Cloister Gargoyle MTG Card


Cloister Gargoyle offers card advantage and strategic depth by utilizing dungeon exploration mechanics. The card’s versatility and combo potential make it a unique asset in dungeon-themed decks. Despite limitations, its evolving presence on the battlefield provides adaptive strategies.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeArtifact Creature — Gargoyle
Abilities Venture into the dungeon
Power 0
Toughness 4

Text of card

When Cloister Gargoyle enters the battlefield, venture into the dungeon. (Enter the first room or advance to the next room.) As long as you've completed a dungeon, Cloister Gargoyle gets +3/+0 and has flying.


Cards like Cloister Gargoyle

The Cloister Gargoyle holds its own unique place in the realm of creature cards in Magic: The Gathering. When looking at analogues, Wall of Omens springs to mind which also has a casting cost of two mana and draws a card upon entering the battlefield. However, what distinguishes Cloister Gargoyle is its venture into the dungeon mechanic, specifically tailored for the Adventures in the Forgotten Realms set, enabling it to potentially gain additional abilities as the game progresses.

Another creature to consider is the Wall of Runes. This card not only shares the same mana cost and the capacity to scry but lacks the versatility provided by the dungeon mechanic inherent to Cloister Gargoyle. This distinct feature offers an interactive gaming experience, adding strategy depth with the choice of different dungeon cards to explore.

Lastly, Gatecreeper Vine finds a place in the comparison for its ability to fetch a gate card directly to hand, offering deck thinning and mana fixing benefits. Although it doesn’t contribute further to board presence unlike Cloister Gargoyle, which can become a more substantial threat as the dungeon adventure unfolds.

Assessing these creatures reveals that Cloister Gargoyle holds a special role, offering a blend of early defense and progressive value that its counterparts lack, making it a clever addition to decks capitalizing on the dungeon mechanic.

Wall of Omens - MTG Card versions
Wall of Runes - MTG Card versions
Gatecreeper Vine - MTG Card versions
Wall of Omens - MTG Card versions
Wall of Runes - MTG Card versions
Gatecreeper Vine - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Cloister Gargoyle by color, type and mana cost

Idol of Endurance - MTG Card versions
Urza's Sylex - MTG Card versions
Pearl Shard - MTG Card versions
Thunder Totem - MTG Card versions
Marble Chalice - MTG Card versions
Scepter of Dominance - MTG Card versions
Blinding Souleater - MTG Card versions
Godsend - MTG Card versions
Peacewalker Colossus - MTG Card versions
Knight of the Widget - MTG Card versions
Riveting Rigger - MTG Card versions
Mace of the Valiant - MTG Card versions
Maul of the Skyclaves - MTG Card versions
Archaeomancer's Map - MTG Card versions
The Book of Exalted Deeds - MTG Card versions
Marble Gargoyle - MTG Card versions
Knighted Myr - MTG Card versions
Holy Avenger - MTG Card versions
Plate Armor - MTG Card versions
Aerial Surveyor - MTG Card versions
Idol of Endurance - MTG Card versions
Urza's Sylex - MTG Card versions
Pearl Shard - MTG Card versions
Thunder Totem - MTG Card versions
Marble Chalice - MTG Card versions
Scepter of Dominance - MTG Card versions
Blinding Souleater - MTG Card versions
Godsend - MTG Card versions
Peacewalker Colossus - MTG Card versions
Knight of the Widget - MTG Card versions
Riveting Rigger - MTG Card versions
Mace of the Valiant - MTG Card versions
Maul of the Skyclaves - MTG Card versions
Archaeomancer's Map - MTG Card versions
The Book of Exalted Deeds - MTG Card versions
Marble Gargoyle - MTG Card versions
Knighted Myr - MTG Card versions
Holy Avenger - MTG Card versions
Plate Armor - MTG Card versions
Aerial Surveyor - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Cloister Gargoyle provides a beneficial ETB (Enter the Battlefield) trigger allowing you to venture into the dungeon. This action can lead you through a series of rooms, incrementally building your advantage with each step. As you progress, this can equate to drawing cards, setting up future plays, and disrupting your opponent.

Resource Acceleration: While the Cloister Gargoyle itself does not directly accelerate resources, it aids in dungeon delving, which can open pathways to rooms in the dungeon that grant treasure tokens and other resources, indirectly contributing to your mana pool and accelerating your game plan.

Instant Speed: Though the Cloister Gargoyle is a creature, its associated dungeon delving mechanic can interact with other dungeon-themed instant speed spells and abilities. This interplay grants flexibility by completing dungeon room effects at crucial moments, thus allowing for reactive plays during your opponent’s turn to maximize your strategy.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The activation of Cloister Gargoyle’s ability does hinge on other dungeon-related mechanics. It requires a venture into the dungeon, which could be considered a form of discarding effort and turns for a payoff that may not always align with your game strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: Cloister Gargoyle demands a specific mana alignment, which could potentially hinder its inclusion in multicolor decks that might not have the resources to consistently cast it on curve.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value of three for a creature that starts without any immediate board impact, there exist several alternative creatures or spells at similar costs that could provide more immediate value or versatility to your gameplay.


Reasons to Include Cloister Gargoyle in Your Collection

Versatility: Cloister Gargoyle’s utility shines in decks that leverage dungeon mechanics, offering both a sturdy defender early on and transforming into an aggressive asset as you delve into dungeons.

Combo Potential: Its ability to venture into the dungeon on entry pairs well with other dungeon-centric cards, enabling various synergistic strategies and enhancing your board position with each completed dungeon.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where resource management is key, Cloister Gargoyle offers an evolving threat that adapts to various situations, providing vital versatility in a shifting meta landscape.


How to beat

Cloister Gargoyle presents itself as a unique card in MTG, known for its formidable ability to transform into a stronger creature when specific conditions are met. Players seeking to outmaneuver this card should consider removal options that dispatch the Gargoyle before it evolves. Spells such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile can effectively eliminate the Gargoyle at a low cost. In addition, counterplay strategies can inhibit its transformation ability by disabling its trigger; instant-speed interaction like Stifle can halt the Venturing into the dungeon effect.

Another angle of attack is to hinder the Gargoyle’s dungeon exploration. Cards like Grafdigger’s Cage restrict creatures from entering the battlefield from the library or graveyard, which indirectly affects the Cloister Gargoyle’s utility. Therefore, incorporating such proactive defenses into your deck could secure you an advantage over opponents relying on the transformative power of the Cloister Gargoyle.

Adaptability is key; altering your deck to include answers against transformative cards strengthens your position in the game. Regardless of the strategy chosen, swift and decisive action against the Cloister Gargoyle can guarantee its stony defenses crumble before your tactical prowess in the diverse world of MTG.


BurnMana Recommendations

The essence of MTG lies not only in the power of the cards but in the depth of strategy they introduce. Cloister Gargoyle stands as a testament to this, bringing both challenge and opportunity to the table. As it unlocks the gates to dungeons and reshapes the battlefield, this card redefines the flow of play. Embrace the journey through dungeons, explore synergies with your deck, and watch as your game evolves. Whether you’re reinforcing your defenses or searching for the key to unlocking your deck’s true potential, we invite you to delve deeper with us. Learn more and enhance your tactical arsenal with Cloister Gargoyle’s dynamic abilities.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Cloister Gargoyle MTG card by a specific set like The List and Adventures in the Forgotten Realms, 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 Cloister Gargoyle and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Cloister Gargoyle Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2021-07-23 and 2021-07-23. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12020-09-26The ListPLST AFR-3022015NormalBlackRuss Nicholson
22021-07-23Adventures in the Forgotten RealmsAFR 72015NormalBlackMark Zug
32021-07-23Adventures in the Forgotten RealmsAFR 3022015NormalBlackRuss Nicholson

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Cloister Gargoyle has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2021-07-23 A player may only have one dungeon in the command zone at a time.
2021-07-23 Choosing the dungeon or room to venture into is part of resolving the venture into the dungeon keyword action. Once that choice is made, players may not respond until after the appropriate room ability has triggered.
2021-07-23 Cloister Gargoyle's last ability works even if it wasn't on the battlefield when you completed a dungeon.
2021-07-23 Dungeon cards are not part of a player's deck or sideboard. In both constructed and limited formats, players can use any dungeon card when they venture into the dungeon.
2021-07-23 Dungeons are removed from the game as a state-based action.
2021-07-23 If you somehow venture into the dungeon while a room's ability is on the stack, you will continue on in the dungeon. If you're already in the last room, complete that dungeon and start a new one.
2021-07-23 Moving into a dungeon room will cause its room ability to trigger.
2021-07-23 Once you resolve the last room ability of a dungeon, that dungeon is now completed and is removed from the game.
2021-07-23 The player venturing into the dungeon chooses which dungeon they will venture into. They may choose a dungeon that they have already completed this game.
2021-07-23 To venture into the dungeon, a player moves their venture marker into the next room of the dungeon they are currently in. If they aren't currently in a dungeon, that player instead chooses a dungeon card from outside the game, puts it into the command zone, and moves their venture marker onto the first room.
2021-07-23 You can only move forward (well, downward) in a dungeon, never backwards or sideways.