Goblin Grenade MTG Card


Goblin Grenade offers card advantage by removing key creatures or dealing critical damage to opponents. Its dependence on goblin sacrifice and red mana can limit playability across diverse deck types. When built around, it can significantly shape game outcomes, making it a worthy collection addition.
Card setsReleased in 9 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Sacrifice a Goblin to have Goblin Grenade deal 5 damage to one target.

"I don't suppose we could teach them to *throw* the cursed things?" —Ivra Jursdotter


Cards like Goblin Grenade

Goblin Grenade stands out as a powerful burst damage option in Magic: The Gathering. Comparable to other damage-dealing spells like Lightning Bolt, Goblin Grenade brings its own signature effect to the table. While Lightning Bolt is quick and efficient, offering three damage for a single red mana, Goblin Grenade ups the ante by dealing five damage but at the cost of sacrificing a goblin.

Looking into other comparable cards, we have collateral damage — another spell that requires a sacrifice for three damage, though it costs less than Goblin Grenade. Then there’s Skirk Prospector, which doesn’t deal direct damage, but instead lets you sacrifice a goblin to add red mana to your pool, potentially unlocking the mana needed to play Goblin Grenade. This synergy is a testament to the value that Goblin Grenade could bring to a well-built goblin deck.

When weighing the impact of such explosive cards, Goblin Grenade proves to be a formidable spell in MTG. It leverages the swarming nature of goblin decks to deliver a heavy punch that can often turn the tide of a game or finish off an opponent outright.

Lightning Bolt - MTG Card versions
Collateral Damage - MTG Card versions
Skirk Prospector - MTG Card versions
Lightning Bolt - MTG Card versions
Collateral Damage - MTG Card versions
Skirk Prospector - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Goblin Grenade by color, type and mana cost

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Devastating Summons - MTG Card versions
Disintegrate - MTG Card versions
Fireball - MTG Card versions
Earthquake - MTG Card versions
Mana Clash - MTG Card versions
Detonate - MTG Card versions
Winds of Change - MTG Card versions
Gamble - MTG Card versions
Meltdown - MTG Card versions
Tremor - MTG Card versions
Ghitu Fire - MTG Card versions
Tahngarth's Glare - MTG Card versions
Lava Burst - MTG Card versions
Overmaster - MTG Card versions
Devil's Play - MTG Card versions
Firebolt - MTG Card versions
Blaze - MTG Card versions
Crack the Earth - MTG Card versions
Meteor Shower - MTG Card versions
Burning Inquiry - MTG Card versions
Devastating Summons - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Even though Goblin Grenade doesn’t directly draw you cards, the card advantage comes from its ability to eliminate a key creature or deliver a decisive strike to your opponent’s life total. This can tip the scales in your favor, effectively reducing the resources your opponent has at their disposal.

Resource Acceleration: Goblin Grenade synergizes with decks built around goblins, which are known for their ability to rapidly swarm the board. Sacrificing a single goblin for a substantial five damage accelerates your game plan by leveraging the expendable nature of your creatures for a high-impact effect.

Instant Speed: As a sorcery, Goblin Grenade is bound to your main phases, but its explosive impact compensates for the timing limitation. The significant damage it deals for a single red mana can serve as a game-ending play or a sudden shift in board state when timed correctly.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: To unleash the explosive power of Goblin Grenade, you need to sacrifice a Goblin. This requirement can be disadvantageous when your battlefield lacks the necessary Goblins, thereby reducing its potential impact during the game.

Specific Mana Cost: Goblin Grenade’s casting cost demands one red mana. This specificity aligns it closely with red decks or those that can generate red mana, potentially limiting its inclusion in multi-colored or colorless decks that may struggle with mana fixing.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite dealing a significant five points of damage, Goblin Grenade’s total cost, including the required Goblin sacrifice, might be seen as steep compared to other direct damage spells. There are instances where you might prefer spells that cost less and don’t necessitate an additional sacrifice, providing a more straightforward pathway to deal damage.


