. Unlike creatures that can be summoned without additional sacrifices, this card could set you back by forcing a discard, a trade-off that can be especially painful when your hand is already diminished.
Specific Mana Cost: Its mana cost demands a mix of red and green, potentially restricting its inclusion to only certain types of decks that can afford such a specific color combination. This can be a limiting factor in deck building, leaving out players who may favor more flexibility in their mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that’s on the higher end of the spectrum, Rakeclaw Gargantuan might not be the most mana-efficient choice for its size and abilities. Players might opt for creatures that hit the battlefield sooner or provide additional benefits, enabling a quicker and possibly more effective gameplay strategy.
Reasons to Include Rakeclaw Gargantuan in Your Collection
Versatility: Rakeclaw Gargantuan offers a flexible role in many deck builds with its substantial power and reach ability. Its ability to block flying creatures can fortify your defense in games where airborne threats are prevalent.
Combo Potential: This creature’s Naya-colored identity can be central to synergy with cards that care about creature power or multicolored spells. It slots effortlessly into decks that exploit these dynamics for powerful interactions.
Meta-Relevance: Rakeclaw Gargantuan can be a game-changer in a meta that favors creature-based strategies. Its sizable presence on the battlefield can challenge opponents and shift the tide of a match in your favor with its impactful combat capabilities.
How to beat
Rakeclaw Gargantuan enters the battlefield as a powerful adversary with its impressive stats and first strike ability. To outmaneuver this formidable creature, strategic use of removal spells is essential. Consider utilizing efficient spot removal options like Path to Exile or Fatal Push to eliminate the threat quickly, as these can bypass its first strike during combat. Furthermore, board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation can clear the way, regardless of Rakeclaw Gargantuan’s intimidating presence on the board.
Another effective strategy is to engage in stronger control elements, employing counterspells such as Counterspell or Mana Leak when your opponent attempts to cast Rakeclaw Gargantuan. This approach requires a vigilant watch on your available mana and keen timing. Ensnaring the gargantuan in a web of counter-magic ensures it never gets to assert dominion over the battlefield.
Lastly, should the Gargantuan manage to land, employing creatures with deathtouch or ones that can generate a high number of blockers, like Lingering Souls, can also provide a defense that mitigates the creature’s impact, making its first strike less of a deterrent. By understanding and deploying these tactics effectively, you can neutralize the threats posed by Rakeclaw Gargantuan and maintain control of the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Rakeclaw Gargantuan MTG card by a specific set like Shards of Alara and Commander 2013, 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 Rakeclaw Gargantuan and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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 Rakeclaw Gargantuan Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2008-10-03 and 2013-11-01. Illustrated by Jesper Ejsing.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2008-10-03 | Shards of Alara | ALA | 186 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Jesper Ejsing | |
| 2 | 2013-11-01 | Commander 2013 | C13 | 205 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Jesper Ejsing |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Rakeclaw Gargantuan has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Rakeclaw Gargantuan card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2008-10-01 | The ability checks the targeted creature’s power twice: when the creature becomes the target, and when the ability resolves. Once the ability resolves, it will continue to apply to the affected creature no matter what its power may become later in the turn. |