Goblin Bruiser MTG Card
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 3 |
Rarity | Uncommon |
Type | Creature — Goblin Warrior |
Released | 2018-07-14 |
Set symbol | |
Set name | Arena New Player Experience Extras |
Set code | XANA |
Power | 3 |
Toughness | 3 |
Number | 39 |
Frame | 2015 |
Layout | Normal |
Border | Black |
Illustred by | Jakub Kasper |
Cards like Goblin Bruiser
Goblin Bruiser is a unique piece within the red creature ensemble in Magic: The Gathering, sharing some traits with other goblins but holding its own distinct appeal. Its resemblance to cards such as Goblin Ringleader is apparent, as they both play on the strength of goblin synergy. Nevertheless, where Goblin Ringleader excels at refilling the player’s hand with additional goblin allies, Goblin Bruiser forges a different path with its robust stats and potential to become unblockable when paired with Echo.
Goblin Piledriver is another card that often comes to mind when considering comrades to Goblin Bruiser. Both capitalize on goblin tribal benefits, but Piledriver leans more towards overwhelming force, gaining power for each other goblin in play. Unlike Goblin Bruiser, Piledriver doesn’t offer the same level of resilience or the Echo-induced unblockability. Finally, we see similarities with Goblin Warchief, which also facilitates goblin-centric strategies by reducing mana cost and accelerating your goblin horde; however, it does not share the heftier individual combat prowess of the Goblin Bruiser.
In essence, while Goblin Bruiser may not provide the card advantage or cost-efficiency of other goblin-kindred cards, it stands tall in its capability to deliver hard-hitting attacks and become a formidable force on the battlefield when the Echo cost is paid.
Cards similar to Goblin Bruiser by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Golbin Bruiser shines when it comes to pressuring your opponent as it often requires more than one card from their side to deal with it effectively. If left unchecked, its impact on the board can outpace the resources dedicated by the other player, essentially granting you an informal card advantage.
Resource Acceleration: While the Goblin Bruiser doesn’t directly create mana or tokens, its aggressive presence can accelerate the game in your favor. You might force your opponent to make unfavorable trades or use removal spells early, indirectly giving you a resource advantage by saving your more critical spells or creatures for later.
Instant Speed: Although Goblin Bruiser isn’t an instant itself, it rewards decks built with instant speed spells. Such decks can keep mana open for responses during an opponent’s turn and then lay down this formidable threat if the mana is left unused. It pairs well with tricks and removals you keep at the ready, maintaining pressure and tempo.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Goblin Bruiser enters the battlefield only if you’ve cast another creature this turn, presenting an additional hurdle that could be problematic when trying to maintain board presence, especially in the late game where casting multiple creatures can be challenging.
Specific Mana Cost: The specific mana cost can be restrictive, as it necessitates a red-heavy mana base, potentially creating color fixing issues in multicolored decks, especially those not focused on aggro strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost of 3R, Goblin Bruiser can be considered mana-intensive for its stats and abilities. Other cards in the same mana range could provide more versatility or a more immediate impact on the game state, making it a less favorable choice in strategy-intensive situations.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Goblin Bruiser is adaptable to various aggressive strategies, slotting into red decks that value high-power creatures. Its ability to potentially bypass blockers makes it a solid choice for go-wide strategies that need to push through defensive lines.
Combo Potential: With its “fear” ability, this card pairs well with spells and abilities that manipulate combat or benefit from connecting with an opponent. This facilitates synergies within decks focusing on direct damage and combat tricks.
Meta-Relevance: As aggressive decks remain a staple in game play, Goblin Bruiser maintains relevance. Its unique characteristics can challenge certain control and tempo decks, forcing opponents to find immediate answers to its potential unblockability.
How to beat
Goblin Bruiser presents a unique challenge on the battlefield with its formidable presence. Facing this creature, you should consider its key limitation – its susceptibility to being blocked only by two or more creatures. Skirting around this trait requires careful planning. One strategy involves using removal spells, such as Unsummon or Murder, to eliminate the threat without direct combat. Utilizing creature abilities that can bypass the Goblin Bruiser’s restrictions, like flying or intimidation, can also provide an advantage during your turn.
Moreover, enchantments or artifacts that restrict a creature’s ability to attack or block offer a tactical method to handle the Goblin Bruiser, preventing it from leveraging its might. Cards like Pacifism or Claustrophobia can neutralize this creature, leaving your opponent with one less threat to wield. Lastly, increasing your creature count can create a scenario where the Goblin Bruiser is rendered ineffective due to your blockade of multiple defenders, making it easier to mitigate its impact on the game. By incorporating some of these strategies, you can contain the Goblin Bruiser and maintain control over the match.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Goblin Bruiser MTG card by a specific set like Arena New Player Experience Extras, 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 Bruiser 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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