Magic: The Gathering (MTG) has captivated players for decades with its intricate gameplay and diverse card pool. Among the most awe-inspiring elements of the game are its biggest creatures – colossal behemoths that dominate the battlefield and strike fear into opponents. As a seasoned MTG player and game designer with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how these titans can shape games and strategies. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore MTG’s biggest creatures, their impact on gameplay, and strategies for using (and countering) them effectively.
What Defines a “Big” Creature in MTG?
In Magic: The Gathering, a creature’s size is primarily determined by its power and toughness stats. However, when we talk about the “biggest” creatures, we’re not just looking at raw numbers. We also consider:
- Overall impact on the game
- Unique abilities
- Mana cost
- Lore and flavor
The biggest creatures in MTG are typically those that combine massive power/toughness stats with game-changing abilities, often at a high mana cost that reflects their power level.
Top 10 Biggest MTG Creatures by Power/Toughness
Let’s dive into the true titans of Magic: The Gathering, ranked by their sheer size and power:
Marit Lage (20/20): This legendary token creature is the largest in terms of raw stats. Created by the Dark Depths land, Marit Lage is a 20/20 flying, indestructible behemoth that can end games on the spot.
Emrakul, the Aeons Torn (15/15): The mightiest of the Eldrazi titans, Emrakul is a 15/15 creature with flying, protection from colored spells, and the ability to grant an extra turn when cast. Its annihilator 6 ability can devastate an opponent’s board state.
Worldspine Wurm (15/15): This massive green creature not only boasts 15/15 stats but also leaves behind three 5/5 Wurm tokens when it dies, ensuring its presence is felt even after removal. For more powerful green cards, check out our list of the best green cards in MTG.
Impervious Greatwurm (16/16): While slightly larger than Worldspine Wurm, this indestructible creature lacks evasion abilities, which can limit its effectiveness.
Blightsteel Colossus (11/11): Don’t let its relatively smaller size fool you. This artifact creature’s combination of indestructible and infect makes it one of the most feared titans in the game, capable of ending matches with a single hit. It’s also one of the best equipment cards in MTG.
Progenitus (10/10): While not the largest in terms of stats, Progenitus’s “protection from everything” ability makes it nearly impossible to deal with once on the battlefield.
Kozilek, Butcher of Truth (12/12): Another Eldrazi titan, Kozilek draws four cards when cast and boasts the devastating annihilator 4 ability.
Ulamog, the Ceaseless Hunger (10/10): This Eldrazi exiles two permanents when cast and mills 20 cards when attacking, representing a serious threat to any opponent.
Darksteel Colossus (11/11): The predecessor to Blightsteel Colossus, this artifact creature is indestructible and shuffles back into its owner’s library if it would go to the graveyard.
Craterhoof Behemoth (5/5): While not inherently large, Craterhoof’s ability to grant +X/+X and trample to all your creatures (where X is the number of creatures you control) often makes it a game-ending threat.
Strategies for Using Big Creatures
Incorporating these titans into your deck requires careful planning and strategy. Here are some key approaches:
- Ramp Up Your Mana: Cards like Cultivate, Llanowar Elves, and Urza’s Tower can help you cast big creatures earlier than normal.
- Cheat Them Into Play: Spells like Show and Tell, Sneak Attack, or Elvish Piper can bypass the high mana costs of these creatures.
- Protect Your Investment: Once on the battlefield, protect your big creatures with cards like Lightning Greaves or Counterspell.
- Build Around Synergies: Some decks are entirely built around getting specific big creatures into play, like the Dark Depths combo for Marit Lage.
For more creature-based strategies, don’t forget to check out our guides on the best MTG demons, the best MTG angels, and the best MTG goblin cards.
Countering Big Creatures
Facing down these behemoths can be daunting, but there are strategies to deal with them:
- Efficient Removal: Cards like Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares can handle most big creatures.
- Bounce Effects: Returning a big creature to its owner’s hand can buy crucial time.
- Prevention: Countering the spell that would cast the creature or using discard effects can stop them before they hit the battlefield.
The Evolution of Big Creatures in MTG
Over Magic’s history, we’ve seen a gradual increase in the size and power of creatures, a phenomenon known as “power creep.” Early sets rarely featured creatures larger than 6/6, but modern designs push the boundaries with 10/10+ behemoths becoming more common.
This evolution reflects changes in game design philosophy, with creatures becoming more central to gameplay strategies. However, it’s important to note that raw size isn’t everything – the most impactful creatures often combine significant stats with powerful abilities, much like the best planeswalkers in MTG.
FAQs About MTG’s Biggest Creatures
- Q: Are these big creatures legal in all formats? A: Format legality varies. Always check the current banlist for your preferred format.
- Q: How can I get these creatures into play quickly? A: Mana acceleration, reanimation spells, and “cheat” effects like Sneak Attack are common methods.
- Q: What’s the best way to deal with indestructible big creatures? A: Exile effects, -X/-X effects, or bounce spells can handle indestructible threats.
- Q: Are big creatures always the best strategy? A: Not necessarily. While powerful, big creatures can be vulnerable to faster strategies or efficient removal.
- Q: How have big creatures impacted MTG’s metagame over time? A: They’ve led to more diverse strategies, from hyper-aggressive decks trying to win before big creatures come online, to control decks packed with answers to these threats.
Conclusion
Magic: The Gathering’s biggest creatures represent the pinnacle of power and excitement in the game. From the reality-warping Eldrazi to the indestructible colossi, these titans have shaped the way we build decks, develop strategies, and experience the thrill of the game. Whether you’re looking to harness their power or find ways to overcome them, understanding these massive threats is crucial for any serious MTG player.
Remember, in Magic, size isn’t everything – but when it comes to these behemoths, it certainly counts for a lot. May your games be epic, your creatures colossal, and your victories legendary!
