Nest Robber MTG Card
2017-09-29 - Number 152
2020-08-13 - Number 79
2022-12-02 - Number 576
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Dinosaur |
| Abilities | Haste |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Key Takeaways
- Haste allows Nest Robber to apply immediate pressure, potentially disrupting an unprepared opponent’s strategy.
- With a mana value of two, its presence is quickly established, maintaining mana for other strategic plays.
- Although vulnerable to removal spells, it’s a strong early-game choice for aggressive red strategies.
Text of card
Haste
"These sailors on our shores are like the dinosaurs that plunder eggs from nests. They live on the labors of others." —Itzama the Crested
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Nest Robber may not directly provide card draw, but its haste ability enables it to apply pressure immediately, potentially leading to card advantage through disrupting your opponent’s strategy before they are adequately prepared.
Resource Acceleration: While Nest Robber doesn’t generate additional resources, its low mana cost allows for a swift play, keeping your mana open for other plays and accelerating your board presence without significant resource investment.
Instant Speed: Although Nest Robber is a creature card and not played at instant speed, its haste feature offers a similar strategic surprise element. You can swiftly pivot from a defensive position to an aggressive one, catching opponents off guard in what may seem like a slower-paced game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Nest Robber doesn’t have a discard requirement itself, it’s important for players to consider this factor when building a deck around aggressive creatures that might compel them to empty their hand quickly, leaving fewer options as the game progresses.
Specific Mana Cost: Nest Robber requires one red mana to cast. This necessitates a commitment to red mana sources in a player’s deck, thereby limiting flexibility in deck construction and potentially making the mana base more vulnerable to disruption.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Nest Robber’s mana value of two, for a 2/1 creature, may be considered efficient in some scenarios; however, in a format where the board can quickly be outpaced by more impactful creatures or where powerful one-mana creatures are abundant, Nest Robber might not always represent the best use of resources.
Reasons to Include Nest Robber in Your Collection
Versatility: Nest Robber’s hastiness makes it a suitable choice for aggressive red strategies, allowing for immediate pressure on opponents. It integrates seamlessly into dinosaur tribal decks or any build looking to push for early damage.
Combo Potential: As a dinosaur, Nest Robber benefits from tribal synergies within MTG and can be the key to enabling powerful combo plays, easily fitting into enrage mechanics where dealing damage to your own creatures triggers beneficial effects.
Meta-Relevance: In a metagame filled with slower, control-oriented decks, Nest Robber can be an unexpected threat, allowing players to get the upper hand by swiftly reducing life totals and outpacing the setup of your opponent’s defenses.
How to beat
Nest Robber presents a swift challenge on the battlefield, boasting both haste and a cost-efficient body as a 2/1 for two mana in Magic: The Gathering. This velociraptor charges into the fray, it’s an agile threat that can catch an unprepared opponent off guard. With its speed and aggression, Nest Robber embodies the essence of red aggro strategies, pushing for early and consistent damage.
However, its haste does come at a slight cost. Nest Robber’s modest stats make it vulnerable to common early-game removal spells such as Shock or Fatal Push. Another effective strategy against this dinosaur is employing creatures with higher toughness early on. A well-placed wall-like creature can not only absorb the Nest Robber’s attack but can also hold the ground against similar aggressive threats. If you’re looking in the realm of enchantments, something like Pacifism can neutralize Nest Robber completely, removing it as a concern without the exchange of creature combat.
In sum, while Nest Robber could potentially create advantageous tempo plays, its impact is easily mitigated by low-cost removal, strategic blockers, or even utility enchantments. By understanding its vulnerabilities, you can fortify your strategy against such hasty predators in MTG.
Cards like Nest Robber
Nest Robber has carved its niche within the Magic: The Gathering roster, filling the need for quick, aggressive creatures. While comparable to other two-mana cost creatures, such as Goblin Piker and Borderland Marauder, Nest Robber has the advantage of haste, enabling it to attack without the usual summoning sickness delay. Unlike Goblin Piker, Nest Robber doesn’t wait a turn to leap into action, making it a preferred card for players looking to rush opponents early in the game.
Another similar creature, the Ashmouth Hound, also offers an immediate board presence with a noteworthy ability that deals extra damage to blocking creatures. However, Nest Robber’s haste still provides a unique advantage for a successful early assault strategy. Additionally, cards like Raptor Companion, which may offer higher toughness for the same cost, lack the haste ability, keeping Nest Robber in a favorable position when speed is paramount.
Ultimately, Nest Robber stands strong when compared to its counterparts, offering swift damage potential in Magic: The Gathering, catering to players who favor an aggressive playstyle and value the ability to react rapidly on the battlefield.
Cards similar to Nest Robber by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Nest Robber MTG card by a specific set like Ixalan and Arena Beginner Set, 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 Nest Robber and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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 Nest Robber Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2017-09-29 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Jonathan Kuo.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2017-09-29 | Ixalan | XLN | 152 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jonathan Kuo | |
| 2 | 2020-08-13 | Arena Beginner Set | ANB | 79 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jonathan Kuo | |
| 3 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 576 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jonathan Kuo |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Nest Robber has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
