Reflective Golem MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Artifact Creature — Golem |
| Released | 2021-04-23 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Strixhaven: School of Mages |
| Set code | STX |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 257 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Daniel Ljunggren |
Text of card
Whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell that targets only Reflective Golem, you may pay . If you do, copy that spell. You may choose new targets for the copy.
"We don't cut through Sedgemoor anymore. Can't get five steps without a groff trying to fight its own reflection."
Cards like Reflective Golem
Reflective Golem stands out in the realm of creature cards with abilities that can be replicated, a truly inventive addition within Magic: The Gathering. This artifact creature echoes the modalities of cards like Mirror Image, which similarly allows for copying abilities, albeit in the latter’s case, copying the entire creature upon entry. Reflective Golem’s strength lies in its repeated use, albeit at an additional cost per use, but without requiring ETB (enter the battlefield) events.
Twinning Staff is another card that echoes the theme of replication found in Reflective Golem. While Reflective Golem focuses on copying its own abilities, Twinning Staff expands this to any instant or sorcery spell. It raises the stakes by not just copying but actually doubling the copies made, giving it potent capabilities in spell-slinging decks, although it demands a more sorcery centered strategy compared to the creature-focused Reflective Golem.
The versatility of Reflective Golem as a standalone creature that can repeatedly trigger its effect gives it a unique position. It offers a dynamic that can synergize with a variety of decks focused on activated abilities, distinguishing it from its kin while contributing a strategic layer to any game.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Reflective Golem doesn’t directly let you draw cards, it amplifies the effects of your single-target spells by allowing them to target an additional creature. Play a spell on another creature, and for just two mana more, Reflective Golem turns it into a two-for-one deal, giving you the upper hand in resources.
Resource Acceleration: Reflective Golem itself doesn’t ramp your mana, but by duplicating spells that do provide resource acceleration, it effectively doubles your rate of production. This advantage accumulates, potentially overwhelming opponents with your rapid growth in resources.
Instant Speed: Although Reflective Golem’s ability isn’t at instant speed, it synergizes perfectly with instant-speed spells. This allows for surprise plays during your opponent’s turn or after they’ve committed to an unwise attack, providing tactical advantages that can swing the game in your favor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Reflective Golem’s triggered ability, while versatile, can come at a steep price. Activating its reflection effect means you’re required to discard another card which can deplete your hand, ultimately leaving you at a disadvantage if you cannot sustain card advantage over your opponent.
Specific Mana Cost: Reflective Golem comes with a colorless mana cost of three, which may seem inclusive at first. However, its activated ability specifically requires two generic and one red mana, which could restrict its seamless integration into multicolored decks not heavily focused on red mana production.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For a three-mana creature, Reflective Golem presents a comparatively high cost when you consider its base stats and the additional mana required to leverage its unique ability. There are creatures at a similar mana cost that come with inherently stronger abilities or stats, which might be more cost-effective in a deck build focusing on efficiency and synergy.
Reasons to Include Reflective Golem in Your Collection
Versatility: Reflective Golem offers adaptability to a variety of decks, as it allows you to copy instant or sorcery spells that target it. This can be a game-changer for decks that focus on targeted spells, providing them additional value with each cast.
Combo Potential: This card shines in decks built around synergies with copying effects. The ability to duplicate spells effortlessly sets up powerful combinations, making it a linchpin in spell-focused combo decks that aim to harness and multiply effects for a massive impact.
Meta-Relevance: With a shifting landscape in the competitive scene, cards like Reflective Golem that can provide value in more than one way are crucial. Being able to respond adeptly to your opponent’s moves while advancing your own strategy keeps you a step ahead in the meta-game.
How to beat
Understanding how to outplay Reflective Golem can give players an edge in a match of Magic: The Gathering. This unique artifact creature allows its controller to copy a spell for just two mana, provided the spell targets only Reflective Golem itself. Combatting this golem requires a savvy approach, as direct removal spells become less cost-effective due to the creature’s spell-copying ability.
Key strategies include using removal spells that target multiple creatures or have global effects, thus avoiding the activation of the Golem’s ability. Board wipes or cards like Doom Blade, which can’t target artifact creatures, can be particularly efficient. Ensuring the golem has more than one valid target with cards like Echoing Decay disrupts its reflective trick, allowing for a strategic takedown. It’s also worth noting that keeping instant-speed removal in hand till the opponent is tapped out can prevent them from using the golem’s ability entirely.
Overall, while Reflective Golem presents a unique challenge, adept players will recognize the importance of tailored removal and timing in keeping this reflective adversary in check, maintaining an advantage during gameplay.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Reflective Golem MTG card by a specific set like Strixhaven: School of Mages, 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 Reflective Golem and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
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- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Reflective 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 |