Goblin Maskmaker MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Goblin Citizen |
| Released | 2024-02-09 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Murders at Karlov Manor |
| Set code | MKM |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 130 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Tomas Duchek |
Text of card
Whenever Goblin Maskmaker attacks, face-down spells you cast this turn cost less to cast.
"When you can't show your own face, try one of mine!"
Cards like Goblin Maskmaker
Exploring the landscape of Magic: The Gathering’s creature cards, Goblin Maskmaker emerges as a notable member of the goblin tribe. It bears resemblance to other goblin cards that thrive in synergistic strategies. Legion Loyalist, for instance, is another member of the goblin family that offers both an aggressive early play and a battalion ability that can be game-changing during combat.
When examining cards with similar creative mechanics, Goblin Welder is a comparable choice. It allows for the reanimation of artifacts by swapping them from the graveyard to the battlefield, much like how Goblin Maskmaker can induce surprising shifts in board state with its mask token creation. However, Goblin Welder’s impact tends to be more immediate and potent in artifact-heavy decks.
In evaluating creature functionality, Skirk Prospector is also worth mentioning. It generates mana by sacrificing goblins, which underscores the strategic sacrifice elements that goblin cards often employ, though in a different manner compared to Goblin Maskmaker’s token creation. Each card has its unique role in harnessing the sheer chaos and advantage goblins bring to the table, aligning well with the tribe’s overall strategy of overwhelming the opponent with numerous, tricky effects.
Cards similar to Goblin Maskmaker by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Goblin Maskmaker. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Goblin Maskmaker shines when it comes to card advantage. Its ability to create token copies of itself means one card can lead to multiple threats on the board. This ensures that your hand’s potency extends far beyond the single use of most other cards, keeping your opponents constantly on their toes.
Resource Acceleration: As a card steeped in the rich lore of MTG’s goblin-focused decks, Goblin Maskmaker excels at ramping up your resources. It doesn’t just add bodies to the board; it’s about the opportunity to convert those extra goblin tokens into tangible assets through synergies with other cards that benefit from having numerous goblins in play.
Instant Speed: Although the Goblin Maskmaker itself isn’t an instant, it interacts favorably with instant speed spells and effects in your arsenal. Capable of creating surprise blockers or attackers during specific phases of the game, it aligns perfectly with a strategy that keeps the adversary guessing. This strategic depth affords you the latitude to maximize your mana each turn, ensuring you’re always playing at peak efficiency.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Goblin Maskmaker demands a card to be discarded to activate its key ability. This can pose a problem when your hand is already depleted, potentially forcing you to lose valuable assets or depleting your strategic options.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Goblin Maskmaker includes both generic and red mana, constraining its playability mainly to mono-red or two-color decks that can reliably produce the necessary mana. Decks with a wider color palette might struggle to accommodate such a specific requirement without tweaking their mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that is not negligible, this card comes into play relatively late. Early game, players might find themselves prioritizing other plays over setting up for Goblin Maskmaker’s benefits. Additionally, considering the aggressive nature of most goblin-themed decks, the cost might not align with the usual low-curve strategy, potentially slowing down the deck’s tempo.
Reasons to Include Goblin Maskmaker in Your Collection
Versatility: Goblin Maskmaker integrates well with various deck archetypes, particularly those that thrive on creature-based strategies or are looking to capitalize on goblin tribal synergies.
Combo Potential: This card’s ability to enhance goblins can be a game-changer, enabling explosive turns and synergizing with other cards that feed off of strong goblin presence on the board.
Meta-Relevance: Considering the shifting landscape of gameplay, the Goblin Maskmaker could serve a critical role in matchups where enhancing individual creatures or building a formidable goblin army becomes essential to overpowering the opponent.
How to beat
Goblin Maskmaker presents a unique challenge in MTG due to its ability to create menace in the early game. This nimble creature card can be a nuisance by enhancing other goblins’ power with its mask-making antics. To successfully navigate the obstacle of a boosted goblin army, focus on removal spells that can target multiple creatures at once. Something like a board-clearing effect — for instance, a well-timed “Blasphemous Act” can decimate the expanded goblin ranks without much cost.
Another effective strategy is to employ pinpoint removal spells like “Fatal Push” or “Path to Exile” as soon as Goblin Maskmaker hits the board to preempt the mask distribution. Mitigating its influence immediately mitigates the swarm potential. Additionally, whenever possible, counter spells in your arsenal can ensure the Maskmaker never gets off the ground. Don’t overlook the power of enchantment-based control either — “Pacifism” or “Suspension Field” can render the creature harmless, unable to craft its masks and boost its brethren. These strategies, when executed correctly, will ensure that the goblin mischief is kept firmly in check.
Recognizing the potential snowball effect Goblin Maskmaker brings to the table can help you prepare a defense. Whether through removal, counters, or control, keeping this card in check is crucial for maintaining an edge in your MTG matches.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Goblin Maskmaker MTG card by a specific set like Murders at Karlov Manor, 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 Maskmaker 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Goblin Maskmaker has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Standardbrawl | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |