Earwig Squad MTG Card
2008-02-01 - Number 60★
2008-02-01 - Number 60
2013-06-07 - Number 82
2002-06-24 - Number 32539
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Goblin Rogue |
| Abilities | Prowl |
| Power | 5 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Prowl (You may cast this for its prowl cost if you dealt combat damage to a player this turn with a Goblin or Rogue.) When Earwig Squad enters the battlefield, if its prowl cost was paid, search target opponent's library for three cards and exile them. Then that player shuffles.
Cards like Earwig Squad
Earwig Squad stands out in the portfolio of powerful rogue cards in Magic: The Gathering. This card is often mentioned in the same breath as other rogue staples like Thieves’ Guild Enforcer, which similarly thrives in a deck centered around rogues. However, Earwig Squad takes disruption to the next level by allowing you to search an opponent’s library and exile three cards, potentially derailing their game plan. Thieves’ Guild Enforcer lacks this tactical advantage, focusing instead on growing stronger with more rogues or milling the opponent’s deck.
Another close relative in this category is Noggin Whack, which also disrupts the opponent’s hand. Although costing less mana, it doesn’t offer the physical board presence that Earwig Squad provides. In comparison, Earwig Squad not only disturbs the opponent’s strategy with its unique ability but can also apply pressure with its creature stats. Lastly, we have Sadistic Sacrament, wielding a similar deck-meddling power; however, it’s purely a control card with no creature to affect the board state.
Overall, in the landscape of rogue and disruption cards, Earwig Squad carries a unique combination of control and combat capabilities, landing it a special role in Magic: The Gathering deck building.
Cards similar to Earwig Squad by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Earwig Squad. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Rakdos Goblins | Modern | Goblins | DEN24 Sun 9:30 - Modern $10k Open 8-slot RCQ |
| Goblins | Modern | Goblins | Modern League 2024-01-01 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Earwig Squad can potentially remove three key cards from an opponent’s deck upon entering the battlefield, severely limiting their strategic options and generating card advantage by preemptively dealing with threats.
Resource Acceleration: Though the Earwig Squad itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its Prowl cost mechanic allows for a reduction in mana cost, effectively saving valuable mana resources when conditions are met.
Instant Speed: While not an instant itself, Earwig Squad’s Prowl ability can be activated at instant speed following a Rogue dealing combat damage, allowing for a surprise deployment that the opponent may not be prepared for.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Earwig Squad’s prowl cost requires a player to have dealt combat damage with a Rogue, possibly narrowing its deployment chances in a game where you’re unable to fulfill this condition.
Specific Mana Cost: Its casting cost demands three black mana symbols, potentially straining mana bases in multicolored decks and limiting the card’s flexibility across a wide range of strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a regular casting cost of five mana, including three black, Earwig Squad can be a steep investment, especially when other disruptive options might be available for less, thereby offering an earlier or more efficient impact on the game.
Reasons to Include Earwig Squad in Your Collection
Versatility: Earwig Squad, a goblin rogue, is not just any tribal card. Its unique ability to pluck out key cards from an opponent’s library makes it a flexible addition, particularly for decks that aim to disrupt opponent strategies while furthering their own board presence.
Combo Potential: As a prowl-enabled card, Earwig Squad can easily be incorporated into combinations with other rogue or goblin-type creatures. Its ability to remove up to three cards from the game can be synergistically paired with graveyard manipulation or shadow effects to maximize its impact.
Meta-Relevance: The dynamic nature of MTG’s meta means control decks or combo-centric strategies often dominate play. Here, Earwig Squad can shine by pre-emptively removing key pieces from these decks, making it a relevant choice for players looking to outmaneuver their opponents with smart tech choices.
How to Beat
Earwig Squad, a quirky Goblin card from Magic: The Gathering, presents a unique challenge on the battlefield. To tackle this challenge, the key is understanding the card’s prowling mechanic which functions when a player has dealt combat damage with a Rogue during that turn. Dispatching the Squad before it prowls is crucial, as its entry would otherwise allow an opponent to sift through your deck and exile three cards of their choice.
Counterspells are one of the most effective methods to prevent Earwig Squad from hitting the table. Should the Squad make it onto the battlefield, spot removal becomes your next line of defense. Cards like Path to Exile or Rapid Hybridization can manage this uninvited guest before any serious harm is done. Another excellent strategy is to limit the chances of Earwig Squad prowling by controlling the combat phase or by keeping Rogues in check – a task suitable for instant speed removal or board control spells.
Understanding the rhythms of your opponent’s strategy and keeping removal at the ready can nullify the potential detriment Earwig Squad can cause in your MTG match. Stay vigilant, and you’ll keep the upper hand against this Goblin menace.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Earwig Squad MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Morningtide Promos, 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 Earwig Squad 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 Earwig Squad Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2008-02-01 and 2013-06-07. Illustrated by Warren Mahy.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 32539 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Warren Mahy | ||
| 2 | 2008-02-01 | Morningtide Promos | PMOR | 60★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Warren Mahy | |
| 3 | 2008-02-01 | Morningtide | MOR | 60 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Warren Mahy | |
| 4 | 2013-06-07 | Modern Masters | MMA | 82 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Warren Mahy |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Earwig Squad has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Earwig Squad card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2013-06-07 | The cards are exiled face up. All players will know what they are. |