Wakestone Gargoyle MTG Card
2006-05-05 - Number 21
2014-06-06 - Number 88
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Gargoyle |
| Abilities | Defender,Flying |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
Defender (This creature can't attack.) Flying : Creatures you control with defender can attack this turn as though they didn't have defender.
Its pulsating cry shatters bonds of iron, granite, and servitude.
Cards like Wakestone Gargoyle
Wakestone Gargoyle is a unique creature card in MTG, providing a strategic blend of defense and offense. A comparative card is Rolling Stones, which also turns walls into attackers, yet it doesn’t offer the individual power or toughness that Wakestone Gargoyle boasts. In contrast, High Alert elevates the game by allowing defenders to attack as though they didn’t have defender, additionally untapping creatures. This enchantment doesn’t require mana activation unlike our gargoyle friend.
When looking for versatility, Assault Formation is another interesting parallel. It gives creatures with defender the ability to attack and determines combat damage using their toughness rather than power, akin to the effect granted by Wakestone Gargoyle. However, it also has the added capability of increasing toughness, giving it an advantage in some situations.
An astute player will weigh the benefits of the Wakestone Gargoyle against these alternatives to optimize their strategy. While similar in function, this gargoyle stands out with its direct creature capabilities, offering a dynamic option for decks that pivot between fortification and aggression.
Cards similar to Wakestone Gargoyle by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Wakestone Gargoyle provides a significant tactical advantage as it can turn any number of defenders you control into attackers, hence utilising creatures that are typically passive to pressure your opponent and potentially draw into more beneficial cards.
Resource Acceleration: Granting your defenders the ability to attack can lead to accelerated resource gains, especially in decks built around defender synergy where each creature could represent an additional element of control over the game’s pace.
Instant Speed: The ability to activate Wakestone Gargoyle’s effect at instant speed gives you the flexibility to decide during the combat phase whether your defenders should attack or hold back. This can create unforeseen challenges for your opponent and strategically alter the course of the duel on a dime.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Wakestone Gargoyle demands you to tap another untapped creature you control to activate its ability. During intense gameplay, having to commit another creature can be detrimental, leaving you vulnerable to your opponent’s strategies.
Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost of Wakestone Gargoyle includes both white and colorless mana, necessitating a mana base tailored to its activation. This constraint may not fit seamlessly into all deck builds, limiting its versatility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana and an activation cost for its ability, Wakestone Gargoyle comes with a sizable investment. Other creatures or spells at a similar cost might provide immediate impact or better stats, potentially making the Gargoyle less appealing in competitive play.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Wakestone Gargoyle stands as a multifaceted card, capable of fitting seamlessly into various deck builds. Its unique ability to grant defender creatures the power to attack can open up new strategic avenues, making it a valuable asset for decks that involve numerous defender cards.
Combo Potential: With the capability to unlock the offensive potential of defender-heavy decks, Wakestone Gargoyle shines when paired with cards that benefit from high-toughness creatures attacking, transforming passive walls into aggressive threats.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment that’s saturated with aggressive creature strategies, Wakestone Gargoyle can offer a robust defensive line that can quickly pivot to an unexpected offensive force, making it a card worth considering for its flexibility and surprise factor in the current meta.
How to Beat Wakestone Gargoyle
Wakestone Gargoyle presents a unique challenge on the battlefield with its ability to grant defender creatures the capacity to attack as though they didn’t have defender. This can suddenly turn an opponent’s defensive wall into a surprising offensive force. To overcome this card, one effective strategy is to manage the board with removal spells that can target the Gargoyle directly. Using instant-speed removal like Disenchant or Naturalize allows you to disrupt your opponent’s combat plans before they come to fruition.
Counter magic also serves as a solid line of defense. By keeping mana open for counterspells such as Negate or Counterspell, you can prevent the Gargoyle from ever taking flight. Moreover, focusing on your own aggressive strategy can put pressure on an opponent relying on Wakestone Gargoyle, pushing them to use their creatures defensively instead of co-opting them as makeshift attackers.
Lastly, consider employing creatures with flying or reach to hold the aerial fort. A creature such as Giant Spider can efficiently block those that Wakestone Gargoyle has animated, maintaining a stalwart defense while you look for further solutions or continue to build your board presence and press the attack.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Wakestone Gargoyle MTG card by a specific set like Dissension and Conspiracy, 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 Wakestone 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
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Printings
The Wakestone Gargoyle Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2006-05-05 and 2014-06-06. Illustrated by Jim Murray.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2006-05-05 | Dissension | DIS | 21 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Jim Murray | |
| 2 | 2014-06-06 | Conspiracy | CNS | 88 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Jim Murray |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Wakestone Gargoyle has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Wakestone Gargoyle card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2006-05-01 | Wakestone Gargoyle’s ability allows itself to attack. |
| 2006-05-01 | Wakestone Gargoyle’s ability will affect creatures with defender that come under your control after the ability resolves but before you declare attackers (though those creatures still can’t attack unless they have haste). |