Crumbling Colossus MTG Card

Magic 2012 (M12)
2011-07-15 - Number 204

The List (PLST)
2020-09-26 - Number M12-204

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	5
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Artifact Creature — Golem
Abilities	Trample
Power	7
Toughness	4

Key Takeaways

Crumbling Colossus can alter the board’s dynamics, potentially yielding card advantage.
As a powerful, short-term threat, it forces opponents to expend resources prematurely.
Despite its impact, the Colossus’ inherent self-destruction limits its long-term value.

Text of card

Trample (If this creature would assign enough damage to its blockers to destroy them, you may have it assign the rest of its damage to defending player or planeswalker.) When Crumbling Colossus attacks, sacrifice it at end of combat.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Crumbling Colossus offers the capability to sweep away blockers, possibly enabling further attacks and paving the way towards a better board state. This can tangibly shift card advantage in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: Not directly linked to resource acceleration, Crumbling Colossus’ sheer might compels opponents to expend valuable resources to handle it, effectively giving you a resource lead.

Instant Speed: While not playable at instant speed, Crumbling Colossus serves as a substantial threat that must be answered by opponents swiftly, often disrupting their tempo and causing them to react on their own turn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Crumbling Colossus demands a notable sacrifice upon attacking, as it requires you to sacrifice it at the end of combat. This self-destructive clause can seriously dampen its long-term board presence and overall strategic value.

Specific Mana Cost: This artifact creature comes with a relatively color-flexible casting cost, but the need for three generic mana might be taxing in a mana curve that prioritizes colored spells or is operating under restrictive mana conditions.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of five mana, the Colossus faces competition from other five-cost creatures or spells that might provide ongoing benefits, greater power and toughness, or additional abilities without the self-sacrifice drawback.

Reasons to Include Crumbling Colossus in Your Collection

Versatility: Crumbling Colossus offers remarkable flexibility as it can serve as a formidable threat in decks that aim to win quickly. Its high power lets it double as an effective blocker or a devastating attacker, able to make a significant impact the moment it hits the battlefield.

Combo Potential: With its unique trait of sacrificing itself after attacking, the Colossus can be a key component in artifact synergy decks, opening the door to various graveyard recovery plays or triggering abilities that benefit from self-sacrificing mechanics.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where aggressive strategies are prevalent, Crumbling Colossus can catch opponents off-guard, dealing substantial damage early on. It is particularly potent when combined with strategies that mitigate its self-sacrificing downside or in formats where heavy hitters are essential for success.

How to beat

Crumbling Colossus offers a unique challenge on the battlefield with its formidable presence as a 7/4 artifact creature. Just like other powerful cards in Magic: The Gathering, it has the potential to swing games, yet it’s not without its vulnerabilities. When facing this juggernaut, it’s crucial to remember that its own ability seals its fate—it must be sacrificed after it attacks.

Strategic players will find opportunities in instant-speed removal spells or those that prevent it from attacking, such as Pacifism or encasing it in ice with spells like Frost Lynx. In the realm of red spells, consider using Act of Treason to turn the tide, commandeering Crumbling Colossus for a crucial swing, then simply let it self-destruct post-attack. This not only neutralizes the threat but also turns it into a one-time powerhouse for your advantage.

Subduing Crumbling Colossus is about foresight and controlling the pace of the game. Utilizing the right spells or effects can easily turn this once intimidating construct into a crumbling relic of the past. Clever maneuvering and a well-timed response are the keys to dismantling its power on the battlefield.

Cards like Crumbling Colossus

When considering the unique traits of Crumbling Colossus, it stands out in the category of creatures with a high power-to-casting cost ratio within the Magic: The Gathering universe. Much like Phyrexian Soulgorger, which offers a tremendous power boost for a low mana investment, Crumbling Colossus provides a quick, heavy hitter for the battlefield. However, it comes with a catch—upon dealing damage, it sacrifices itself, a feature not found in its counterpart.

Delving into similar territory, we encounter Lodestone Golem, which commands the same mana cost but exerts a different kind of board presence by making noncreature spells cost more to cast, potentially disrupting opponent strategies while maintaining its staying power. Unlike Crumbling Colossus, the Golem doesn’t have an inherent self-destruct mechanism, allowing it to persist as both an offensive and a defensive asset.

Then we can look at Juggernaut, a classic card that shares the inability to be blocked by walls, much like the Crumbling Colossus. Juggernaut’s relentless nature is echoed in Crumbling Colossus, yet the latter’s self-sacrifice yields a one-time impactful punch, sacrificing longevity for a potentially game-changing turn.

In evaluating these comparisons, Crumbling Colossus showcases a tempting balance between immediate impact and temporary board presence, a compelling choice for players looking for a decisive and forceful, albeit ephemeral, advantage.

Phyrexian Soulgorger - MTG Card versions

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Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Crumbling Colossus MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2012 and The List, 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 Crumbling Colossus and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Crumbling Colossus Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2011-07-15 and 2011-07-15. Illustrated by Michael C. Hayes.

#	Released	Name	Code	Symbol	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2011-07-15	Magic 2012	M12		204	2003	Normal	Black	Michael C. Hayes
2	~~2020-09-26~~	The List	PLST		M12-204	2003	Normal	Black	Michael C. Hayes

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Crumbling Colossus has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Restricted
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Penny	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2011-09-22	If another player controls Crumbling Colossus when its ability tries to resolve, you’ll be unable to sacrifice it. It will simply remain on the battlefield.