Goblin Blast-Runner MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Goblin |
| Released | 2022-11-18 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | The Brothers' War |
| Set code | BRO |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 137 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Joseph Weston |
Text of card
Goblin Blast-Runner gets +2/+0 and has menace as long as you sacrificed a permanent this turn.
Most goblins can light a fuse and run, but only the cleverest remember to drop the bomb.
Cards like Goblin Blast-Runner
Goblin Blast-Runner is a recent addition to the red creature roster in MTG, eager to join the ranks of impactful goblins in your deck. It can be compared to the likes of Goblin Arsonist, both serving as low-cost creatures that potentially deal damage upon leaving the battlefield. Goblin Blast-Runner, however, boasts an advantage by having the potential to deal more damage through its battalion ability, encouraging aggressive play with multiple attackers.
Similarly, Goblin Grenade is another card that deals damage, echoing the explosive nature of Goblin Blast-Runner but as a sorcery. Unlike Goblin Blast-Runner’s conditional damage which relies on attacking with a battalion, Goblin Grenade promises a consistent five damage at the cost of sacrificing a goblin, making it a powerful but one-time strike.
Looking at the broader family of goblins in MTG, it’s evident that Goblin Blast-Runner is a fine choice, especially in a deck that values attacking with numerous creatures. The battalion ability distinguishes it from straightforward damage-dealers like Goblin Grenade and sustains the dynamic playstyle goblin decks are known for.
Cards similar to Goblin Blast-Runner by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Goblin Blast-Runner. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Burn | Pauper | Burn | Pauper Challenge 32 2024-05-17 |
 | Mono-Red Synthesizer | Pauper | Mono-Red Synthesizer | Pauper League 2024-05-17 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Goblin Blast-Runner brings dynamics to the battlefield that can consistently pressure your opponent while offering potential card advantage through its ability to deal damage directly to the opponent or their creatures. This effective strategy disrupts your opponent’s plans while maintaining pressure.
Resource Acceleration: In deck builds that synergize with Goblin types or red mana strategies, Goblin Blast-Runner can serve as a catalyst for resource acceleration, propelling your mana curve forward and enabling the deployment of high-impact cards ahead of schedule.
Instant Speed: The ability to interact at instant speed gives Goblin Blast-Runner a tactical edge, allowing you to wait for the optimum moment to play your card. This strategic element ensures that you can respond to threats in real-time, keeping your opponents on their toes and ready to counter their moves.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: An avid player knows that every card counts, and Goblin Blast-Runner’s necessity to discard can be cumbersome. The card’s strategy demands a sacrifice from your hand which can be risky, especially when your options are limited and you’re clinging to key cards for late-game strategies.
Specific Mana Cost: A card’s strength can sometimes be its weakness. Goblin Blast-Runner, with its allegiance to red mana, can be a snug fit in mono-red or specific two-color decks, but it can also hem in deck-building options. The need for red mana can stifle your creativity and restrict the diversity of your deck.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Goblin Blast-Runner might pack a punch, but it comes with a cost. The mana investment can be steep compared to other creatures in the mana curve. For competitive play, every turn counts, and there might be other creatures or spells that bring more to the table without setting you back quite so much.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Goblin Blast-Runner’s design makes it a flexible addition to several aggressive strategies. Its low mana cost allows for an early board presence, essential for tempo in aggro decks.
Combo Potential: This fiesty creature enhances builds that synergize with dealing direct damage or triggering ‘on damage’ effects. When paired with cards that boost power, Goblin Blast-Runner can rapidly become a formidable threat.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta teeming with creature-based combat, the Blast-Runner’s ability to potentially bypass blockers with its ability could tip the scales in your favor during a match.
How to beat
Goblin Blast-Runner has been making waves in the MTG community, eagerly incorporated into aggressive strategies for its notorious ability to pressure opponents. This creature card has the potential to alter the landscape of the battlefield with its unique prowess. When pondering countermeasures, one must consider the various angles to suppress its impact effectively.
Managing the threat requires early intervention. Since the card thrives on momentum, disrupting its synergies can be key. Creature removal spells are indispensable in this scenario. Swift responses such as Shock or Fatal Push can take out Goblin Blast-Runner before it becomes a larger threat. It’s also crucial to mitigate the number of artifacts you have in play; limiting this card’s ability to leverage its strengths is paramount. Board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation could reset the state of the game, specifically if the Blast-Runner has already bolstered its attack capabilities. Denying your adversary the opportunity to snowball their position on the board is an effective approach to maintain control of the game.
In essence, having a strategic game plan and a versatile arsenal can tip the scales in your favor against a potent card like Goblin Blast-Runner. Adaptability and readiness to act are hallmarks of a seasoned MTG player when facing such dynamic threats.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Goblin Blast-Runner MTG card by a specific set like The Brothers' War, 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 Blast-Runner 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Goblin Blast-Runner has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Goblin Blast-Runner card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2022-10-14 | Goblin Blast-Runner doesn't need to have been on the battlefield at the time the permanent was sacrificed in order to get the bonus. |