Reasons to Include Goblin Grenade in Your Collection

Versatility: Goblin Grenade serves as a powerful finisher in red decks, particularly those teeming with Goblins. Its ability to deal a high amount of damage makes it a formidable card in various aggressive strategies.

Combo Potential: When paired with cards that summon multiple Goblin tokens or with effects that sacrifice creatures for an advantage, Goblin Grenade’s explosive impact can be a game-changer, turning a crowded battlefield into direct damage against your opponent.

Meta-Relevance: In a format where creature-based decks proliferate, having an efficient removal option that doubles as a potential win condition makes Goblin Grenade a standout choice, especially in fast-paced games where ending the match quickly is paramount.


How to beat Goblin Grenade

Goblin Grenade stands out in MTG as a formidable red spell, quintessential in goblin-themed decks for its explosive damage-dealing capability. The key to countering this high-impact card lies in its requirement: sacrificing a goblin. Understanding the importance of goblins to the casting of Goblin Grenade is crucial; they are the ammunition for this powerful spell. To diffuse the threat, focus on controlling the goblin population on your opponent’s battlefield.

Utilize spot removal, board wipes, or counter spells. Instant-speed removal like Path to Exile can exile target goblins, thereby removing potential fuel for the Grenade. Board wipes such as Wrath of God can clean the slate entirely, leaving no goblin behind to be sacrificed. If goblins manage to slip through the cracks, a well-timed Counterspell can negate Goblin Grenade the moment it’s cast. As each goblin is precious to your opponent, making them scarce will greatly undermine their strategy, and by extension, the potential damage Goblin Grenade can inflict. Hence, strategic removal and counterplay are your shields against this explosive threat.


BurnMana Recommendations

With Goblin Grenade’s raw power and its niche in MTG, it’s clear why this card is a staple in goblin-themed decks. Utilizing this potent spell can swiftly alter the game state, whether you’re on the brink of defeat or pushing for victory. Given its tactical advantages and the strategic depth it brings, Goblin Grenade earns its place in collections aiming to dominate the red zone. Seeking to further enhance your MTG strategy or curious about integrating Goblin Grenade into your arsenal? Embark on a journey with us, explore comprehensive guides, and elevate your deck-building skills to new heights. Your path to mastery is just a click away. Join the BurnMana community and take the next step in your MTG journey.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Goblin Grenade MTG card by a specific set like Fallen Empires and Fallen Empires, 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 Grenade and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Goblin Grenade Magic the Gathering card was released in 7 different sets between 1994-11-01 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by 4 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11994-11-01Fallen EmpiresFEM 56b1993NormalBlackDan Frazier
21994-11-01Fallen EmpiresFEM 56c1993NormalBlackChristopher Rush
31994-11-01Fallen EmpiresFEM 56a1993NormalBlackRon Spencer
42007-09-10Masters EditionME1 951997NormalBlackRon Spencer
52011-07-15Magic 2012M12 1402003NormalBlackKev Walker
62017-10-24Duel Decks: Merfolk vs. GoblinsDDT 452015NormalBlackKev Walker
72018-07-14Arena New Player Experience ExtrasXANA 412015NormalBlackKev Walker
82020-09-26The ListPLST M12-1402003NormalBlackKev Walker
92022-12-02Jumpstart 2022J22 5422015NormalBlackKev Walker

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Goblin Grenade has restrictions

FormatLegality
OldschoolLegal
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Goblin Grenade card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2004-10-04 You can’t sacrifice more than one Goblin to get a greater effect.
2011-09-22 Players can only respond once Goblin Grenade has been cast and all its costs have been paid. No one can try and destroy the Goblin to prevent you from casting Goblin Grenade.
2011-09-22 The Goblin you sacrifice to cast Goblin Grenade doesn’t have to be a creature. For example, you could sacrifice Boggart Shenanigans (a tribal enchantment with the subtype Goblin).