Goblin Settler MTG Card

Destroys lands to hinder opponents, possibly gaining card advantage and disrupting their strategy. High mana cost and self-sacrifice limit its repeated use and impose deck-building constraints. A unique combination of creature utility and land destruction sets it apart in MTG.

Starter 1999 (S99)
1999-07-01 - Number 106

Vintage Masters (VMA)
2014-06-16 - Number 172

Secret Lair Drop (SLD)
2019-12-02 - Number 1076

Card sets	Released in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Goblin
Power	1
Toughness	1

Text of card

When Goblin Settler comes into play, destroy target land.

Be it ever so crumbled, there's no place like home.

Cards like Goblin Settler

Goblin Settler stands out in the realm of creature cards with land destruction abilities. This card can be a tactical game-changer by allowing you to destroy an opponent’s land as soon as it hits the battlefield. Land destruction cards such as Stone Rain share the fundamental concept of targeting lands, but lack the added advantage of providing a creature presence on the field.

Another close relative in function is Avalanche Riders. While both require four mana to play, Avalanche Riders has haste, enabling an immediate impact, though it also comes with an echo cost to maintain it on the board. On the contrary, Goblin Settler remains without any recurring costs. Then we have Fulminator Mage, a versatile option that not only can take out nonbasic lands but also provides a body to block or attack.

Evaluating these cards, Goblin Settler secures a unique position. It may not have the rapid deployment of Avalanche Riders or the selective targeting of Fulminator Mage, yet it uniformly impacts games by combining the utility of a creature with the strategic edge of land removal, all without additional investment beyond its initial casting cost.

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

Krark-Clan Engineers - MTG Card versions

Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: When you play Goblin Settler, its ability to destroy a land can disrupt your opponent’s play strategy, potentially setting them back a turn or more. This action doesn’t just stunt their growth—it can also indirectly lead to card advantage as your adversary struggles to find the resources necessary to execute their game plan.

Resource Acceleration: Although Goblin Settler itself doesn’t directly provide resource acceleration, eliminating a crucial land of your opponent can act in favor of your own acceleration. By doing so, you maintain a plateau of mana independence while they may have to rebuild their mana base, effectively giving you a time resource advantage in progressing your board state.

Instant Speed: Goblin Settler doesn’t operate at instant speed itself; however, the effect it has on the game can be comparable to some instant speed disruption spells. Its land destruction can be timed strategically during your main phase to effectively ‘counter’ an opponent’s anticipated play by cutting off their mana just before they need it, thereby acting as a preemptive disruption tactic.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Goblin Settler requires players to sacrifice it when its ability is used. This self-sacrifice means losing the creature after a single use, potentially limiting board presence and reducing opportunities for recurring value over the course of a game.

Specific Mana Cost: With a mana cost that includes one red mana, Goblin Settler’s inclusion is primarily in red or red-inclusive decks. This color specificity can restrict deck-building flexibility, making it less versatile for players who run multicolored decks without a strong red component.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At four mana (three colorless and one red), the casting cost for Goblin Settler is on the higher side for its effect. Considering other options in the game that might destroy a land for less, or offer additional benefits, Goblin Settler could be seen as a less mana-efficient choice in a deck builder’s arsenal.

Reasons to Include Goblin Settler in Your Collection

Versatility: Goblin Settler offers a unique effect, allowing you to destroy a land upon entering the battlefield. This functionality makes it a valuable addition to land destruction decks and a potential fit for various strategies focused on resource denial.

Combo Potential: The card’s ability to disrupt mana bases pairs well with strategies that capitalize on opponents being resource-limited. Combining Goblin Settler with cards that allow you to reuse or replicate its land destruction effect can lead to powerful board control.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where nonbasic lands play a critical role, Goblin Settler can serve as a precise tool to unsettle complex land-based strategies your opponents might rely on, providing a tactical edge in competitive play.

How to Beat

Goblin Settler can be a tricky card to handle in MTG, particularly because of its unique ability to destroy a land when it enters the battlefield. This can significantly disrupt your mana curve and set you back in the game. To counter this card effectively, it’s essential to utilize instant-speed removal spells. This way, you can eliminate the Goblin Settler before its ability triggers, thus preserving your land base.

Another strategy is to have counter spells ready in hand. Cards like Counterspell or Mana Leak can prevent the Goblin Settler from hitting the board in the first place, circumventing its land destruction ability altogether. Additionally, cards that can bounce Goblin Settler back to the opponent’s hand after it has been cast, such as Unsummon or Vapor Snag, can also be effective. They not only remove the immediate threat but also force your opponent to waste resources if they attempt to play it again. Therefore, being prepared with the right spells in your deck is key to maintaining control over the game despite facing potentially game-altering cards like Goblin Settler.

Remember, the best way to beat Goblin Settler is by staying one step ahead and keeping solutions in your hand that can swiftly deal with threats as they arise.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Goblin Settler MTG card by a specific set like Starter 1999 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 Settler and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Goblin Settler Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1999-07-01 and 2019-12-02. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	1999-07-01	Starter 1999	S99	106	1997	Normal	White	Carl Critchlow
2	2014-06-16	Vintage Masters	VMA	172	2015	Normal	Black	Carl Critchlow
3	~~2019-12-02~~	Secret Lair Drop	SLD	1076	2015	Normal	Borderless	Roman Klonek

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Goblin Settler has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Restricted
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal