Goblin Instigator MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 2 |
Rarity | Common |
Type | Creature — Goblin Rogue |
Power | 1 |
Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
When Goblin Instigator enters the battlefield, create a 1/1 red Goblin creature token.
"We can take 'em. You go first!"
Cards like Goblin Instigator
Goblin Instigator is an intriguing creature card in Magic: The Gathering, offering players not just one, but two Goblin tokens for a single cast. Its nearest relative in function is Dragon Fodder, a sorcery that produces a pair of Goblin tokens as well, but it lacks the benefit of adding a creature to the board. Mogg War Marshal could also be mentioned in the same breath; it comes with echo and the potential to create more tokens when it dies. This makes it a versatile choice depending on your strategy.
Another card worth comparing is Krenko’s Command, mirroring the two-token spawn at the same mana value. However, Goblin Instigator has the upper hand, being a creature that can be bounced back to your hand or flickered for repeating the token generation effect. Lastly, Siege-Gang Commander deserves a mention. Although it has a higher casting cost, the commander brings three tokens into play and comes with a built-in ability to throw Goblins at opposing forces for direct damage, providing a significant reach in the later stages of the game.
Overall, Goblin Instigator holds its own within the variety of token generating cards in Magic: The Gathering, especially for those looking to swiftly build a Goblin army on the battlefield.
Cards similar to Goblin Instigator by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Goblin Instigator. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
# | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
---|---|---|---|---|
Boros Tokens | Gladiator | Sword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 14 2024 | ||
UR | Pauper | Pauper Challenge 32 2024-03-23 | ||
Boros Combo | Pioneer | Boros Goblins | HBMO24 - GenX Comics and Games Pioneer 5k | |
Mono-red Goblins | Pioneer | Mono-Red Goblins | ReCQ - Pioneer - SCG CON Philadelphia - Friday - 1:30 pm (Bronze) | |
Mardu Aggro | Gladiator | Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 10 2024 | ||
Boros Goblins | Pioneer | Boros Goblins | Pioneer League 2023-12-15 | |
Decklist | Free form | Set Roulette Feburary 2024 | ||
Gruul Aristocrats | Pioneer | Gruul Goblins | #16 Last Chance Qualifier: Pioneer |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When Goblin Instigator enters the battlefield, it creates a 1/1 red Goblin creature token, effectively placing two bodies on the board with a single card. This can quickly widen your battlefield presence and increase your potential for future plays.
Resource Acceleration: With the additional Goblin token, you can boost strategies that hinge on the number of creatures you control. This can lead to faster mana generation if you’re using cards that turn creatures into mana sources or if you’re aiming to cast spells with ‘convoke’ sooner, paving the way for more impactful plays earlier in the game.
Instant Speed: Although Goblin Instigator itself is not an instant, the concept of instant speed is inherent in its synergy with cards that feature ‘flash.’ By playing those cards during your opponent’s turn, you can drop the Instigator when it’s most strategically advantageous, keeping your options open and responding promptly to threats or opportunities as they arise.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Goblin Instigator does not force a discard when cast, enabling you to maintain more options in hand. This means there’s no setback of losing valuable cards just to get your creatures on the battlefield.
Specific Mana Cost: Goblin Instigator’s specific mana cost requires both colorless and red mana, potentially making it less flexible than cards with a generic mana cost that can fit into a wider range of deck archetypes.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Goblin Instigator’s mana cost is not steep, in the fast-paced environment of MTG, there are alternative cards at lower costs that provide similar or greater impact immediately upon entering the battlefield.
Reasons to Include Goblin Instigator in Your Collection
Versatility: Goblin Instigator is a flexible addition to your deck, seamlessly fitting into Goblin tribal strategies or any setup looking to increase creature presence without a significant mana investment.
Combo Potential: Summoning an additional creature directly translates into more firepower for combos, particularly with cards that thrive on wide board states or creature tokens for synergistic plays.
Meta-Relevance: With an ever-shifting landscape, the inclusion of cost-efficient creature generators like Goblin Instigator could be crucial in swarm strategies, maintaining a solid stance in various metagames.
How to beat
Goblin Instigator is a popular creature card among those who enjoy swarming the battlefield with tokens in Magic: The Gathering. When you summon this creature, it brings along a friend in the form of a 1/1 red Goblin creature token. This increases your army and can quickly overrun an unprepared opponent. However, this duo can be managed effectively with the right strategies.
Board clearing spells are your best bet as they can remove multiple creatures at once without the need for targeting each individually. Cards like Wrath of God or Doomskar can wipe the slate clean, taking down Goblin Instigator and its token – and potentially many more goblins if your opponent has been building up their ranks. Spot removal spells like Fatal Push or Bloodchief’s Thirst are also effective, offering a more surgical way to handle these creatures if you’re facing an early game play.
Lastly, preventing the goblins from exploiting their numbers is key. Enchantments like Ghostly Prison or Propaganda can discourage attacks by forcing an additional cost for each creature that swings your way. By employing these tactics, you can keep Goblin Instigator’s impact to a minimum and maintain control of the board.
BurnMana Recommendations
The battlefield of MTG is a dynamic environment where cards like Goblin Instigator can create significant advantages. By generating additional creature tokens, you’re not just playing a card, you’re initiating a strategy that broadens your potential for dominance. Whether you’re integrating it into a tribal deck or leveraging token synergy, this card can be a game-changer. Don’t miss the opportunity to advance your gameplay by utilizing Goblin Instigator’s unique abilities. Expand your collection, master new combos, and navigate the meta with confidence. Dive deeper with us for insights on how to expertly deploy this card and ensure your victories are both strategic and satisfying.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Goblin Instigator MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2019 and Jumpstart, 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 Instigator 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 Goblin Instigator Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2018-07-13 and 2023-04-21. Illustrated by Filip Burburan.
# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2018-07-13 | Core Set 2019 | M19 | 142 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Filip Burburan | |
2 | 2020-07-17 | Jumpstart | JMP | 327 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Filip Burburan | |
3 | 2023-04-21 | March of the Machine Commander | MOC | 282 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Filip Burburan |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Goblin Instigator has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Historicbrawl | Legal |
Historic | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Paupercommander | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Gladiator | Legal |
Pioneer | Legal |
Commander | Legal |
Modern | Legal |
Pauper | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Explorer | Legal |
Timeless | Legal |