Darksteel Colossus MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost11
RarityRare
TypeArtifact Creature — Golem
Abilities Indestructible,Trample
Power 11
Toughness 11

Key Takeaways

  1. Darksteel Colossus offers card advantage by remaining a persistent threat without additional creature casts.
  2. Its requirement of eleven specific mana can challenge decks that need a more flexible mana curve.
  3. Inclusion of Darksteel Colossus in decks demands strategic planning around its high mana cost.

Text of card

Trample Darksteel Colossus is indestructible. ("Destroy" effects and lethal damage don't destroy it.) If Darksteel Colossus would be put into a graveyard from anywhere, reveal Darksteel Colossus and shuffle it into its owner's library instead.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Darksteel Colossus doesn’t directly allow you to draw cards, its indestructible nature ensures it remains a continual presence on the battlefield, negating the need for additional creature spells and thus preserving the cards in your hand.

Resource Acceleration: The inclusion of Darksteel Colossus in a deck often coincides with strategies focused on resource acceleration, such as ramping up mana to summon it more quickly—a vital tactic to leverage this titan’s power early on.

Instant Speed: Although Darksteel Colossus itself is not an instant-speed spell, its sheer resilience makes it a lasting threat that complements a deck capable of operating at instant speed. This allows you to manage your resources effectively while also committing a formidable creature to the board.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One aspect of the Darksteel Colossus that can deter players is the absence of a built-in mechanism to shield against discard effects. Against strategies that force discarding, Darksteel Colossus may end up being a liability in your hand prior to being cast.

Specific Mana Cost: Summoning Darksteel Colossus demands a substantial investment of specific mana – eleven mana in total, which can strain your resources. This mana requirement might not mesh well with decks that operate on a tighter mana curve or those that utilize a wider array of colors.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana cost is undeniably steep, and for the same investment, you could potentially cast multiple spells or creatures with lower mana costs. This high mana cost can slow down your overall game pace, leaving you vulnerable in the early to mid-game stages.


Reasons to Include Darksteel Colossus in Your Collection

Versatility: This formidable card can be a game-changer in a variety of decks, particularly those seeking a resilient finisher. Its indestructibility makes it a consistent threat on the battlefield.

Combo Potential: Darksteel Colossus shines in builds that leverage its artifact nature. Combining it with cards that tutor or cheat artifacts onto the battlefield can result in a quick and overwhelming advantage.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta with heavy control elements, having a robust threat that resists the most common forms of removal can tilt matchups in your favor. Darksteel Colossus is a solid choice when facing decks that struggle with indestructible permanents.


How to beat

Overcoming the Darksteel Colossus in Magic: The Gathering demands strategy and the right card selection. This formidable artifact creature is known for its indestructibility, which means that typical destruction-based removal spells won’t be enough. To bypass its resilience, cards that change the battlefield dynamics are essential. Cards that exile it, such as Path to Exile, or those which force the player to sacrifice it, like Crackling Doom, can effectively remove the Colossus from play.

Moreover, controlling the board with counterspells is another viable tactic as it prevents the Colossus from entering the battlefield in the first place. Spells like Counterspell or Negate are crucial when dealing with such an imposing threat. Utilize disruption tactics, playing cards like Thoughtseize or Inquisition of Kozilek to disrupt the opponent’s hand and keep the Colossus at bay. Also, employ proactive measures such as enchantments like Pacifism to neutralize it without triggering its indestructible nature or transforming it using cards like Imprisoned in the Moon.

Ultimately, tackling the Darksteel Colossus successfully requires a blend of foresight in deck building and sharp tactical play during the game to navigate around its intimidating presence on the battlefield.


BurnMana Recommendations

As we’ve explored the strengths and weaknesses of owning and combating the Darksteel Colossus, MTG enthusiasts can appreciate its potential as both a collection cornerstone and a dynamic in-game force. Whether it’s the synergy within artifact-focused decks or finding creative solutions to dispatch this juggernaut, the Colossus stands as a testament to strategy and innovation in gameplay. If you’re intrigued by the prospect of harnessing or countering such power, delve further into our resources. Join our community of players and learn how to optimize your decks and refine your strategies to triumph in the MTG realm.


Cards like Darksteel Colossus

Darksteel Colossus is a titan among artifact creatures in Magic: The Gathering, bringing a mighty presence to the battlefield. It draws parallels with Blightsteel Colossus, a similarly intimidating creature. Both are formidable due to their trample ability and immunity to destruction, the former through indestructible and the latter thanks to infect and one-shot player potential. Blightsteel swaps the regeneration of Darksteel for infect, upping the ante on the offensive.

Another noteworthy comparison is Ulamog, the Infinite Gyre, a colossal force in its own right. Like Darksteel Colossus, Ulamog refuses to go quietly into the graveyard, shuffling back into the owner’s library instead of hitting the bin. The trade-off lies in Ulamog’s annihilator ability and capability to exile two target permanents upon casting, against Darksteel’s sheer resilience.

Assessing them side by side, Darksteel Colossus holds its ground in the circle of giant creatures. Its simplicity in design, focused on longevity and guaranteed board presence, often proves invaluable in long-drawn battles where resilience is key, cementing its status in the pantheon of Magic: The Gathering’s iconic giant creatures.

Blightsteel Colossus - MTG Card versions
Ulamog, the Infinite Gyre - MTG Card versions
Blightsteel Colossus - Mirrodin Besieged (MBS)
Ulamog, the Infinite Gyre - Rise of the Eldrazi (ROE)

Cards similar to Darksteel Colossus by color, type and mana cost

Mycosynth Golem - MTG Card versions
Metalwork Colossus - MTG Card versions
Darksteel Colossus // Darksteel Colossus - MTG Card versions
Mycosynth Golem - The List (PLST)
Metalwork Colossus - Commander Masters (CMM)
Darksteel Colossus // Darksteel Colossus - Secret Lair Drop (SLD)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Darksteel Colossus MTG card by a specific set like Darksteel and Magic 2010, 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 Darksteel Colossus and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Darksteel Colossus Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2004-02-06 and 2019-12-02. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12004-02-06DarksteelDST 1092003normalblackCarl Critchlow
22009-07-17Magic 2010M10 2082003normalblackCarl Critchlow
32019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 572015normalblackHector Ortiz

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Darksteel Colossus has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

DateText
2013-07-01 Lethal damage, damage from a source with deathtouch, and effects that say “destroy” won’t cause a creature with indestructible to be put into the graveyard. However, a creature with indestructible can be put into the graveyard for a number of reasons. The most likely reasons are if it’s sacrificed or if its toughness is 0 or less. (In these cases, of course, Darksteel Colossus would be shuffled into its owner’s library instead of being put into its owner’s graveyard.)

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