Boggart Arsonists MTG Card
2008-05-02 - Number 85
2020-09-26 - Number SHM-85
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Goblin Rogue |
| Abilities | Plainswalk |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Plainswalk , Sacrifice Boggart Arsonists: Destroy target Scarecrow or Plains.
The Aurora transformed Nibb and Gyik from mischief-makers into feral marauders. They still don't know much about tool safety.
Cards like Boggart Arsonists
Boggart Arsonists from Magic: The Gathering is an intriguing Goblin Rogue with a penchant for causing mayhem. When examining similar cards, Madcap Skills immediately springs to mind with its ability to empower a creature and make it harder to block. The Arsonists, with their plainswalking ability, can avoid blockers altogether provided the opponent controls a Plains.
Raging Goblin is another comparable card that shares the Goblin lineage. Boasting haste, Raging Goblin can attack the very turn it comes into play, similar to the immediate impact Boggart Arsonists can have by bypassing certain defenses. However, it lacks the subtype-specific evasion that Boggart Arsonists offer. Finally, we have Goblin Elite Infantry, whose combat prowess increases when blocked, incentivizing opponents to leave it unchallenged, somewhat similar to Boggart Arsonists evading engagements on specific terrains.
The intriguing aspect of Boggart Arsonists lies in their unique capability to sidestep a common battlefield obstacle, setting it apart from other aggressive Goblin cards. While each of these cards has its own benefits and drawbacks, Boggart Arsonists carve out a niche within the MTG Goblin family that can be pivotal in games that unfold across the Plains.
Cards similar to Boggart Arsonists by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Boggart Arsonists allow players to potentially clear the path for their other creatures to attack by forcing their opponent to block them, often leading to beneficial trades and thinning out the opponent’s defenses. This strategic removal can translate into maintaining board control and gaining card advantage over time.
Resource Acceleration: In the right deck, destroying an opponent’s land with the Boggart Arsonists’ raid ability can significantly set back their resource development. Slowing down an opponent like this can give you a clear lead in resource acceleration, ensuring you can deploy more threats faster than your adversary can.
Instant Speed: While the Boggart Arsonists themselves are not an instant, they complement a strategy that includes instant-speed interactions. By threatening land destruction, they can force opponents to play more cautiously, holding back mana to respond, which may grant you the upper hand by playing at instant speed.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Boggart Arsonists necessitates the discard of another card in your hand to activate its key ability. This might leave you at a disadvantage, particularly if you’re already facing a scarcity of options in your hand. It can cost you valuable momentum, especially in a high-stakes game where every card in hand counts.
Specific Mana Cost: The activation of Boggart Arsonists’ ability is tethered to a specific mana cost that requires both red and other colors. This can be restricting if your deck isn’t built to consistently produce the necessary mana types, potentially causing the card to sit idle in your hand or on the battlefield, unable to be utilized when needed.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its ability situated at a higher mana cost, Boggart Arsonists may not be as efficient as other options within the same mana range. Players often assess the cost-effectiveness of a card based on its impact on the game. In certain scenarios, investing in Boggart Arsonists might not yield the most advantageous outcomes compared to other cards that could be played for the same amount of resources.
Reasons to Include Boggart Arsonists in Your Collection
Versatility: Boggart Arsonists is a flexible card that adapts well to aggressive strategies that focus on dealing direct damage. Its ability to target lands makes it particularly useful against decks that rely on nonbasic lands for their mana-fixing needs.
Combo Potential: When paired with cards that benefit from creatures entering the battlefield or dealing damage, Boggart Arsonists can contribute to igniting devastating combo plays, maximizing the impact of each card played.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where players employ intricate land bases and mana ramp strategies, Boggart Arsonists can disrupt opponents’ plans by removing key land pieces, making it a timely addition to your arsenal.
How to beat
Boggart Arsonists is a niche card in the world of Magic: The Gathering that can be tricky to handle if not anticipated. They offer the potential for repeated damage with their ability to torch an opponent’s lands if they control a Goblin, which can disrupt your mana base and alter the course of the game. To outmaneuver this threat, consider a strategy that thwarts land targeting abilities.
One effective countermeasure is to prioritize removal spells that can handle creatures at a low cost. Instant-speed options like Shock or Fatal Push can dispatch Boggart Arsonists before they have a chance to activate their harmful ability. Additionally, playing cards that bolster your own lands’ resilience, such as Terra Eternal or heroic intervention, can provide the shields you need to protect your mana resources against such arsonists.
Finally, maintaining board control and keeping your opponent’s goblin population to a minimum will limit the effectiveness of Boggart Arsonists. Card advantage and selective removal are your allies here. By anticipating the presence of land threats and preparing accordingly, you can keep your lands safe and your strategy on track, effectively neutralizing the fiery menace of Boggart Arsonists.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Boggart Arsonists MTG card by a specific set like Shadowmoor and The List, 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 Boggart Arsonists 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
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
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Printings
The Boggart Arsonists Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2008-05-02 and 2008-05-02. Illustrated by Jesper Ejsing.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2008-05-02 | Shadowmoor | SHM | 85 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Jesper Ejsing | |
| 2 | The List | PLST | SHM-85 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Jesper Ejsing |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Boggart Arsonists has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |