Gargoyle Sentinel MTG Card


Its dual role as creature and blocker optimizes deck slots, enhancing card advantage for players. Instant speed transformation surprises opponents, useful for defense and unforeseen offensive maneuvers. Despite its merits, the mana investment for its abilities may not always align with efficient gameplay.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeArtifact Creature — Gargoyle
Abilities Defender
Power 3
Toughness 3

Text of card

Defender (This creature can't attack.) : Until end of turn, Gargoyle Sentinel loses defender and gains flying.

"Do not mistake a quiet rampart for one that is unguarded. Some things stir only when they need to." —Bonovar, siege commander


Cards like Gargoyle Sentinel

Gargoyle Sentinel is a unique artifact creature that has found its place among Magic the Gathering’s array of defensive options. As a comparison, Guardian Idol comes to mind, which like Gargoyle Sentinel, can transform into a creature. Both serve as a versatile addition to decks, providing both defense and potential offense. However, the Sentinel’s ability to gain flying distinguishes it from Guardian Idol, offering a tactical advantage in evasion.

Another card worth mentioning is Wall of Tanglecord, which similarly boasts the capacity to become a flying blocker, though it requires an additional green mana to do so. Unlike Gargoyle Sentinel, Wall of Tanglecord starts as a defender, whereas the Sentinel offers more flexibility by not being a defender initially. Additionally, the price for Gargoyle Sentinel to turn into a creature is slightly higher, but it compensates with its inherent flying capability when activated.

In the broader context, Gargoyle Sentinel holds its ground well against its counterparts. Its ability to switch roles from an impenetrable wall to a flying threat provides a unique versatility that can adapt to various in-game situations, making it a card worth considering in artifact-centric decks.

Guardian Idol - MTG Card versions
Wall of Tanglecord - MTG Card versions
Guardian Idol - MTG Card versions
Wall of Tanglecord - MTG Card versions

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

Celestial Prism - MTG Card versions
Runed Arch - MTG Card versions
Clay Pigeon - MTG Card versions
Ashnod's Altar - MTG Card versions
Jalum Tome - MTG Card versions
Patchwork Gnomes - MTG Card versions
The Stasis Coffin - MTG Card versions
Captain's Hook - MTG Card versions
Spellweaver Helix - MTG Card versions
Scale of Chiss-Goria - MTG Card versions
Lightning Coils - MTG Card versions
Loxodon Warhammer - MTG Card versions
Sword of Feast and Famine - MTG Card versions
Training Drone - MTG Card versions
Pristine Talisman - MTG Card versions
Alloy Myr - MTG Card versions
Guardians of Meletis - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Shackles - MTG Card versions
Herald's Horn - MTG Card versions
Manalith - MTG Card versions
Celestial Prism - MTG Card versions
Runed Arch - MTG Card versions
Clay Pigeon - MTG Card versions
Ashnod's Altar - MTG Card versions
Jalum Tome - MTG Card versions
Patchwork Gnomes - MTG Card versions
The Stasis Coffin - MTG Card versions
Captain's Hook - MTG Card versions
Spellweaver Helix - MTG Card versions
Scale of Chiss-Goria - MTG Card versions
Lightning Coils - MTG Card versions
Loxodon Warhammer - MTG Card versions
Sword of Feast and Famine - MTG Card versions
Training Drone - MTG Card versions
Pristine Talisman - MTG Card versions
Alloy Myr - MTG Card versions
Guardians of Meletis - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Shackles - MTG Card versions
Herald's Horn - MTG Card versions
Manalith - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Gargoyle Sentinel offers versatile utility, serving as both a creature and a potential blocker when needed. This dual role can lead to card advantage as it saves slots in your deck that would otherwise be dedicated to multiple role-specific cards.

Resource Acceleration: Although not directly contributing to resource acceleration, this artifact creature can be key in maintaining board presence, which in turn allows for optimized play and better use of all available resources each turn.

Instant Speed: With the ability to turn into a flying creature at instant speed, Gargoyle Sentinel can surprise attackers or blockers. This transformability makes it an excellent tool for both defense and offense, ensuring you can react to threats or opportunities at a moment’s notice without telegraphing your plays in advance.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Having a card that requires discarding from your hand can leave you at a resource disadvantage, particularly if your hand size is already diminished or if the card you’re throwing away could have potential strategic use later in the game.

Specific Mana Cost: Gargoyle Sentinel comes with a distinctly colorless mana cost that, while ostensibly flexible, also means it competes with other potentially more useful artifacts or cards in your deck that could fill its slot better and directly contribute to your specific deck strategy.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, and an activation fee for its ability, Gargoyle Sentinel demands a substantial investment for a 3/3 defender. This cost efficiency issue becomes even more pointed when you consider other creatures and artifacts in the same mana range that might offer immediate impact or more versatile abilities on the battlefield.


Reasons to Include Gargoyle Sentinel Mtg Card in Your Collection

Versatility: Gargoyle Sentinel offers a unique flexibility in gameplay, serving as both a defender and a potential attacker. Its ability to transform into a flying creature makes it a suitable fit for various deck archetypes.

Combo Potential: With its ability to toggle between a grounded and airborne state, this artifact creature can synergize with cards that capitalize on either flying creatures or defenders. Additionally, its artifact nature could be exploited with various card interactions.

Meta-Relevance: In game environments where flyers are crucial for maintaining board control or where artifacts are either bolstered or targeted, Gargoyle Sentinel can serve as a valuable tool, adjusting its role based on the current match-up.


How to beat

Gargoyle Sentinel is an adaptable defender in the realm of MTG, known for its ability to become a flying attacker. Its versatility makes it somewhat tricky to tackle, as it blocks efficiently and can turn the tables by morphing into a flyer. To successfully navigate around this card, one must consider deploying removal spells that can target the Sentinel regardless of its state. Murders or Doom Blade spells work efficiently in this situation, wiping it off the board without much fuss. Another effective strategy is to outpace it, deploying creatures that boast greater power or beneficial effects that overwhelm the Sentinel’s defensive stance.

It’s worth noting that Gargoyle Sentinel requires an investment of mana to turn into an attacker. Exploiting this by applying pressure when your opponent’s mana is tapped can be a sound tactic. Additionally, enchantments that suppress activated abilities like the Sentinel’s transformation, such as Suppression Bonds or Pacifism, can render it a mere spectator on the battlefield. Understanding the Sentinel’s strengths and timing your responses are key to overcoming this versatile foe and maintaining control in your MTG matches.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Gargoyle Sentinel MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2011 and Magic 2015, 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 Gargoyle Sentinel and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Gargoyle Sentinel Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2010-07-16 and 2020-07-17. Illustrated by Drew Baker.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12010-07-16Magic 2011M11 2072003NormalBlackDrew Baker
22014-07-18Magic 2015M15 2162015NormalBlackDrew Baker
32018-07-13Core Set 2019M19 2362015NormalBlackDrew Baker
42020-07-17JumpstartJMP 4652015NormalBlackDrew Baker

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Gargoyle Sentinel has restrictions

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