Plundering Barbarian MTG Card


Plundering Barbarian - Adventures in the Forgotten Realms
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Dwarf Barbarian
Abilities Treasure
Released2021-07-23
Set symbol
Set nameAdventures in the Forgotten Realms
Set codeAFR
Power 2
Toughness 2
Number158
Frame2015
Layoutnormal
Borderblack
Illustred byAndrew Mar

Key Takeaways

  1. Plundering Barbarian can disrupt opponents or provide mana acceleration, enhancing game strategy and resource control.
  2. It may require a discard or be cost-prohibitive, potentially impacting its inclusion in diverse MTG decks.
  3. Its ability to adapt to artifact-heavy metagames makes it a worthy addition to any collection requiring versatility.

Text of card

When Plundering Barbarian enters the battlefield, choose one — • Smash the Chest — Destroy target artifact. • Pry It Open — Create a Treasure token. (It's an artifact with ", Sacrifice this artifact: Add one mana of any color.")


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Plundering Barbarian offers a versatile approach to card usage. When you cast this creature, you can either opt to advantageously destroy an artifact which might disrupt your opponent’s strategy or generate a Treasure token that indirectly counts as card utility. Gaining the upper hand through such flexible options makes this card a valuable piece in maintaining card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: Upon entering the battlefield, one of Plundering Barbarian’s choices is to create a Treasure token. This action provides immediate resource acceleration, giving you an extra mana resource for your next turn. This is particularly useful when setting up for high-cost spells or maintaining momentum with additional castings in a single turn.

Instant Speed: Although Plundering Barbarian itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, the Treasure it generates can be tapped for mana at any time. This allows you to keep open mana for other instant-speed interactions on your opponent’s turn, therefore adding to the level of tactical depth in your gameplay.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Plundering Barbarian’s treasure creation is contingent upon the discard of a card. For MTG players, this can be a sticking point when the hand is already low on cards, making it a double-edged sword.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Plundering Barbarian consists of a red mana, which can be challenging to accommodate in multicolored decks that may not have a stable red mana base. This limits the versatility of the card, primarily when used in formats that favor mana diversity.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that includes two generic and one red mana, some players may find Plundering Barbarian a bit too costly for the effects it provides. When deck-building, players often weigh the mana-to-impact ratio, and in this case, Plundering Barbarian might not make the cut when other, more mana-efficient options are available.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Plundering Barbarian offers flexibility in deck building, slotting into aggressive strategies requiring artifact removal or those needing artifact synergy. Its dual modal nature allows you to adapt to in-game situations, making it a valuable addition for a variety of red decks.

Combo Potential: The ability to choose between destroying an artifact or creating a Treasure token lends this card combo potential. It could pave the way for large plays or combo with cards that feed off Treasure tokens or artifact destruction.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where artifacts are prevalent, Plundering Barbarian stands out for its capability to disrupt opponents’ engines. Its relevance grows with the metagame’s focus on artifacts, giving players an edge against artifact-heavy decks.


How to beat

Confronting the challenges presented by Plundering Barbarian in your MTG duels requires a strategic approach. This creature offers more than just combat prowess; it can significantly disrupt your artifact strategies. Its ability to destroy an artifact upon entering the battlefield makes it an immediate threat, particularly against decks that rely heavily on artifact synergies or key pieces to function.

One effective way to neutralize Plundering Barbarian’s impact is by utilizing instant-speed removal options. Cards such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile can deal with the Barbarian before its ability triggers, ensuring your precious artifacts remain on the battlefield. Another avenue to consider is preemptive protection, employing spells like Indestructibility or countering abilities that can shield your artifacts from harm.

