Bloodrock Cyclops MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Cyclops
Power 3
Toughness 3

Key Takeaways

  1. Agressive gameplay can force opponents into disadvantageous trades, strengthening your board control.
  2. Specific red mana requirement may restrict the card’s inclusion in multicolored decks.
  3. Bloodrock Cyclops shines in offense-focused strategies and can alter game tempo significantly.

Text of card

Bloodrock Cyclops attacks each turn if able.

"He's big an' dumb an' ready to fight. A lot like ol' Hornhead here." —Squee, goblin cabin hand, scouting report


Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Bloodrock Cyclops doesn’t directly offer card advantage in the traditional sense. However, its straightforward aggression can pressure an opponent into unfavorable trades, thereby potentially thinning their resources while you maintain board presence.

Resource Acceleration: While not designed for mana acceleration, the Cyclops’ consistent damage output can help end games quickly, reducing the need for extensive resources over prolonged matches. This hastens your route to victory, indirectly favoring resource management.

Instant Speed: The Bloodrock Cyclops itself isn’t an instant speed spell, but its sheer presence on the battlefield demands an immediate response from the opponent. This can force your adversary to act hastily, potentially misusing their instant speed answers and giving you the tempo advantage.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Bloodrock Cyclops does not require you to discard cards to be played, thereby avoiding card disadvantage and preserving your hand size.

Specific Mana Cost: Bloodrock Cyclops demands a color-specific mana investment with one red mana as part of its overall casting cost, which can be limiting when building a mana base in multicolored decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For a creature with its abilities, the casting cost of three mana, including the specific red requirement, can be seen as inefficient when compared to other creatures in the same mana range that offer additional abilities or higher power/toughness ratios.


Reasons to Include Bloodrock Cyclops in Your Collection

Versatility: Bloodrock Cyclops brings a straightforward aggression to red-based decks. Its inability to avoid combat makes it a great fit for decks that capitalize on forcing trades or those that circumvent blockers for direct damage.

Combo Potential: This card can be instrumental in combos that are designed around creatures attacking each turn. It synergizes well with cards that buff creatures or with effects that punish blocking, making it a surprisingly adaptable piece in the right build.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta filled with decks that prefer to maintain a strong defense or rely on complex strategies, Bloodrock Cyclops stands out by upholding constant pressure. It fits well in the current pace of gameplay, where maintaining an offensive stance can be key to victory.


How to beat Bloodrock Cyclops

Understanding your opponent’s cards is crucial in Magic: The Gathering, and with creatures like Bloodrock Cyclops on their side of the battlefield, knowing the right strategy is key. The Bloodrock Cyclops is known for its brute strength but comes with the drawback of being forced to attack each turn if able. This can be turned to your advantage.

To tackle this imposing creature, consider using control spells that keep it tapped down or redirect its aggression elsewhere. Cards with mechanics like “Pacifism” or “Encase in Ice” can neutralize the Cyclops without having to remove it from the board. Another viable strategy is to deploy creatures with higher toughness or those with the ability to block multiple attackers, such as any with the “Reach” or “Defender” abilities. This transforms the Cyclops’ aggression into a liability for your opponent.

Lastly, don’t overlook the value of instant-speed removal spells. Cards like “Doom Blade” or “Path to Exile” can efficiently remove the Cyclops from play before it has the chance to deal damage. By including such strategies in your deck, you’ll find yourself well-equipped to overcome the might of the Bloodrock Cyclops and maintain the upper hand.


Cards like Bloodrock Cyclops

Bloodrock Cyclops is an interesting creature within the roster of Magic: The Gathering. Standing shoulder to shoulder with other red creatures, it compares to the likes of Raging Goblin for its direct, attack-oriented playstyle. While Bloodrock Cyclops is forced to attack each turn if able, Raging Goblin benefits from having haste, enabling an immediate impact on the battlefield. The Cyclops’ larger body, however, can absorb more damage and pose a bigger threat over time.

Moving on, we find Berserkers’ Onslaught, an enchantment that gives attacking creatures double strike, which amplifies the aggression of creatures like Bloodrock Cyclops. Unlike stand-alone creatures, Berserkers’ Onslaught requires a well-composed battalion to fully harness its potential. Lastly, Brute Force is a worthy comparison for its instant boost to a creature’s power and toughness, providing a similar aggressive edge—albeit temporarily—comparable to the sustained presence of a Bloodrock Cyclops on the field.

In summary, although Bloodrock Cyclops offers a relentless offense, it must be considered alongside other aggressive options. Its forced combat is a double-edged sword that can shape a game’s dynamics, solidifying its role in decks designed around unyielding aggression.

Raging Goblin - MTG Card versions
Berserkers' Onslaught - MTG Card versions
Brute Force - MTG Card versions
Raging Goblin - Portal (POR)
Berserkers' Onslaught - Dragons of Tarkir (DTK)
Brute Force - Planar Chaos (PLC)

Cards similar to Bloodrock Cyclops by color, type and mana cost

Dwarven Warriors - MTG Card versions
Raging Bull - MTG Card versions
Wall of Lava - MTG Card versions
Brassclaw Orcs - MTG Card versions
Sabretooth Tiger - MTG Card versions
Imperial Recruiter - MTG Card versions
Uthden Troll - MTG Card versions
Hobgoblin Bandit Lord - MTG Card versions
Goblin Rabblemaster - MTG Card versions
Nosy Goblin - MTG Card versions
Goblin Sky Raider - MTG Card versions
Cosmic Larva - MTG Card versions
Mannichi, the Fevered Dream - MTG Card versions
Cunning Bandit // Azamuki, Treachery Incarnate - MTG Card versions
Ghost-Lit Raider - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chariot - MTG Card versions
Balduvian Barbarians - MTG Card versions
Shinen of Fury's Fire - MTG Card versions
Basalt Gargoyle - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chieftain - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Warriors - Foreign Black Border (FBB)
Raging Bull - Legends (LEG)
Wall of Lava - Ice Age (ICE)
Brassclaw Orcs - Fifth Edition (5ED)
Sabretooth Tiger - Fifth Edition (5ED)
Imperial Recruiter - Portal Three Kingdoms (PTK)
Uthden Troll - Battle Royale Box Set (BRB)
Hobgoblin Bandit Lord - Adventures in the Forgotten Realms Promos (PAFR)
Goblin Rabblemaster - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Nosy Goblin - Onslaught (ONS)
Goblin Sky Raider - Onslaught (ONS)
Cosmic Larva - Fifth Dawn (5DN)
Mannichi, the Fevered Dream - Betrayers of Kamigawa (BOK)
Cunning Bandit // Azamuki, Treachery Incarnate - Betrayers of Kamigawa (BOK)
Ghost-Lit Raider - Saviors of Kamigawa (SOK)
Goblin Chariot - Ninth Edition (9ED)
Balduvian Barbarians - Ninth Edition (9ED)
Shinen of Fury's Fire - Salvat 2005 (PSAL)
Basalt Gargoyle - Time Spiral Remastered (TSR)
Goblin Chieftain - Resale Promos (PRES)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Bloodrock Cyclops MTG card by a specific set like Weatherlight and Beatdown Box Set, 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 Bloodrock Cyclops and other MTG cards:

Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See Magic products

Printings

The Bloodrock Cyclops Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 1997-06-09 and 2020-07-17. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11997-06-09WeatherlightWTH 901997normalblackTom Wänerstrand
22000-10-01Beatdown Box SetBTD 361997normalwhiteTom Wänerstrand
32007-07-13Tenth Edition10E 1922003normalblackAlex Horley-Orlandelli
42020-07-17JumpstartJMP 2972015normalblackAlex Horley-Orlandelli

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Bloodrock Cyclops has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

DateText
2004-10-04 There is no penalty if it can’t attack.

Recent MTG decks

Continue exploring other format decks
More decks