Goblin Sky Raider MTG Card
2002-10-07 - Number 208
2005-07-29 - Number 195
2005-07-29 - Number 195★
2007-07-13 - Number 210
2007-07-13 - Number 210★
2010-06-04 - Number 46
| Card sets | Released in 6 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Goblin Warrior |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Flying
The goblin word for "flying" is more accurately translated as "falling slowly."
Cards like Goblin Sky Raider
Goblin Sky Raider is a creature card that finds its niche among the vast array of flying denizens in Magic: The Gathering. This card is a simple airborne aggressor, comparable to cards such as Storm Crow. Both share the ability to fly, but the Raider boasts an additional point of power. Despite this, Storm Crow is often prized for its lower mana cost, making it a quicker threat on the board.
Another parallel can be drawn with cards such as Cloud Elemental. While Cloud Elemental also restricts its blocking capability to only creatures with flying like the Goblin Sky Raider, it offers a sturdier body to survive engagements. However, it demands a specific color composition for casting, making Goblin Sky Raider a more accessible option for decks with a less rigid mana base.
It’s imperative to gauge both the strategic impact and mana efficiency when comparing these avian warriors. Although Goblin Sky Raider won’t be the cornerstone of a deck, its capability to slot into various archetypes as a reasonable flying threat gives it a steady standing among its peers in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Goblin Sky Raider by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Goblin Sky Raider itself doesn’t directly provide card draw, in decks focused on tribal synergies, having another goblin to add to your army can be critical. Its presence may enable other cards in your deck that benefit from the number of goblins in play, effectively contributing to indirect card advantage by enhancing those effects.
Resource Acceleration: Goblin Sky Raider is an efficient play as a three-cost creature with flying. This cost-to-ability ratio ensures that your mana is utilized effectively, allowing for more significant plays in subsequent turns. Although it doesn’t explicitly offer mana acceleration, it ensures you’re developing your board presence without a hefty mana investment.
Instant Speed: While Goblin Sky Raider doesn’t operate at instant speed, its flying ability offers a form of strategic flexibility. You can quickly establish an aerial threat without the need to invest additional resources into giving a ground creature flying. This allows you to keep mana open for actual instant-speed interactions on your opponent’s turn while still progressing your battlefield agenda.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Goblin Sky Raider is not directly associated with a discard mechanic, players should be aware of discard factors in the overall strategy when including cards in their deck. Ensuring synergy without compromising your hand can be challenging.
Specific Mana Cost: Goblin Sky Raider requires a specific mana alignment, costing one red and two other mana to cast. This can pose a restriction, especially in multicolored decks that might struggle with mana consistency.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When you consider its abilities and overall impact on the game, the three mana cost for a simple 1/2 flyer might not be the most mana-efficient investment. There are other creatures in the game that may provide a better cost-to-benefit ratio for players hoping to maximize their deck’s performance.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Goblin Sky Raider serves as a flying creature option in red deck builds, offering a tactical edge by being able to swing over ground-based defenses. Its ability to operate as an evasive attacker makes it fit neatly into various strategies that require some form of aerial assault.
Combo Potential: This card can synergize with other goblins or cards that capitalize on flying creatures. Whether it’s bolstering the ranks in a tribal goblin deck or triggering effects that rely on creatures with flying, Goblin Sky Raider has a place in combos that need a cheap aerial component.
Meta-Relevance: Although not a staple in all metas, its low mana cost and ability to evade common blockers can make it relevant in specific scenarios, especially in casual play or any format where aerial threats are advantageous without requiring a significant mana investment.
How to beat
Goblin Sky Raider represents a classic creature card in Magic: The Gathering, known for its straightforward flying ability. This red creature card can be a thorn in your side if you are not prepared. To counteract the aerial advantage provided by Goblin Sky Raider, consider incorporating cards that can easily deal with flying creatures. Cheap removal spells or those that can target flying creatures, such as Plummet or Windstorm, could swiftly eliminate Goblin Sky Raider from the battlefield.
Another approach is to include creatures with reach in your deck, which can block and combat flyers effectively. Cards like Giant Spider, with its size and reach, can deter attacks from the sky and make opponents think twice before sending their flying creatures into battle. If the game drags into the late stage, make sure to have enough board presence or diversity in your creature types to overrun or outpace the impact that a lone Goblin Sky Raider might have.
Dealing with the Goblin Sky Raider is about being proactive and adaptable. Having a handful of answers ready will ensure that this particular goblin won’t dominate the airspace and will help maintain control over the game’s flow.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Goblin Sky Raider MTG card by a specific set like Onslaught and Ninth Edition, 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 Sky Raider 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 Sky Raider Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2002-10-07 and 2010-06-04. Illustrated by Daren Bader.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2002-10-07 | Onslaught | ONS | 208 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Daren Bader | |
| 2 | 2005-07-29 | Ninth Edition | 9ED | 195 | 2003 | Normal | White | Daren Bader | |
| 3 | 2005-07-29 | Ninth Edition | 9ED | 195★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Daren Bader | |
| 4 | 2007-07-13 | Tenth Edition | 10E | 210 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Daren Bader | |
| 5 | 2007-07-13 | Tenth Edition | 10E | 210★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Daren Bader | |
| 6 | 2010-06-04 | Duels of the Planeswalkers | DPA | 46 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Daren Bader |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Goblin Sky Raider has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |