Goblin Javelineer MTG Card
2021-07-23 - Number 318
2021-07-23 - Number 144
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Goblin Warrior |
| Abilities | Haste |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Haste Whenever Goblin Javelineer becomes blocked, it deals 1 damage to target creature blocking it.
Cards like Goblin Javelineer
Goblin Javelineer finds its place among the myriad of red goblin creatures in Magic: The Gathering. It echoes characteristics seen in fellow goblins, such as the Goblin Arsonist, which also serves as a one-drop creature capable of delivering additional damage to a player or planeswalker when it dies. However, Goblin Javelineer is set apart with its javelin throwing ability, providing a guaranteed point of damage to a creature upon attacking, something the Arsonist cannot do.
Considering other similar options, there’s the Raging Goblin, an aggressive one-drop with haste, allowing for immediate impact on the game, which the Javelineer lacks. The trade-off comes with the Javelineer’s potential for board control with its damage-on-attack effect. Mogg Fanatic is another relative, offering a flexible sacrifice for damage mechanic, contrasting with the attack-triggered ability of the Javelineer, highlighting different strategic uses in combat scenarios.
In analyzing these comparable cards, Goblin Javelineer stands out for its unique contribution to the goblin archetype. It’s a creature that rewards players who adopt an offensive strategy, blending well with the playstyle that goblin decks are celebrated for in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Goblin Javelineer by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Goblin Javelineer. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Boros Aggro | Gladiator | Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 12 2024 | |
| Raging Goblins Q1 2024 | Free form | Canadian Highlander for Duals - Underground Sea Guaranteed - Proxies Allowed | |
 | MonoR Kuldotha | Pauper | Burn | Poznańska Liga Paupera Winter 2023 #10 |
 | Jund Control | Legacy | Charlotte Legacy League Season 1 Week 2 | |
 | Gruul Aggro | Pioneer | Gruul Goblins | Peasant Pioneer Showdown - A Josh and Pat's MTG Bazaar Sponsored Event |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Goblin Javelineer provides a low-cost opportunity to deal with early threats, potentially paving the way for card advantage as it could trade with creatures more expensive in terms of mana cost.
Resource Acceleration: Though not directly impacting mana, the efficient cost of the Goblin Javelineer aids in resource acceleration by allowing a player to deploy more threats or hold mana for other plays, optimizing resource usage.
Instant Speed: The javelin ability of the Goblin Javelineer can be activated at instant speed, offering strategic flexibility to disrupt an opponent’s plans during their turn or as an unexpected blocker.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing Goblin Javelineer comes with the sacrifice of another card from your hand, which could set you back, especially if your hand is already depleted.
Specific Mana Cost: Goblin Javelineer requires red mana, narrowing its inclusion to decks that can produce this color, potentially limiting its versatility across various deck types.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When considering the impact of this creature on the game, its mana cost might seem steep. Efficient alternatives could perform on par or better for less, making the Javelineer a potential pass during deck construction.
Reasons to Include Goblin Javelineer in Your Collection
Versatility: Goblin Javelineer is a flexible card that can be easily incorporated into various deck builds, particularly those looking to add early board presence or bolster their goblin-based synergies.
Combo Potential: This creature can be a key piece in combos, particularly in decks that exploit goblins’ tendency to benefit from sacrificing mechanics or tribal buffs.
Meta-Relevance: With the right meta, where smaller creatures play a significant role, Goblin Javelineer can be a cost-effective way to gain an early advantage and pressure opponents right from the start.
How to beat
Goblin Javelineer presents an interesting dynamic on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. This card poses a particular threat due to its notable ability that deals damage to target attacking or blocking creature. Overcoming this goblin often involves strategic removal. One tactic includes using instant-speed removal spells before it can leverage its ability during combat, such as with Shock or Fatal Push.
Alternatively, evasion techniques can prove effective. Employing creatures with flying or other forms of unblockable abilities circumvents the need to engage Goblin Javelineer in combat at all. This not only neutralizes its threat but also allows your powerful creatures to press an attack without the fear of an untimely javelin toss.
In summary, successfully navigating around the hurdles posed by Goblin Javelineer involves preemptive action and clever combat tactics. Removal spells can clear the way, while evasion abilities can outmaneuver the pesky goblin, ensuring it never becomes a thorn in your strategic side.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Goblin Javelineer MTG card by a specific set like Adventures in the Forgotten Realms and Adventures in the Forgotten Realms, 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 Javelineer 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 Javelineer Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2021-07-23 and 2021-07-23. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2021-07-23 | Adventures in the Forgotten Realms | AFR | 318 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jeff Dee | |
| 2 | 2021-07-23 | Adventures in the Forgotten Realms | AFR | 144 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mike Jordana |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Goblin Javelineer 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 |