Frostling MTG Card
2005-02-04 - Number 103
2005-08-22 - Number C6
2005-08-22 - Number C16
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Spirit |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Sacrifice Frostling: Frostling deals 1 damage to target creature.
Its bite will take off more than a toe.
Cards like Frostling
Frostling finds its niche in MTG as a versatile card, with parallels to other low-cost creatures that offer utility beyond simple battlefield presence. A close relative in purpose and play is Fanatical Firebrand. Both serve as handy one-drops with the ability to sacrifice themselves for a direct impact – in Frostling’s case, dealing damage to a creature. This self-destruct feature makes them excellent for early board control.
Comparably, Mogg Fanatic stands as another analogous card, providing the same sacrifice-to-damage utility. What sets Frostling apart is its restriction to target creatures only, while Mogg Fanatic has the flexibility to target players as well. The difference may be subtle but significant in games where direct damage to players can be decisive. Rounding out the comparison is Forge Devil, which upon entering the battlefield, damages a creature and the player. This auto-triggered ability contrasts with the controlled sacrifice mechanic of Frostling, offering immediate but obligatory impact at the cost of versatility.
Ultimately, in the pantheon of MTG’s low-cost creatures, Frostling offers a blend of early-game control and tactical sacrifice, making it a viable option for players who favor strategic creature removal over direct player engagement.
Cards similar to Frostling by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Although Frostling may not draw cards directly, its ability to potentially remove an opponent’s creature from the battlefield can lead to indirect card advantage. As a one-for-one trade, it can help maintain parity in resources between players.
Resource Acceleration: Frostling itself does not accelerate resources in terms of mana, but its low casting cost helps to efficiently utilize mana curve. Coming into play early in the game allows you to maintain pressure on your opponent while still developing your board and conserving resources for larger threats.
Instant Speed: The key feature of Frostling’s ability is that it can be activated at instant speed, making it highly flexible in the timing of its effect. This can disrupt opponent’s strategies during their turn, effectively acting as a removal tool to clear the way for your attacks or protect your key creatures from combat.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Integrating Frostling into your lineup can be a strategic misstep, particularly when it demands relinquishing another card from your hand. This can leave you at a disadvantage, especially when your hand is already dwindling, thereby potentially compromising your position in the game.
Specific Mana Cost: The Frostling’s summoning hinges on a precise mana configuration, necessitating both red and generic mana. This inflexible cost can restrict its inclusion to only those decks that can reliably produce the necessary mana combination, limiting its versatility across varied deck archetypes.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite Frostling’s potential benefits, it’s imperative to note that the investment does not always align with its on-field impact. At a mana value that borders on the upper end for its offered capabilities, there are alternative cards available that could potentially yield greater value or efficacy on the battlefield for a similar, if not lower, mana expenditure.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Frostling offers a flexible option for decks aiming to have control over the board. Its ability to sacrifice itself to deal damage makes it a handy tool for removing early threats or for tactical plays.
Combo Potential: Frostling synergizes well with strategies that revolve around sacrificing creatures for greater benefits. It can be a key piece in decks focusing on death triggers or those that utilize creatures entering or leaving the battlefield.
Meta-Relevance: In a game where small utility creatures can influence the tide of battle, Frostling holds its ground. It can be particularly impactful in environments where x/1 creatures are prevalent or where the ability to snipe key utility creatures can disrupt an opponent’s strategy.
How to beat Frostling
Frostling brings a chill to the battlefield as a flexible asset in Magic: The Gathering’s vast array of creature cards. As a one-drop creature with the ability to sacrifice itself to deal damage, it incorporates strategic depth into early gameplay. To best respond to this icy threat, consider creature cards with toughness greater than one that can withstand Frostling’s self-destructive blast.
Acknowledge too the advantage of instant-speed removal spells which can neutralize Frostling before its owner has a chance to exploit its ability. It’s also wise to utilize creatures with enter-the-battlefield effects that provide value even if later targeted by Frostling. By carefully managing your resources and anticipating the potential sacrifice of Frostling, you can maintain board control and mitigate the impact of its targeted ability.
In essence, beating Frostling hinges on preemptive measures and resilient card choices. With a keen sense of timing and an understanding of value-driven gameplay, you can render Frostling’s icy presence on the battlefield a minor inconvenience rather than a game-changing threat.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Frostling MTG card by a specific set like Betrayers of Kamigawa 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 Frostling 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Frostling Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2005-02-04 and 2005-08-22. Illustrated by Carl Critchlow.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2005-02-04 | Betrayers of Kamigawa | BOK | 103 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Carl Critchlow | |
| 2 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | C6 | 2003 | Normal | White | Carl Critchlow | |
| 3 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | C16 | 2003 | Normal | White | Carl Critchlow |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Frostling has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |