Raging Gorilla MTG Card


Raging Gorilla - Visions
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Ape
Released1997-02-03
Set symbol
Set nameVisions
Set codeVIS
Power 2
Toughness 3
Number90
Frame1997
Layoutnormal
Borderblack
Illustred byTom Kyffin

Key Takeaways

  1. Raging Gorilla pressures opponents into unfavorable trades, potentially leading to advantageous two-for-one scenarios.
  2. The card’s high mana cost and color-specific requirements may limit its versatility in various deck types.
  3. Despite drawbacks, its aggressive nature and combo potential make it a worthy addition to creature-focused decks.

Text of card

If Raging Gorilla blocks or is blocked, it gets +2/-2 until end of turn.

"Every temper tantrum makes another angry gorilla." —Femeref children's myth


Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Raging Gorilla doesn’t directly allow you to draw cards, it can pressure your opponents to make unfavorable trades, often leading to a two-for-one scenario where you can take out an opponent’s card while still having Raging Gorilla on the board.

Resource Acceleration: As a creature, the Gorilla doesn’t inherently accelerate resources, but its presence can dissuade opponents from attacking, effectively preserving your life total and other resources. Additionally, if it’s part of a synergistic deck, it could contribute to a wider strategy of aggressive board development.

Instant Speed: While Raging Gorilla itself is not an instant, it fits into decks that want to play at instant speed. Its impact can force opponents to react hastily at instant speed themselves, committing resources or spells at less than optimal times.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Activating Raging Gorilla’s abilities often comes with the downside of discarding a card, which could deplete your hand and leave you with fewer options as the game progresses.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s need for specific mana types to cast and activate abilities could restrict it to decks heavily invested in those colors, thus reducing its versatility across various deck archetypes.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Raging Gorilla carries a hefty mana cost, which may fall short in terms of value when compared to other creatures you could play at a similar cost, potentially slowing down your game strategy.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Raging Gorilla offers a dynamic option for decks focusing on creature-based strategies or those that benefit from aggressive board presence. Its ability to apply pressure early in the game makes it a valuable component for various deck archetypes.

Combo Potential: This card’s straightforward power boost when blocking or blocked can be cleverly used with cards that manipulate combat, potentially turning it into a formidable force. Raging Gorilla works well with effects that force opponents to block or in tandem with evasion-enabling cards, maximizing its combat abilities.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where sizeable low-cost creatures are king, Raging Gorilla can serve as an efficient threat to control decks or as a reliable defender against aggressive opponents. Its presence on the board is often enough to deter attacks or encourage favorable trades, making it a significant addition to your collection during such meta shifts.


How to beat

Raging Gorilla presents a unique challenge on the battlefield. This formidable creature often commands attention, forcing players to adjust their strategies accordingly. To overcome this beast, it’s crucial to understand its strengths and weaknesses.

Removal spells are an excellent way to deal with Raging Gorilla. Instant-speed spells such as Path to Exile or Rapid Hybridization can dispatch it before it becomes an overwhelming threat. Board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation are equally effective, clearing the path by removing all creatures from the battlefield.

In addition to direct removal, leveraging control cards to manipulate or reduce Raging Gorilla’s impact is vital. Enchantment-based control like Pacifism or arrest effects from spells such as Lawmage’s Binding can neutralize the Gorilla without having to remove it from the field — a subtle yet powerful tactic.

By integrating these strategies into your deck construction and in-game tactics, you’ll be well-equipped to handle Raging Gorilla and maintain your ground. A balanced approach combining threat assessment and proactive defense will enhance your play, ensuring that even the most aggressive creatures won’t catch you off guard.


Cards like Raging Gorilla

Raging Gorilla, a creature card, finds its niche within the Magic: The Gathering ecosystem. Reminiscent of other green creatures, it shares characteristics with cards like Thornweald Archer. Both cards are green creatures that provide a form of utility; the Archer through deathtouch and reach, and the Gorilla through its ability to force blocks. This can be a pivotal strategy for disrupting your opponent’s board.

Looking at cards like Taunting Elf, another parallel is evident. Taunting Elf lacks the brute strength of Raging Gorilla, but both cards serve a similar purpose – to control combat by dictating how opponents must block. The key differences lie in their power, toughness, and cost effectiveness, which can influence the tempo and outcome of the game. Another example within the same vein is the provoke ability found on cards like Deftblade Elite, which also manipulates combat but with added precision.

While Raging Gorilla may not be the centerpiece in a deck, its unique ability to influence combat dynamics is effective for strategic plays. Players prioritizing battlefield control can find this creature card a valuable utility for managing opponent tactics and paving the way for game-changing attacks.

Thornweald Archer - MTG Card versions
Taunting Elf - MTG Card versions
Deftblade Elite - MTG Card versions
Thornweald Archer - Future Sight (FUT)
Taunting Elf - Urza's Destiny (UDS)
Deftblade Elite - Legions (LGN)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Raging Gorilla MTG card by a specific set like Visions, 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 Raging Gorilla and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Raging Gorilla has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

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