Thran Golem MTG Card


Enchantments turn Thran Golem into a formidable threat, gaining card efficiency on the battlefield. With the right support, it offers robust plays without extra mana, freeing up resources for strategy. Instant aura or equipment targeting can unexpectedly strengthen Thran Golem, altering the game’s course.
Card setsReleased in 12 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeArtifact Creature — Golem
Power 3
Toughness 3

Text of card

As long as Thran Golem is enchanted, it gets +2/+2 and gains flying, first strike, and trample.

Karn felt more secure about his value to Urza when he realized he didn't need regular trimming.


Cards like Thran Golem

The Thran Golem stands as a unique artifact creature in Magic The Gathering, offering a significant boost to power and defense when enchanted. It parallels the likes of Darksteel Colossus, another artifact creature which gains indestructible, although without the attachment requirement. However, Thran Golem’s ability to essentially become a 5/5 flying, first strike, trample creature is contingent on being targeted by an aura, a condition the Colossus does not have.

Analogous to the Thran Golem in its dependency on auras is the card Auratog, which thrives on sacrificing enchantments for power. While the Golem transforms passive enchantments into an aggressive set of abilities, Auratog directly consumes them for a temporary power spike, offering a different strategic angle. Helm of the Gods also embodies synergy with enchantments, granting power based on the number of auras controlled, but instead of enhancing itself, it bestows strength on the equipped creature.

Deciphering the potential of Thran Golem in a deck rich with enchantments, it’s evident that its capability to become a versatile threat gives it a distinctive edge in artifact creature strategies within Magic The Gathering. Its conditional power upon enchantment distinguishes it from other similar creatures and makes it a tactical inclusion in aura-focused decks.

Darksteel Colossus - MTG Card versions
Auratog - MTG Card versions
Helm of the Gods - MTG Card versions
Darksteel Colossus - MTG Card versions
Auratog - MTG Card versions
Helm of the Gods - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Thran Golem by color, type and mana cost

Ring of Renewal - MTG Card versions
Clockwork Avian - MTG Card versions
Gauntlets of Chaos - MTG Card versions
Soldevi Steam Beast - MTG Card versions
Sand Golem - MTG Card versions
Pandora's Box - MTG Card versions
Belbe's Portal - MTG Card versions
Crumbling Sanctuary - MTG Card versions
Mind's Eye - MTG Card versions
Horizon Stone - MTG Card versions
The Deck of Many Things - MTG Card versions
Clockwork Vorrac - MTG Card versions
Timesifter - MTG Card versions
Myr Matrix - MTG Card versions
Dross Golem - MTG Card versions
Razormane Masticore - MTG Card versions
Coat of Arms - MTG Card versions
Clockwork Hydra - MTG Card versions
Venser's Sliver - MTG Card versions
Illuminated Folio - MTG Card versions
Ring of Renewal - MTG Card versions
Clockwork Avian - MTG Card versions
Gauntlets of Chaos - MTG Card versions
Soldevi Steam Beast - MTG Card versions
Sand Golem - MTG Card versions
Pandora's Box - MTG Card versions
Belbe's Portal - MTG Card versions
Crumbling Sanctuary - MTG Card versions
Mind's Eye - MTG Card versions
Horizon Stone - MTG Card versions
The Deck of Many Things - MTG Card versions
Clockwork Vorrac - MTG Card versions
Timesifter - MTG Card versions
Myr Matrix - MTG Card versions
Dross Golem - MTG Card versions
Razormane Masticore - MTG Card versions
Coat of Arms - MTG Card versions
Clockwork Hydra - MTG Card versions
Venser's Sliver - MTG Card versions
Illuminated Folio - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Thran Golem stands out in enabling card advantage by being a versatile artifact creature. Once equipped or enchanted, it becomes a considerable threat that can outpace the opponent’s card resources, potentially leading to a gain in card efficiency on the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: The true utility of Thran Golem is highlighted when paired with cards that bring it to life. By effectively using auras or equipment to enhance the Golem, you can accelerate your resource management, turning it into a formidable creature without expending additional mana for buffs, thus freeing up resources for other strategic plays.

Instant Speed: Though Thran Golem itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, its ability to transform instantly upon being the target of an aura or equipment means you can catch opponents off guard. Strategically casting buffs during the end phase or before a key combat can shift the tide of the game dramatically, capitalizing on the element of surprise that instant speed interactions provide.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Thran Golem demands you to have an Aura attached to it to unlock its full potential. Without an Aura, it’s merely a costly vanilla creature.

Specific Mana Cost: Thran Golem’s casting cost requires three different types of mana, making it harder to fit into decks without significant color fixing or mana ramp.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a five mana value to summon Thran Golem to the battlefield, its cost is steep compared to other creatures that may provide immediate value or have inherent abilities.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Thran Golem is flexible in many deck builds due to its ability to become a formidable creature once enchanted, making it a good fit for decks focused on Voltron strategies or that utilize a variety of auras and equipment.

Combo Potential: This artifact creature’s capability to instantly power up with enchantments opens up synergy with cards that allow repeated enchantment casting, potentially creating a rapidly escalating threat on the battlefield.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where artifact and enchantment strategies are prevalent, Thran Golem can be an unexpected game-changer, aligning well with decks that aim to exploit such synergies to their full potential.


How to beat

Thran Golem poses a unique challenge on the battlefield with its potential to become a powerhouse once enchanted. Key to dismantling this threat is to interrupt its synergy with enchantments. Removal spells that specifically target artifacts, such as Fragmentize or Abrade, efficiently dispatch the Golem before it receives any buffs. Alternatively, enchantment removal like Disenchant can sever the Golem’s power source, rendering it a simple 3/3 creature.

Counterplay strategies also include taking control of the battlefield’s pace. By holding back your removal until your opponent commits to enchanting Thran Golem, you not only destroy their momentum but also cause a significant loss in card advantage. Board wipes like Wrath of God can reset the playing field, especially if the opponent has invested multiple resources into their Thran Golem.

Ultimately, understanding and disrupting your opponent’s strategy to enhance Thran Golem will tip the scales in your favor, as timely interference prevents this artifact creature from becoming an insurmountable threat.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Thran Golem MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Destiny and Magic Online Promos, 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 Thran Golem and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Thran Golem Magic the Gathering card was released in 10 different sets between 1999-06-07 and 2023-01-13. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11999-06-07Urza's DestinyUDS 1411997NormalBlackRon Spears
22002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 624332015NormalBlackMathias Kollros
32005-07-29Ninth Edition9ED 3132003NormalWhiteRon Spears
42005-07-29Ninth Edition9ED 313★2003NormalBlackRon Spears
52005-08-22Salvat 2005PSAL G132003NormalWhiteRon Spears
62011-07-15Magic 2012M12 2202003NormalBlackRon Spears
72012-06-01Planechase 2012PC2 1142003NormalBlackRon Spears
82016-11-25Planechase AnthologyPCA 1142015NormalBlackRon Spears
92019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 16412015NormalBlackRon Spears
102020-09-26The ListPLST PCA-1142015NormalBlackRon Spears
112023-01-13Dominaria RemasteredDMR 2342015NormalBlackSergey Glushakov
122023-01-13Dominaria RemasteredDMR 3871997NormalBlackSergey Glushakov

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Thran Golem has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal