Darksteel Gargoyle MTG Card


Darksteel Gargoyle’s indestructibility provides a persistent threat and valuable card advantage over opponents. Resource conservation and instant speed spell flexibility are strategic assets the Gargoyle offers to players. Adapting to the Gargoyle’s mana cost and aligning it with your deck’s strategy is key to its effectiveness.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost7
RarityUncommon
TypeArtifact Creature — Gargoyle
Abilities Flying,Indestructible
Power 3
Toughness 3

Text of card

Flying Darksteel Gargoyle is indestructible. ("Destroy" effects and lethal damage don't destroy it.)

The ultimate treasure is one that guards itself.


Cards like Darksteel Gargoyle

In the captivating world of MTG, the Darksteel Gargoyle stands as a formidable artifact creature, much like its counterparts Darksteel Sentinel and Darksteel Colossus. What makes the Darksteel Gargoyle soar above the rest lies in its intrinsic indestructibility and flying ability, a combination that allows for robust defense and consistent offense. Contrasting with the Sentinel, the Gargoyle can attack from above, while the Sentinel can only block. The Darksteel Colossus, although much more powerful in terms of attacking potential with its massive 11/11 stats, comes with a steep casting cost that outstrips the Gargoyle’s more accessible seven mana requirement.

Exploring further within the indestructible realm, we see Phyrexian Colossus and Darksteel Juggernaut. The Phyrexian Colossus offers a hefty 8/8 body but demands life payment for its untap, posing a risky option. The Juggernaut’s attack each turn ability reinforces an aggressive playstyle, differing from the Gargoyle’s flexibility as both an attacker and defender. Each card presents a unique angle on steadfastness in battle, yet the Darksteel Gargoyle’s blend of aerial agility merged with unyielding survival presents a strategic edge for players who prioritize resilience in their MTG strategies.

The Darksteel Gargoyle exemplifies an enchanting equilibrium of offensive and defensive capabilities, securing its position in MTG as an enticing option for players valuing endurance and board presence.

Darksteel Sentinel - MTG Card versions
Darksteel Colossus - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Colossus - MTG Card versions
Darksteel Juggernaut - MTG Card versions
Darksteel Sentinel - MTG Card versions
Darksteel Colossus - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Colossus - MTG Card versions
Darksteel Juggernaut - MTG Card versions

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

Mishra's War Machine - MTG Card versions
Diabolic Machine - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Colossus - MTG Card versions
Lotus Guardian - MTG Card versions
Wondrous Crucible - MTG Card versions
Myr Enforcer - MTG Card versions
Chromatic Orrery - MTG Card versions
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Pentavus - MTG Card versions
Death-Mask Duplicant - MTG Card versions
Arcbound Lancer - MTG Card versions
Solarion - MTG Card versions
Triskelavus - MTG Card versions
Platinum Angel - MTG Card versions
Sphinx-Bone Wand - MTG Card versions
Myr Battlesphere - MTG Card versions
Aether Searcher - MTG Card versions
Pilgrim of the Fires - MTG Card versions
Hexplate Golem - MTG Card versions
God-Pharaoh's Gift - MTG Card versions
Mishra's War Machine - MTG Card versions
Diabolic Machine - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Colossus - MTG Card versions
Lotus Guardian - MTG Card versions
Wondrous Crucible - MTG Card versions
Myr Enforcer - MTG Card versions
Chromatic Orrery - MTG Card versions
Clockwork Dragon - MTG Card versions
Pentavus - MTG Card versions
Death-Mask Duplicant - MTG Card versions
Arcbound Lancer - MTG Card versions
Solarion - MTG Card versions
Triskelavus - MTG Card versions
Platinum Angel - MTG Card versions
Sphinx-Bone Wand - MTG Card versions
Myr Battlesphere - MTG Card versions
Aether Searcher - MTG Card versions
Pilgrim of the Fires - MTG Card versions
Hexplate Golem - MTG Card versions
God-Pharaoh's Gift - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Darksteel Gargoyle is an indestructible artifact creature, meaning it’s very hard to remove from the board. This resilience can tip the scales by keeping a threat on the table without the need to replace it, indirectly contributing to card advantage over time.

Resource Acceleration: Although the Darksteel Gargoyle itself does not offer direct resource acceleration, its indestructibility means fewer resources are spent on re-casting creature spells after a board wipe. It’s a powerful tool for saving mana and other resources in the long game.

Instant Speed: While the Darksteel Gargoyle is not an instant, its intrinsic indestructible quality provides a permanent that justifies holding mana for other instant speed interactions. Knowing that your Gargoyle can withstand most removals, you can confidently invest your instant speed spells to disrupt your opponent’s strategy.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Darksteel Gargoyle doesn’t have a discard requirement itself, but players may face challenges incorporating it into strategies that do require discarding, as its indestructible nature makes it a less than ideal choice to be thrown away.

Specific Mana Cost: Darksteel Gargoyle has a mana cost that is solely colorless, which while flexible, can be a hindrance in decks that benefit from colored mana synergies or those that could take advantage of color-specific buffs.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of seven mana, Darksteel Gargoyle is quite hefty, and for that price point, players might expect more impact on the game upon its entry to the battlefield. Given the myriad of cards with lower costs and comparable or better effects, its efficiency is sometimes questioned within competitive play.


Reasons to Include Darksteel Gargoyle in Your Collection

Versatility: Darksteel Gargoyle boasts an inherent resilience due to its indestructibility, making it a robust addition in various deck builds that value enduring creatures.

Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with decks focused on artifact strategies or with cards that capitalize on indestructible permanents, leveraging its traits for advantageous combos.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where removal spells are commonplace, Darksteel Gargoyle’s staying power on the battlefield can give you a significant edge by consistently thwarting your opponent’s efforts to clear your side of the board.


How to beat

Overcoming the Darksteel Gargoyle in MTG is a strategic puzzle you need to solve due to its indestructible nature. This artifact creature can be a resilient blocker and a consistent threat, but there are effective tactics you can employ. Cards that diminish its power to zero, like Meekstone, can neutralize the Gargoyle without having to destroy it. Alternatively, making use of exile effects, such as Path to Exile, bypasses its indestructibility, removing it from the field entirely. Edicts that force a player to sacrifice a creature, like Diabolic Edict, also offer a workaround as they do not target the Gargoyle directly, allowing you to navigate its formidable defences.

Ensnaring it in effects that turn it into another creature type or remove its abilities, like Darksteel Mutation, can address the Gargoyle without having to deal with its intrinsic indestructibility. Additionally, using cards that return it to its owner’s hand or library can circumvent its battlefield presence and offer a temporary respite. It’s important to include such strategies in your deck to ensure you have the answers when facing off against the enduring Darksteel Gargoyle and similar formidable threats.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Darksteel Gargoyle MTG card by a specific set like Darksteel and Duel Decks: Mirrodin Pure vs. New Phyrexia, 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 Darksteel Gargoyle and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Darksteel Gargoyle Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2004-02-06 and 2011-05-14. Illustrated by Ron Spencer.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12004-02-06DarksteelDST 1112003NormalBlackRon Spencer
22011-05-14Duel Decks: Mirrodin Pure vs. New PhyrexiaTD2 192003NormalBlackRon Spencer

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Darksteel Gargoyle has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal