Goblin Patrol MTG Card
1998-10-12 - Number 193
2014-06-16 - Number 169
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Goblin |
| Abilities | Echo |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Echo (During your next upkeep after this permanent comes under your control, pay its casting cost or sacrifice it.)
"Take the sharp metal stick and make a lotta holes." —Jula, goblin raider
Cards like Goblin Patrol
Goblin Patrol is a unique creature within the realm of Magic: The Gathering, sharing similarities with other goblin-themed cards. Like Raging Goblin, Goblin Patrol serves as an aggressive one-drop creature adept at swiftly pressuring the opponent. Both cards have haste, allowing them to attack the turn they come into play. Unlike the consistent attack capability of Raging Goblin, Goblin Patrol comes with a quirky upkeep cost of sacrificing a land, adding an extra layer of strategy.
Another card that often comes into comparison is Goblin Guide, a highly efficient creature at two power for one mana with haste. Although Goblin Guide also provides immediate board presence, it lacks Goblin Patrol’s upkeep cost but potentially gives your opponent card advantage by revealing the top card of their library if it’s a land. Then there’s Mogg Conscripts, a comparably efficient creature that can be hindered by the inability to attack unless another creature was cast this turn, a different type of conditional limitation as opposed to Goblin Patrol’s land sacrifice.
In essence, while Goblin Patrol packs a quick punch in the early game, its long-term presence is costly, something that its counterparts do not typically suffer from. This trade-off is pivotal for players seeking immediacy over sustainability in their gameplay.
Cards similar to Goblin Patrol by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Goblin Patrol. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Mono-Red Burn | Premodern | Eternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Goblin Patrol may not generate card advantage directly, but it fits well in decks that leverage a vast number of creatures to overwhelm opponents or enable synergies with cards that benefit from having multiple Goblins on the field.
Resource Acceleration: With its modest casting cost, Goblin Patrol accelerates your board presence quickly, allowing for early pressure on the opponent and facilitating a curve that can lead to more powerful plays in subsequent turns.
Instant Speed: While Goblin Patrol itself is not an instant, it complements decks that operate at instant speed. Its echo cost can conveniently be paid while keeping mana open for instant-speed interactions during the opponent’s turn, making your strategy flexible and unpredictable.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Goblin Patrol requires you to sacrifice it unless you pay its upkeep cost, which could be a significant drawback if you’re aiming for a consistent board presence.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s red mana cost means it fits primarily into mono-red or specific multicolor decks, potentially limiting its versatility across various deck builds.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that lands on the higher end for its creature type, there are alternative goblin creatures available that may offer more mana-efficient options for your goblin tribal strategies or aggro decks.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Goblin Patrol offers a quick offensive option for red deck players. Its low mana cost allows it to be played early, setting an aggressive pace from the start. It’s a fine addition to aggro decks that focus on overwhelming opponents rapidly.
Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with other goblin-themed cards and effects that capitalize on the sheer number of creatures you control. Pair it with cards that boost your goblins’ strength, or use it to fuel sacrifice-based combos for greater tactical advantage.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where fast, creature-based strategies prosper, Goblin Patrol can be an effective tool. Its echo cost also ensures that it fits into metas where resources are managed judiciously, and every play is a careful step towards victory.
How to beat
Goblin Patrol is an aggressive card in MTG that demands a prompt response from opponents. Known for introducing a relentless swarm of goblins to the battlefield, Goblin Patrol can quickly tip the game in favor of aggressive red deck players. To counteract its impact, the best strategy revolves around removal and board control tactics.
One effective approach is to employ early-game removal spells. Instant speed interactions such as Shock or Lightning Bolt allow you to manage the progression of goblin creatures before they overrun you. Control decks with access to sweepers like Wrath of God or Blasphemous Act can reset the board, nullifying the accrued advantage the Goblin Patrol player had been building.
Another avenue is to exploit the card’s echo cost. Since Goblin Patrol requires an additional mana investment in the subsequent turn, placing strategic tempo plays can put the opponent behind. Delaying or bouncing the goblin to their hand can disrupt their plans and buy you crucial time to establish a stronger board presence or draw into more answers. Thus, understanding the dynamics of MTG’s tempo and incorporating the right blend of control elements is key to overcoming the threats posed by Goblin Patrol.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Goblin Patrol MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Saga and Vintage Masters, 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 Patrol 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 Patrol Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1998-10-12 and 2014-06-16. Illustrated by Greg Staples.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1998-10-12 | Urza's Saga | USG | 193 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples | |
| 2 | 2014-06-16 | Vintage Masters | VMA | 169 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Goblin Patrol has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |