Merciless Javelineer MTG Card
2017-04-28 - Number 202
2020-08-13 - Number 245
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Minotaur Warrior |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
, Discard a card: Put a -1/-1 counter on target creature. That creature can't block this turn.
"My mind is the calm in the midst of the storm, and my javelin the lightning."
Cards like Merciless Javelineer
Merciless Javelineer offers a distinct twist on the mechanic of card discard and creature control within Magic: The Gathering. It could draw parallels to cards like Olivia, Mobilized for War, which also revolves around discarding a card to enable an additional effect. However, while Olivia turns the discarded card into an advantage by conferring haste and a +1/+1 counter, Merciless Javelineer applies its effect on the battlefield by placing -1/-1 counters on opposing creatures, acting as a form of removal or damage control.
In the same spectrum stands Neheb, the Worthy, another card that benefits from discarding, in which case it buffs other Minotaur creatures and potentially shrinks your opponent’s hand. Merciless Javelineer doesn’t offer buffs to others but is a formidable standalone option for strategically weakening creatures your opponent controls. Another notable comparative card is Flameblade Adept which, while benefiting from cycling or discarding cards, is more focused on being an aggressive attacker rather than controlling the field like Merciless Javelineer.
Assessing their uses across different strategies, Merciless Javelineer stands out with its unique ability to manipulate combat dynamics while simultaneously filtering your hand, making it a versatile card in decks that capitalize on discard tactics.
Cards similar to Merciless Javelineer by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Merciless Javelineer provides a strategic benefit by converting discarded cards into direct damage, turning potential dead draws into useful resources and potentially thinning out the deck to reach key cards faster.
Resource Acceleration: While not a direct source of mana acceleration, the ability to discard cards for effect efficiently utilizes your hand, ensuring that all resources, including lands beyond what’s necessary, can contribute to controlling the battlefield.
Instant Speed: Merciless Javelineer’s ability can be activated at instant speed, offering flexibility to respond during an opponent’s turn. This unpredictability can lead to advantageous blocks or disrupting your opponent’s strategy by removing key creatures when least expected.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Merciless Javelineer demands a card be discarded to activate its ability. This can impede your hand management, especially in situations where retaining card advantage is critical.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both red and black mana, the Merciless Javelineer necessitates a commitment to a Rakdos color framework. This specific need can hinder its inclusion in more diverse mana-base decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Positioned at four mana, it can be argued that the Javelineer’s cost-to-impact ratio is not as favorable when compared to other options within the same cost range. Players often seek alternatives that provide immediate and substantial board influence.
Reasons to Include Merciless Javelineer in Your Collection
Versatility: Merciless Javelineer offers a broad utility in aggressive strategies. It serves as a reliable source for both creature control and player damage, fitting seamlessly into red and black decks seeking to apply pressure and dominate the board.
Combo Potential: The discard ability synergizes with madness cards or graveyard strategies, unlocking additional layers of depth for decks that exploit such synergies, making it a smart choice for players looking to create intricate and surprising combos.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta that values repeatable effects and board interaction, Merciless Javelineer stands out as a card that can repeatedly disrupt opponent strategies while progressing your own game plan, which is vital for maintaining an edge in evolving competitive environments.
How to beat
Merciless Javelineer is a formidable card that can often tip the scales of a game in Magic: The Gathering. With its ability to discard a card to put -1/-1 counters on target creatures, it can control the battlefield by weakening your opponent’s creatures. Notably, it operates at a balanced mana cost, offering strategic depth and board control in the mid-game.
Countering Merciless Javelineer effectively requires a careful approach. Utilizing instant-speed removal spells that can target and eliminate the Javelineer before its ability is activated can be key. Additionally, cards with hexproof or indestructible can withstand the -1/-1 counter ability, making them reliable in face of the Javelineer’s threat. Keeping a steady stream of creatures can also overwhelm the Javelineer, as it can only target one creature at a time with its ability.
Making strategic plays to minimize the impact of its discard mechanic is vital. By ensuring card advantage or employing strategies that benefit from having cards in your graveyard, you can offset the cost of discarding. In essence, a well-timed response and a strategy that anticipates potential threats like Merciless Javelineer can turn the tide of a match in your favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Merciless Javelineer MTG card by a specific set like Amonkhet and Amonkhet Remastered, 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 Merciless Javelineer and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
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- Card Market
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Printings
The Merciless Javelineer Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2017-04-28 and 2020-08-13. Illustrated by Nils Hamm.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2017-04-28 | Amonkhet | AKH | 202 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Nils Hamm | |
| 2 | 2020-08-13 | Amonkhet Remastered | AKR | 245 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Nils Hamm |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Merciless Javelineer has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Merciless Javelineer card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2017-04-18 | Once a creature has blocked, Merciless Javelineer’s ability can’t undo that block. |
| 2017-04-18 | The target creature won’t be able to block even if the -1/-1 counter is removed from it or if the -1/-1 counter can’t be put on it. |