Anticipating and preparing for the arrival of the Barbarian is the key. Adjusting your game plan, holding up mana for removal or protection, and being ready to respond can mitigate the setback that Plundering Barbarian may cause. This way, you can keep your strategy intact and maintain control of the game. Remember, understanding and mastering the tempo of your plays can define the difference between victory and defeat when facing disruptive creatures like Plundering Barbarian.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the ebb and flow of MTG matches involves recognizing the value cards like Plundering Barbarian can bring to your deck. With its multipurpose abilities, it’s a card that rewards strategic foresight and adaptability. Whether enhancing your mana pool or disrupting your opponent’s artifact-laden plans, this barbarian can be a game-changer. Delve deeper into the strategic nuances of MTG and enrich your gameplay by incorporating versatile cards that will surprise your opponents and give you the upper hand. Curious about other transformative cards for your deck? Stay with us and discover the keys to unlock your next triumph in the MTG arena.


Cards like Plundering Barbarian

Plundering Barbarian carves its niche in Magic: The Gathering with its dual-purpose design. This card shares similarities with cards like Viashino Heretic, which also has an artifact destruction ability. Plundering Barbarian, however, offers a choice upon entering the battlefield, either creating a Treasure token or destroying an artifact, giving players strategic flexibility.

Another card that echoes this utility is Reckless Fireweaver, focusing on artifacts to deal damage to opponents. While it doesn’t offer the chance to directly destroy an artifact, it triggers whenever an artifact enters the battlefield under your control. Conversely, Embereth Shieldbreaker stands out as well, able to destroy an artifact through its Adventure mechanic, though lacking the potential to ramp your mana unlike Plundering Barbarian.

In examining cards with dual functionality and impact on both resources and board presence, Plundering Barbarian stands out as a solid choice in decks that benefit from artifact interaction and mana acceleration. Its versatility in modes provides a range of tactical decisions that can suit different stages of the game and adapt to the shifting tides of battle.

Viashino Heretic - MTG Card versions
Reckless Fireweaver - MTG Card versions
Viashino Heretic - Urza's Legacy (ULG)
Reckless Fireweaver - Kaladesh (KLD)

Cards similar to Plundering Barbarian by color, type and mana cost

Dwarven Warriors - MTG Card versions
Raging Bull - MTG Card versions
Wall of Lava - MTG Card versions
Brassclaw Orcs - MTG Card versions
Imperial Recruiter - MTG Card versions
Uthden Troll - MTG Card versions
Hobgoblin Bandit Lord - MTG Card versions
Goblin Rabblemaster - MTG Card versions
Nosy Goblin - MTG Card versions
Goblin Sky Raider - MTG Card versions
Cosmic Larva - MTG Card versions
Mannichi, the Fevered Dream - MTG Card versions
Ghost-Lit Raider - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chariot - MTG Card versions
Balduvian Barbarians - MTG Card versions
Basalt Gargoyle - MTG Card versions
Orcish Artillery - MTG Card versions
Stinkdrinker Daredevil - MTG Card versions
Blind-Spot Giant - MTG Card versions
Mudbutton Torchrunner - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Warriors - Foreign Black Border (FBB)
Raging Bull - Legends (LEG)
Wall of Lava - Ice Age (ICE)
Brassclaw Orcs - Fifth Edition (5ED)
Imperial Recruiter - Portal Three Kingdoms (PTK)
Uthden Troll - Battle Royale Box Set (BRB)
Hobgoblin Bandit Lord - Adventures in the Forgotten Realms Promos (PAFR)
Goblin Rabblemaster - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Nosy Goblin - Onslaught (ONS)
Goblin Sky Raider - Onslaught (ONS)
Cosmic Larva - Fifth Dawn (5DN)
Mannichi, the Fevered Dream - Betrayers of Kamigawa (BOK)
Ghost-Lit Raider - Saviors of Kamigawa (SOK)
Goblin Chariot - Ninth Edition (9ED)
Balduvian Barbarians - Ninth Edition (9ED)
Basalt Gargoyle - Time Spiral (TSP)
Orcish Artillery - 30th Anniversary Edition (30A)
Stinkdrinker Daredevil - Lorwyn (LRW)
Blind-Spot Giant - Lorwyn (LRW)
Mudbutton Torchrunner - Duel Decks: Elves vs. Goblins (DD1)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Plundering Barbarian MTG card by a specific set like 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 Plundering Barbarian and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Plundering Barbarian has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
TimelessLegal

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