Frenzied Goblin MTG Card
2005-08-22 - Number I16
2005-10-07 - Number 125
2014-07-18 - Number 142
2014-09-05 - Number 2
2018-03-16 - Number 131
2018-11-02 - Number 81
2022-12-02 - Number 536
2024-02-23 - Number 135
2002-06-24 - Number 55703
| Card sets | Released in 9 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Goblin Berserker |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Whenever Frenzied Goblin attacks, you may pay . If you do, target creature can't block this turn.
Cards like Frenzied Goblin
Frenzied Goblin holds its ground in the red creature category, particularly among cards that control combat scenarios. A prime comparison is made with Goblin Heelcutter. While the Heelcutter also disrupts blockers, it does so by temporarily removing a creature from blocking and comes with a higher mana cost. Frenzied Goblin offers a more nuanced control, demanding only one red mana to activate its ability and enabling targeted influence on the battlefield.
Looking at a different angle, there’s Goblin Cohort, a creature that shares the goblin synergy but trades battlefield control for a more aggressive play strategy. It costs less but requires you to play a creature each turn to keep attacking. This underscores Frenzied Goblin’s utility in games where maintaining momentum is crucial. Finally, there’s the recently introduced Goblin Diplomats. Each has unique tactics for manipulating combat, but the Diplomats can force opponents into unfavorable attacks, contrasting with Frenzied Goblin’s singular focus on blocking strategies.
Through this overview, it’s clear that while there are numerous goblin choices, Frenzied Goblin’s ability to dictate combat terms adds a layer of strategic depth that can edge out opponents in close fights.
Cards similar to Frenzied Goblin by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Frenzied Goblin doesn’t directly offer card drawing capabilities, but it does enable strategic plays that can disrupt your opponent’s board, indirectly leading to card advantage. For example, by force denying an opponent’s potential blocker, you can pave the way for more of your creatures to deal combat damage, possibly drawing cards with other synergistic card effects.
Resource Acceleration: While Frenzied Goblin itself isn’t a direct source of mana or resources, it offers tactical advantage which can translate into resource acceleration. It forces your opponent to decide whether to pay the cost to block, potentially setting them back in resources and allowing you to maintain tempo or accelerate your board state with less interference.
Instant Speed: Frenzied Goblin’s ability may not be at instant speed, yet it adds significant flexibility during the combat phase. Its activated ability can be used whenever it attacks, giving you the opportunity to make real-time decisions that can greatly impact the outcome of each turn. This control over combat can create pressure and force your opponent to react hastily to your maneuvers.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Though not a feature of Frenzied Goblin, cards with discard requirements can pose a strategic setback, especially when your hand is already depleted.
Specific Mana Cost: Frenzied Goblin needs red mana to play, potentially restricting its inclusion to decks that can consistently provide that color, reducing its versatility across various deck types.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost relative to its abilities, one might weigh if the investment is worth the return, particularly when other low-cost creatures could offer comparable or superior board presence.
Reasons to Include Frenzied Goblin in Your Collection
Versatility: This fiery little creature brings a unique tactical angle to red aggro decks. With the ability to disrupt opponent’s blockers, Frenzied Goblin adapts to various in-game situations, making it a fitting addition for players looking for flexible board control options.
Combo Potential: The Goblin’s singular ability pairs wonderfully with effects that capitalize on unblocked attackers, such as cards that benefit from dealing combat damage to a player. This opens up opportunities to build around and enhance synergistic plays within your deck.
Meta-Relevance: Although meta shifts frequently, decks featuring small, aggressive creatures often persist as formidable strategies. In metas crowded with larger creatures, the Frenzied Goblin can carve a path for crucial attacks, maintaining its relevance by tipping combat scenarios in your favor.
How to beat
Frenzied Goblin presents a unique challenge on the battlefield, as it has the ability to disrupt your defensive game plan by preventing specific blockers from engaging during combat. This goblin can be particularly bothersome when used as part of a larger, aggressive strategy, often seen in red deck builds known for their quick and powerful assaults.
To effectively counteract Frenzied Goblin, consider using instant removal spells that can take it out before the combat phase, such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile. Another tactic involves employing creatures with reach or those that can’t be targeted by abilities of opponent’s creatures, helping to ensure a reliable line of defense remains intact against this pesky goblin’s antics. Additionally, maintaining a healthy life total and utilizing lifelink creatures can also mitigate the impact of its ability, as it tends to lose effectiveness in longer, more drawn-out games.
In essence, the key to beating Frenzied Goblin lies in proactive removal, strategic defensive measures, and ensuring the battlefield presence through creatures that can either evade its ability or withstand the early aggressive onslaught long enough to take control of the game’s pace.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Frenzied Goblin MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Salvat 2005, 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 Frenzied Goblin and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
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- Card Market
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- MTG Mint Card
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Printings
The Frenzied Goblin Magic the Gathering card was released in 9 different sets between 2005-08-22 and 2024-02-23. Illustrated by 3 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 55703 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | ||
| 2 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | I16 | 2003 | Normal | White | Carl Critchlow | |
| 3 | 2005-10-07 | Ravnica: City of Guilds | RAV | 125 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Carl Critchlow | |
| 4 | 2014-07-18 | Magic 2015 | M15 | 142 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Carl Critchlow | |
| 5 | 2014-09-05 | Duel Decks: Speed vs. Cunning | DDN | 2 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Carl Critchlow | |
| 6 | 2018-03-16 | Masters 25 | A25 | 131 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Randy Vargas | |
| 7 | 2018-11-02 | GRN Guild Kit | GK1 | 81 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Carl Critchlow | |
| 8 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 536 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Randy Vargas | |
| 9 | 2024-02-23 | Ravnica: Clue Edition | CLU | 135 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Randy Vargas |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Frenzied Goblin has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Frenzied Goblin card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2018-03-16 | Frenzied Goblin’s ability has only one target. You can’t pay multiple times to stop multiple creatures from blocking. |