Callous Giant MTG Card


Offers board control and can force opponents into unfavorable trades due to its sizeable presence. Requires deck building finesse, potentially limiting versatility in multicolor deck strategies. Despite its mana cost, remains a viable defensive option especially against damage-based removal.
Callous Giant - Invasion
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Giant
Released2000-10-02
Set symbol
Set nameInvasion
Set codeINV
Power 4
Toughness 4
Number139
Frame1997
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byMark Brill

Text of card

If a source would deal 3 damage or less to Callous Giant, prevent that damage.

"The invasion has awoken slumbering mountains," noted Urza. "Good. We can use all the help we can get."


Cards like Callous Giant

Callous Giant is a unique option within the pantheon of creature cards in MTG. This creature bears some resemblance to fellow giants such as Looming Altisaur and Ancient Brontodon due to its substantial toughness, giving it remarkable durability on the battlefield. Nonetheless, Callous Giant is distinctive in how it takes damage. Where most creatures take damage as normal, this Giant has a built-in resistance, taking damage only in increments of seven, making it exceptionally resilient against smaller creatures and most burn spells.

Comparably, Darksteel Myr is another creature that shines in its ability to withstand damage, impervious to destruction thanks to indestructibility. While not sharing the same damage resistance clause as Callous Giant, the Myr remains a solid wall against many attacks. Paladin en-Vec is another contrast – it has protection from red and black, allowing it to avoid damage from certain sources entirely, unlike our Giant that has conditional damage prevention.

Putting these cards side by side, it’s evident that Callous Giant occupies a strategic position among creatures that specialize in defense and damage control. Its unique damage threshold mechanic allows players to leverage its stoutness against specific MTG deck archetypes, making it a card that shouldn’t be underestimated.

Looming Altisaur - MTG Card versions
Ancient Brontodon - MTG Card versions
Darksteel Myr - MTG Card versions
Paladin en-Vec - MTG Card versions
Looming Altisaur - MTG Card versions
Ancient Brontodon - MTG Card versions
Darksteel Myr - MTG Card versions
Paladin en-Vec - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Callous Giant by color, type and mana cost

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Inferno Titan - MTG Card versions
Bogardan Rager - MTG Card versions
Chartooth Cougar - MTG Card versions
Shivan Dragon - MTG Card versions
Firestorm Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Crater Hellion - MTG Card versions
Halam Djinn - MTG Card versions
Bloodshot Cyclops - MTG Card versions
Worldgorger Dragon - MTG Card versions
Two-Headed Dragon - MTG Card versions
Ryusei, the Falling Star - MTG Card versions
Ronin Cavekeeper - MTG Card versions
Oni of Wild Places - MTG Card versions
Thundermare - MTG Card versions
Pardic Dragon - MTG Card versions
Tectonic Fiend - MTG Card versions
Etali, Primal Storm - MTG Card versions
Kamahl, Pit Fighter - MTG Card versions
Sunrise Sovereign - MTG Card versions
Lu Bu, Master-at-Arms - MTG Card versions
Inferno Titan - MTG Card versions
Bogardan Rager - MTG Card versions
Chartooth Cougar - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Callous Giant can become a significant presence on the board that demands an answer, potentially causing your opponent to expend more resources to deal with it than you invested in casting it.

Resource Acceleration: This colossal creature doesn’t directly contribute to resource acceleration, yet it’s a formidable target for spells or abilities that might convert its toughness into resources, fostering innovative deck-building strategies.

Instant Speed: While Callous Giant itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, it pairs well with cards that can alter combat dynamics or provide protection at instant speed, making it a resilient threat in the right deck.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Callous Giant forces players to relinquish another card when casting it, potentially depleting hand resources. This can be particularly detrimental in late-game scenarios where each card’s strategic value is paramount.

Specific Mana Cost: Callous Giant comes with a tailored mana cost that necessitates a dedicated deck structure to ensure playability. It may not effortlessly slot into multicolor decks, thus requiring careful consideration during deck building.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its sizeable mana demand, Callous Giant’s impact on the battlefield might not justify its cost, especially when matched against other behemoths in the current meta that potentially offer more bang for your buck.


Reasons to Include Callous Giant in Your Collection

Versatility: Callous Giant is a resilient addition to decks that thrive on maintaining a formidable board presence. Its ability to brush off smaller sources of damage makes it a reliable defender in a range of settings, from casual games to more competitive formats.

Combo Potential: This robust creature shines in scenarios that exploit its tenacious nature. Combo with effects that deal damage to all creatures, knowing Callous Giant will likely survive and swing back hard, playing a crucial role in both offense and defense.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where damage-based removal spells are prevalent, Callous Giant’s inherent resistance to such effects gives it a notable advantage. This can shift the tide in matches against decks relying on such tactics for creature control.


How to beat

Confronting a Callous Giant on the battlefield can be a daunting challenge for many MTG players. This formidable creature shrugs off smaller amounts of damage, making it a tough nut to crack through traditional combat methods. To overcome this sturdy opponent, creative strategies must be employed. Instead of chipping away with minor attacks, which it easily withstands due to its damage prevention ability, concentrate on accumulating sufficient power to deal a decisive blow in a single skirmish. Utilizing spells or abilities that deal damage in large amounts can effectively bypass the Giant’s resistance.

Another avenue is to exploit the Giant’s lack of defensive capabilities against abilities that do not deal damage. Exile or bounce effects, which forcibly return the Giant to the owner’s hand, can serve as key tactics in removing it from the game without having to confront its damage prevention. Game mechanics like sacrifice or -X/-X effects also provide a pathway to triumph, offering alternative methods to defeat Callous Giant without engaging in a head-to-head battle that plays to its strengths. The most efficient way to claim victory over a Callous Giant involves combining intelligent play with the strategic selection of these abilities.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Callous Giant MTG card by a specific set like Invasion, 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 Callous Giant and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Callous Giant has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal