Goblin Barrage MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Sorcery
Abilities	Kicker
Released	2018-04-27
Set symbol
Set name	Dominaria
Set code	DOM
Number	128
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Bram Sels

Key Takeaways

Goblin Barrage provides resourceful board control and maintains card economy through its kicker mechanic.
It bolsters aggressive MTG strategies by removing threats and accelerating victory paths with its synergy.
Consider mana and card costs as they can be restrictive and impact hand advantage during gameplay.

Text of card

Kicker— Sacrifice an artifact or Goblin. (You may sacrifice an artifact or Goblin in addition to any other costs as you cast this spell.) Goblin Barrage deals 4 damage to target creature. If this spell was kicked, it also deals 4 damage to target player or planeswalker.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Goblin Barrage is a favorable choice when looking to maximize damage output without losing card economy in your hand. Sacrificing a Goblin not only fuels its kicker cost but also helps maintain a steady flow of resources through effective board control.

Resource Acceleration: Although not directly providing mana or tokens, Goblin Barrage’s synergy with Goblins can potentially accelerate your game plan. By eliminating blockers or key threats, it clears the way for more aggressive strategies that can capitalize on the reduced defenses, effectively accelerating your trajectory towards victory.

Instant Speed: As a sorcery, Goblin Barrage may not have the flexibility of instant speed spells, but this allows for planned, decisive turns where the full impact of its damage can be integrated into a well-orchestrated assault, particularly when combined with the abundance of Goblins and their explosive capabilities.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the drawbacks of Goblin Barrage is the discard requirement to activate its kicker cost. Having to discard a card could deprive you of crucial hand advantage, particularly in tight gameplay scenarios where every card counts.

Specific Mana Cost: Goblin Barrage commands a specific cost that includes both colorless and red mana. This could be restrictive as it doesn’t fit into every deck archetype, particularly those not running red or with a tight mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At four mana, which includes one red, Goblin Barrage is a relatively high-cost spell for the damage it deals. In a format where mana-efficiency is key, there are alternatives that can provide damage at a lower mana cost, potentially making Goblin Barrage a less attractive option for fast-paced or mana-conscious decks.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Goblin Barrage offers a multifaceted approach to gameplay by providing both creature removal and direct player damage, fitting seamlessly into red aggro or burn decks.

Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with decks that produce numerous goblins, as sacrificing one can intensify the damage dealt, aligning with strategies that utilize token creatures as resources.

Meta-Relevance: In metas where creature-based strategies predominate, Goblin Barrage serves as a crucial tool to disrupt opponent’s board presence while advancing your own win condition through direct damage.

How to beat

Goblin Barrage is a formidable spell often used in red aggressive decks in Magic: The Gathering. Its power lies in the ability to deal significant damage to both a creature and the opponent, which can be pivotal in maintaining board control and closing out games. When strategizing against Goblin Barrage, one approach is to keep your most valuable creatures protected. Spells that grant hexproof or indestructible for a turn can shield them from the barrage.

Alternatively, instant-speed removal spells that can disrupt Goblin Barrage by removing the goblin you are prompted to sacrifice before the spell resolves can also be effective. Countermagic is another solid tactic – a well-timed Negate or similar spell ensures Goblin Barrage never hits the battlefield. Lastly, playing creatures with toughness greater than four can render Goblin Barrage less harmful as it fails to destroy those creatures outright, forcing the Goblin Barrage player to use additional resources to deal with them.

Understanding and anticipating the card’s mechanics are essential when aiming to mitigate its impact. With the right preparation and response, the potential of Goblin Barrage to control the game can be significantly reduced.

Cards like Goblin Barrage

Goblin Barrage is an action-packed spell in the MTG realm, sharing similarities with other damage-dealing cards in the game. Goblin Grenade is a prime comparison, known for its explosive five damage at the cost of sacrificing a goblin. Though Goblin Barrage also requires a goblin sacrifice for its kicker effect, its initial damage output is less. However, it compensates by adding the flexibility to target creatures or planeswalkers directly without the kicker.

Another card worth discussing is Hordeling Outburst which provides you with three goblin tokens. These can fuel the kicker cost for Goblin Barrage, turning a simple creature generation spell into a potential board-altering combo. The versatility of Goblin Barrage stands out as it can function both as creature removal or a precise strike to deplete an opponent’s life total or weaken their planeswalker.

In summary, Goblin Barrage offers MTG enthusiasts a multifaceted approach to deck strategy. When complemented with other goblin-centric cards that generate tokens or benefit from sacrifices, it can be a game-changer, offering both direct damage and tactical advantage over your adversaries on the battlefield.

Cards similar to Goblin Barrage by color, type and mana cost

Draconic Intervention - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Goblin Barrage MTG card by a specific set like Dominaria, 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 Goblin Barrage and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Goblin Barrage has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Penny	Legal
Timeless	Legal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Goblin Barrage card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date	Text
2018-04-27	You can’t cast Goblin Barrage unless you choose a creature as a target, even if it’s kicked. However, you can target a Goblin or artifact creature you control and then sacrifice it to pay the kicker cost. The target player or planeswalker will be dealt 4 damage.