Tower Gargoyle MTG Card
2008-10-03 - Number 205
2013-11-01 - Number 223
2017-03-17 - Number 196
2019-11-07 - Number 1499
2022-07-08 - Number 288
2020-09-26 - Number MM3-196
| Card sets | Released in 6 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Artifact Creature — Gargoyle |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
Flying
"Esper, like any work of art, can be truly appreciated only from a distance." —Tezzeret
Cards like Tower Gargoyle
Tower Gargoyle stands as an intriguing Artifact Creature in MTG, mingling in the realm with other multi-colored creatures. Tower Gargoyle is most closely related to Esper creatures such as Sphinx of the Steel Wind. Both command a presence with their multicolored nature and offer flying abilities. However, Tower Gargoyle provides a more accessible casting cost for a respectable 4/4 flying, compared to the 6/6 flying, first strike, vigilance, lifelink, protection from red and from green of the Sphinx.
Another close relative in the comparison is the Stoic Ephemera, which, like Tower Gargoyle, offers a solid defense with a lesser attacking benefit but comes with the upside of being an ephemeral blocker due to its flying and Defender attributes. Stoic Ephemera demands a different board state to be fully utilized.
Drawing parallels, Tower Gargoyle’s blend of reasonable cost and evasive combat abilities make it a staple for decks craving a formidable flying creature. Its power and toughness stand up well when measured against creatures of a similar mana cost, making it a commendable choice for MTG players seeking a balanced Artifact Creature.
Cards similar to Tower Gargoyle by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Tower Gargoyle presents a formidable flying threat that ensures your deck maintains pressure on your opponent while keeping your hand stocked through potential synergies with artifact synergistic cards.
Resource Acceleration: This imposing creature can be a catalyst for decks that benefit from the presence of artifacts on the battlefield, indirectly accelerating your resource availability for strategies that unlock artifacts’ full potential.
Instant Speed: Although Tower Gargoyle doesn’t operate at instant speed itself, it encourages a play style that keeps mana open for other instant-speed interactions, balancing between deploying threats and responding to the opponent’s plays efficiently.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Tower Gargoyle doesn’t require a discard upon casting, those utilizing it within certain deck archetypes might face synergy issues with discard mechanics, potentially leading to an unfavorable hand situation.
Specific Mana Cost: Tower Gargoyle comes with a multicolored mana cost, demanding a mix of black, white, and blue mana. This restrictiveness can pose a challenge in decks that are not geared towards a Esper mana base, thereby limiting its inclusion to specific deck types or requiring a more complex mana fixing strategy.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana, including three specific colors, players might find Tower Gargoyle a tad expensive for its 4/4 flying body. In a game where board presence and tempo are crucial, there might be alternative creatures or spells that offer more impact or versatility for the same or lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include Tower Gargoyle in Your Collection
Versatility: Tower Gargoyle fits seamlessly into various deck archetypes, particularly those that appreciate a robust defense along with offensive capabilities. Its multicolored nature allows it to slot into Esper decks or artifact-centric strategies, fostering adaptable gameplay.
Combo Potential: As an artifact creature, this card works well with mechanics that capitalize on artifact synergy. The possibility of combining Tower Gargoyle with other cards to unlock powerful interactions or enhance certain strategies makes it a useful tool for imaginative deck builders.
Meta-Relevance: Given its respectable stats for its mana cost, Tower Gargoyle can be a formidable presence in games. In an environment where flying creatures have an edge or where artifact strategies are prominent, including Tower Gargoyle in your collection can provide you with a competitive advantage.
How to beat
Tower Gargoyle presents a unique challenge on the battlefield with its solid stature and multi-color identity. As an artifact creature, one of the most straightforward strategies to neutralize it is to rely on artifact destruction spells. Cards like Shatter or Fragmentize can dispatch the Gargoyle efficiently, removing its threat for a minimal mana investment.
Another tactic involves utilizing spells that exile creatures regardless of their size or abilities. Path to Exile and Swords to Plowshares are prime examples of how you can bypass Tower Gargoyle’s defenses. It’s critical to have removals that don’t target a specific color or type, given the Gargoyle’s multi-colored nature.
Mana efficiency and greater versatility are key in addressing the challenge posed by Tower Gargoyle. Ensuring your deck is equipped with answers like Abrupt Decay or Mortify, which handle multi-colored creatures or artifacts, gives you an upper hand. By including these strategies, you’ll be better prepared to dismantle your opponent’s defenses and maintain control of the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Tower Gargoyle 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 Tower Gargoyle and other MTG cards:
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- 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 Tower Gargoyle Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 2008-10-03 and 2022-07-08. Illustrated by Matt Cavotta.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2008-10-03 | Shards of Alara | ALA | 205 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | |
| 2 | 2013-11-01 | Commander 2013 | C13 | 223 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | |
| 3 | 2017-03-17 | Modern Masters 2017 | MM3 | 196 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | |
| 4 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1499 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | |
| 5 | The List | PLST | MM3-196 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | ||
| 6 | 2022-07-08 | Double Masters 2022 | 2X2 | 288 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Tower Gargoyle has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |