Rusting Golem MTG Card

Rusting Golem enables card advantage through strategic play, though not by direct card draw. Its artifact nature synergizes with instant speed mechanics, offering flexible deck options. Despite advantages, Rusting Golem’s specific mana needs may limit its deck compatibility.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Artifact Creature — Golem
Abilities	Fading
Released	2000-02-14
Set symbol
Set name	Nemesis
Set code	NEM
Power	*
Toughness	*
Number	138
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Greg Staples

Text of card

Fading 5 (This creature comes into play with five fade counters on it. At the beginning of your upkeep, remove a fade counter from it. If you can't, sacrifice it.) Rusting Golem's power and toughness are each equal to the number of fade counters on it.

Cards like Rusting Golem

When exploring the plane within Magic: The Gathering where artifact creatures tread, Rusting Golem emerges as a unique entity. It shares a thematic and mechanical kinship with cards such as Adaptive Automaton and Foundry Inspector. Rusting Golem, with its power directly linked to the number of cards in your hand, invites a gameplay strategy centered around hand size management. Adaptive Automaton, though, boasts versatility, allowing players to enhance creatures of a chosen type, making it a staple in tribal decks.

Meanwhile, Foundry Inspector brings a different twist to the table, reducing the mana cost of artifact spells. This effect is more universally applicable in artifact-centric decks compared to the hand size-dependent Rusting Golem. However, it’s worth noting that Rusting Golem’s power can fluctuate greatly, potentially soaring high with a full grip of cards.

Ultimately, while each of these artifact creatures holds its own in the broad spectrum of Magic: The Gathering strategies, Rusting Golem’s oscillating power offers a distinctive approach that can catch opponents unprepared, positioning it as an intriguing choice for enthusiasts of dynamic, hand-based playstyles.

Cards similar to Rusting Golem by color, type and mana cost

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Card Pros

Card Advantage: When played wisely, Rusting Golem can contribute toward card advantage in your deck. It may not directly allow you to draw additional cards, but its synergy with various strategies can lead to indirect card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: With its modest mana cost relative to its power, Rusting Golem offers a form of resource acceleration. It hits the board quickly and can apply pressure or defend while you build up other resources.

Instant Speed: Although Rusting Golem itself is a creature and not played at instant speed, it interacts well with instant speed mechanics. Its artifact nature makes it a flexible choice in decks that capitalize on untapped mana and surprises during an opponent’s turn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Piloting a Rusting Golem demands resourcefulness, as it necessitates discarding another artifact card to unleash its dormant power. This can put you at a disadvantage, especially when your hand is already dwindling in options and every artifact in your arsenal counts.

Specific Mana Cost: Playing a Rusting Golem requires a very specific investment of mana, including colorless mana exclusive to artifact sources. Deckbuilders need to tailor their mana base carefully, as not every MTG deck can consistently generate the necessary resources, potentially limiting its inclusion to specialized or dedicated artifact strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Clocking in at a notable mana value, the initial investment to summon a Rusting Golem can be steep compared to other options on the battlefield. In a game where tempo and efficient resource deployment are key, its cost can be a sticking point for players considering whether its potential benefits outweigh the immediate toll on their mana resources.

Reasons to Include Rusting Golem in Your Collection

Versatility: Rusting Golem’s adaptive nature allows it to slot into various decks, thriving in artifact-centric strategies or serving as a reliable creature in a pinch.

Combo Potential: This card can synergize with mechanic manipulations, such as those altering or playing off of artifact-based abilities, bringing an extra layer of depth to interactions on the battlefield.

Meta-Relevance: Given the fluctuating environment of the MTG arena, Rusting Golem has potential to be a sleeper hit, particularly in metas where artifact creatures can swing matches unexpectedly in your favor.

How to beat Rusting Golem

Navigating the field of Artifact creatures in MTG requires strategic insight, and Rusting Golem is no exception. Renowned for its unique Fade mechanic, which necessitates the removal of fade counters to maintain its presence on the battlefield, it poses a challenge. This peculiarity can be exploited by opponents, as targeting the Golem’s limited counters can hasten its departure.

One viable tactic to overcome Rusting Golem is by using artifact removal spells that are prevalent in the game’s vast repertoire. Cards like Abrade or Naturalize allow players to dispatch the Golem before its counters dwindle naturally. Moreover, strategies employing counterspells or bounce effects can prove effective preemptively by ensuring the Golem never solidifies its place on the board.

Furthermore, utilizing cards that manipulate counters like Power Conduit can turn the tide against Rusting Golem, either by stripping counters away or transferring them to other permanents, expediting the golem’s erosion. In essence, incorporating these tactics offers pathways to nullify the Golem’s impact, affirming that understanding and anticipation of an opponent’s strategy are key to securing victory in MTG.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Rusting Golem MTG card by a specific set like Nemesis, 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 Rusting Golem and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Rusting Golem has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Restricted
Oathbreaker	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal