Gatebreaker Ram MTG Card


Gatebreaker Ram - Ravnica Allegiance
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Sheep
Released2019-01-25
Set symbol
Set nameRavnica Allegiance
Set codeRNA
Power 2
Toughness 2
Number126
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byEven Amundsen

Key Takeaways

  1. Gatebreaker Ram provides a stat boost and gains vigilance and trample, amplifying its threat level on the board.
  2. This creature synergizes with gates decks for accelerated mana development, enabling faster and impactful plays.
  3. Effective against the Ram involves targeted removal, board wipes, or undercutting its gate-based mana acceleration.
Vigilance card art

Guide to Vigilance card ability

In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.

Text of card

Gatebreaker Ram gets +1/+1 for each Gate you control. As long as you control two or more Gates, Gatebreaker Ram has vigilance and trample.

So-called "battering rams" pale in comparison to the real thing.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Gatebreaker Ram rewards you for playing with a specific deck archetype, namely one that contains Gates. Whenever it attacks or blocks, if you control two or more Gates, not only does it get a formidable stats boost, but it also gains vigilance and trample until end of turn, providing a significant threat to opponents and often resulting in advantageous trades or direct damage.

Resource Acceleration: While the Gatebreaker Ram itself does not directly accelerate your resources, it synergizes with a ‘Gates’ deck which often includes cards that allow for rapid mana development. This can lead to an early deployment of the Ram, making it a force to be reckoned with ahead of schedule and pressuring your opponent.

Instant Speed: Although Gatebreaker Ram operates at sorcery speed, the instant-speed interaction comes from its synergy with cards from the Gate-based decks, which often utilize instant-speed spells that benefit from having a substantial creature like the Ram already in play. With Gates at your disposal, you’re likely controlling several spells that can alter the state of the game immediately, making the Ram a continuous board presence that can capitalize on these conditions.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While not directly requiring a discard, Gatebreaker Ram’s synergy with gates means if you’re unable to maintain a strong hand of these lands, its potency is significantly lessened. This indirect requirement can lead to strategic disadvantages against hand disruption tactics.

Specific Mana Cost: Gatebreaker Ram costs one generic and two green mana, which can be restrictive for multicolored decks that don’t heavily feature green. The need for green mana can complicate your mana base, especially in the early game when flexibility is key.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For a three mana creature, Gatebreaker Ram demands a gate-centric deck to truly shine. In environments where gates are less prevalent or in faster-paced games, there may be other creatures or spells that provide more immediate impact or versatility without the need for a gate foundation.


Reasons to Include Gatebreaker Ram in Your Collection

Versatility: Gatebreaker Ram shines in decks that use a lot of gates, but it’s also just a strong, low-cost creature that can serve as an efficient beater in any green and/or white deck. Its ability to gain bonuses from gates you control means it easily adapts to the game’s flow, becoming a significant threat as your mana base develops.

Combo Potential: In the right deck, Gatebreaker Ram serves as a powerful enabler for gate-matter cards like “Guild Summit” or “Circuitous Route”. The more gates you play, the more intimidating the Ram becomes, making it a linchpin in synergistic gate strategies.

Meta-Relevance: With a persistent presence in the format, Gatebreaker Ram competes well with other midrange creatures. Its scalability ensures it remains a relevant threat at all game stages, especially in environments where gates are prevalent or its natural evasion against multicolor creatures can be exploited.


How to beat

Gatebreaker Ram stands tall in the world of creature cards, boasting strengths that make it a formidable presence especially in decks that capitalize on Gate cards. With its ability to gain a significant boost from each Gate you control, not only does this sheep become an imposing attacker, but it also bolsters its defenses with added toughness. This dual-threat capability, combined with the bonus of trample when you command two or more Gates, positions Gatebreaker Ram as a card that demands a strategic plan to overcome.

To effectively tackle this ovine opponent, removal spells that bypass increased toughness levels, such as exile or -X/-X effects, can prove to be invaluable. Flexibility is crucial; board wipes that reset the playing field or cards that prevent the Ram from dealing combat damage can serve as your safety net against the escalating threat. Moreover, countering the ramping Gate-based manabase that feeds into the Ram’s power is another angle of attack, disrupting the synergy before it reaches an overwhelming state.

Ultimately, handling Gatebreaker Ram revolves around preempting its growth or utilizing removals that transcend its scaling defenses. With prompt responses and tactical foresight, the once towering Ram can be reined in, ensuring your opponent’s strategy doesn’t ram(p)age through the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

As MTG enthusiasts aiming to conquer the diverse realms of gameplay, it’s essential to keep building our knowledge and card collections with strategic gems like Gatebreaker Ram. This particular card holds its ground in gate-centric decks, evolving into a potent creature that can swing games in your favor. To truly harness its growing might, understanding the synergy with other gate-matter cards is crucial. If you want to deepen your grasp of these synergies and add pivotal pieces to your MTG collection, tap into our reservoir of insights. Let’s embark on this journey together and unlock the full potential of your deck with cards like Gatebreaker Ram. Explore with us and raise your game to new heights.


Cards like Gatebreaker Ram

In the world of Magic: The Gathering, Gatebreaker Ram stands out in decks that favor a multicolored mana base, especially for players fond of powerful creatures within the Guildgate archetype. This robust creature gains strength and toughness for each Gate you control. That feature aligns it with creatures like District Guide, which helps to ensure you hit your land drops and increase the Ram’s power.

Another card that shares synergy with Gatebreaker Ram is Saruli Gatekeepers. While not as aggressive, the Gatekeepers offer a life gain bonus for controlling multiple Gates. This card may not contribute to the offensive strategy the way the Ram does, but its defensive utility can’t be ignored. Then there’s Archway Angel, greeting you with a sizable life gain upon its arrival if Gates are plentiful on your battlefield, offering a lifeline against aggressive opponents. Though its mana cost is higher, it also functions as a formidable flying defender.

Each of these cards can shine in a strategically built Gate deck, but Gatebreaker Ram consistently holds its ground. Its potential for massive power swings combined with trample makes it a noteworthy card for any player considering the strength of the Gate mechanic in their MTG collection.

District Guide - MTG Card versions
Saruli Gatekeepers - MTG Card versions
Archway Angel - MTG Card versions
District Guide - MTG Card versions
Saruli Gatekeepers - MTG Card versions
Archway Angel - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Gatebreaker Ram MTG card by a specific set like Ravnica Allegiance, 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 Gatebreaker Ram and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Gatebreaker Ram has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
TimelessLegal

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