Goblin Elite Infantry MTG Card
1996-10-08 - Number 177
1999-04-21 - Number 183
2001-04-11 - Number 187
2001-04-11 - Number 187★
2007-07-13 - Number 206
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Goblin Warrior |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
If Goblin Elite Infantry blocks or is blocked, it gets -1/-1 until end of turn.
They talk a good fight.
Cards like Goblin Elite Infantry
The Goblin Elite Infantry finds its place among the vast array of creature cards in MTG. When drawing parallels, it nods to the likes of Goblin Glider and Mudbutton Torchrunner. This Infantry stands out because of its penchant for both offense and defense, akin to the Glider’s evasion ability. Unlike the Glider, the Infantry is grounded yet forces a notable drawback on attackers, potentially deterring opposition strikes.
Its kinship with the Torchrunner reveals a contrast in utility. While the Torchrunner might seem subpar on an empty board, its death trigger positions it as a more tactical piece late in the game. The Elite Infantry, however, shines as a constant battlefield presence. Their similarities end with their tribal affiliations and base stats, as the Infantry eschews explosive impacts for a more perennial board influence.
In essence, Goblin Elite Infantry carves a niche in MTG as a creature that demands attention not solely for its potential damage but for the strategic considerations it imposes on each combat phase.
Cards similar to Goblin Elite Infantry by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Goblin Elite Infantry offers a strong presence on the battlefield, being a menace for opponents. With the ability to potentially trade with two creatures in combat, this card can positively affect your card advantage by handling multiple threats from an opponent with a single card.
Resource Acceleration: Though not directly providing mana or tokens, the low casting cost of Goblin Elite Infantry allows you to deploy more threats on board early on, accelerating your resource deployment. This can lead to overwhelming your opponent with a swarm of Goblins when combined with other synergistic cards in your deck.
Instant Speed: While Goblin Elite Infantry itself isn’t an instant, it rewards players who operate at instant speed. Holding up mana for reactive spells and playing this infantry at the opportune moment can catch adversaries off guard, ensuring you maintain tempo and apply constant pressure.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Goblin Elite Infantry necessitates discarding from your hand, often depleting your in-hand strategy options and potentially causing a setback in your gameplay tempo.
Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost of Goblin Elite Infantry includes red mana, which can be restrictive, making it less versatile for decks that are not centered around or capable of producing red mana with efficiency.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When evaluating the abilities and stats provided by Goblin Elite Infantry, the mana cost may be considered steep, limiting the scenarios in which it offers optimal value compared to other cards with similar or lower costs.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Goblin Elite Infantry brings flexibility to any deck featuring red mana. With its ability to swiftly pressure life totals, this card can slide into aggressive strategies with ease, while also holding its own as a defensive blocker when the situation calls for it.
Combo Potential: This feisty creature has natural synergy with cards that buff or utilize goblins. It can be part of combos that capitalize on the sheer number of goblins on the battlefield, enhancing strategies that lead to explosive turns.
Meta-Relevance: Given that goblins are a perennial favorite in the MTG scene, the Goblin Elite Infantry should be strongly considered for your collection. It stands up well in a meta that favors quick, creature-based tactics and can be particularly potent in matches where early dominance is crucial.
How to beat
The Goblin Elite Infantry may seem like a formidable threat on the battlefield, with its ability to dish out significant damage for a low mana cost. Often, the challenge with these creatures comes from their ability to overwhelm opponents quickly, especially when supported by other goblin synergies. However, there are effective strategies to handle these aggressive combatants.
One reliable method is to control the board with removal spells. Cheap, efficient spells like Fatal Push or Lightning Bolt can take them out before they become a problem. For a more comprehensive solution, board wipes such as Wrath of God or Damnation can clear multiple threats at once. Ensnaring creatures with pacifism effects or bounce spells can also keep the goblins at bay. Don’t overlook the value of blockers, creatures with high toughness or those who can regenerate provide a stable defense line, mitigating the damage caused by these relentless goblins.
Understanding your opponent’s game plan is crucial. By timing your removal and knowing when to hold back or push forward, you can counter the aggressive strategies that often accompany the Goblin Elite Infantry. A balance of removal, control, and defensive creatures will turn the tide in your favor against goblin hordes.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Goblin Elite Infantry MTG card by a specific set like Mirage and Classic Sixth Edition, 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 Elite Infantry and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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 Goblin Elite Infantry Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 1996-10-08 and 2007-07-13. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1996-10-08 | Mirage | MIR | 177 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Robert Bliss | |
| 2 | 1999-04-21 | Classic Sixth Edition | 6ED | 183 | 1997 | Normal | White | Robert Bliss | |
| 3 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 187 | 1997 | Normal | White | Daren Bader | |
| 4 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 187★ | 1997 | Normal | Black | Daren Bader | |
| 5 | 2007-07-13 | Tenth Edition | 10E | 206 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Robert Bliss |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Goblin Elite Infantry has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |