Battle-Scarred Goblin MTG Card
2023-06-23 - Number 115
2023-06-23 - Number 566
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Goblin Warrior |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Whenever Battle-Scarred Goblin becomes blocked, it deals 1 damage to each creature blocking it.
"An Orc shot Balin from behind a stone. We slew the Orc, but many more came." —*Book of Mazarbul*
Cards like Battle-Scarred Goblin
Battle-Scarred Goblin is an intriguing creature option for red aggro decks in Magic: The Gathering. Within its card classification, we can draw parallels to other goblin cards like Goblin Arsonist. While both provide an aggressive early game presence, Battle-Scarred Goblin’s ability to possibly be tougher in combat with its boast ability sets it apart. On the contrary, Goblin Arsonist serves a different role through its death-triggered ability, dealing damage to any target.
Moving to another kin, the Frenzied Goblin, both it and the Battle-Scarred Goblin can impact how blockers are declared. Unlike Frenzied Goblin, Battle-Scarred doesn’t require mana to influence blockers, but instead, it boasts – which can only be activated when it attacks and once per turn. This makes it a unique and flexible card during the combat phase.
Ultimately, when exploring similar goblin creatures within the game, the Battle-Scarred Goblin presents distinct advantages for MTG players looking to maintain pressure and control in the early stages of a match. Its combat potential closely aligns with the aggressive nature inherent to its tribe.
Cards similar to Battle-Scarred Goblin by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Battle-Scarred Goblin shines when it comes to maintaining momentum on the battlefield. With the potential to grow stronger with each combat, accumulating card advantage becomes natural as you sustain an offensive stance in the game.
Resource Acceleration: This goblin’s synergy with other creature-based strategies aids in bolstering your army swiftly, effectively increasing your resources on the board. As your creature count grows, so does your ability to overwhelm your opponent.
Instant Speed: The adeptness at which this card operates can catch opponents off guard. Instant speed interactions inherent to this card’s synergistic traits keep adversaries on their toes, allowing for tactical responses and immediate battlefield impact.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing the Battle-Scarred Goblin imposes a discard condition, which could deplete your hand quicker, potentially leaving you at a disadvantage if you’re already struggling with card availability.
Specific Mana Cost: This card necessitates a precise mana setup to cast, particularly red mana. This might not always align seamlessly with your deck’s mana base, particularly in multi-color decks that may have competing demands for mana resources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Considering its abilities and stats, the mana cost for Battle-Scarred Goblin can be relatively high. There exist other options within the same mana range that might contribute more immediately to board presence or strategic advantage, making it a less favorable choice in some scenarios.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Battle-Scarred Goblin is a versatile pick for numerous decks. Its ability to bolster your combat strategy with both an immediate threat and a persistent effect providing +1/+1 for attacking Goblins makes it a well-rounded asset.
Combo Potential: This card shines in combos, working seamlessly with other Goblin synergies or spells that capitalize on creature sacrifice. It can amplify the power of your board and is a key piece in explosive turns.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where aggressive strategies prevail, the affordable mana cost and the dual-functionality of Battle-Scarred Goblin can give you an early game advantage and sustain your momentum against various opponents.
How to beat
The Battle-Scarred Goblin card presents an interesting dynamic within Magic: The Gathering, acting as both an aggressive early threat and a potential facilitator for larger, more devastating plays later on. To effectively counter this goblin, it’s crucial to prevent it from aiding other creatures on the battlefield. This can be done by either removing it with a quick removal spell before it can boost another creature’s power or setting up a strong defensive line that its ability can’t overcome.
Additionally, cards that prevent or negate the effects of activated abilities can be a thorn in the side of your goblin-wielding opponent. A well-timed counterspell can also act as a foil, stopping the goblin and its synergistic tactics dead in their tracks. It’s also worth noting that Battle-Scarred Goblin falls short in the face of strategically placed board wipes, which not only deal with the pesky creature but also clear out other problematic cards the opponent might control. Overall, flexibility in response and decisive action are key to mastering encounters with this tenacious goblin.
Armed with the right spells and a tactical approach, overcoming the Battle-Scarred Goblin is a manageable task for the astute Magic: The Gathering player. Just remember to act swiftly and keep pressure on your foe to ensure the goblin doesn’t tip the scales in their favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Battle-Scarred Goblin MTG card by a specific set like The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth and The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth, 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 Battle-Scarred Goblin and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
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Printings
The Battle-Scarred Goblin Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-06-23 and 2023-06-23. Illustrated by Hristo D. Chukov.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2023-06-23 | The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth | LTR | 115 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Hristo D. Chukov | |
| 2 | 2023-06-23 | The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth | LTR | 566 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Hristo D. Chukov |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Battle-Scarred Goblin has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Battle-Scarred Goblin card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2023-06-16 | The ability triggers only once, no matter how many creatures are blocking it. The ability resolves and deals damage to those creatures before combat damage is dealt. Even if that damage destroys all creatures blocking Battle-Scarred Goblin, Battle-Scarred Goblin doesn't become unblocked. |