Mudbutton Torchrunner MTG Card
2007-10-12 - Number 185
2007-11-16 - Number 46
2011-04-01 - Number 52
2012-06-01 - Number 49
2014-12-05 - Number 46
2016-11-25 - Number 49
2017-03-17 - Number 104
2022-12-02 - Number 574
| Card sets | Released in 8 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Goblin Warrior |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
When Mudbutton Torchrunner is put into a graveyard from play, it deals 3 damage to target creature or player.
The oil sloshes against his skull as he nears his destination: the Frogtosser Games and the lighting of the Flaming Boggart.
Cards like Mudbutton Torchrunner
Mudbutton Torchrunner is an intriguing creature card in Magic: The Gathering that adds a twist to red decks. With comparable functionality to other cards like Forge Devil, which also deals damage upon leaving the battlefield, Mudbutton Torchrunner differentiates itself by dealing a heftier three damage to any target. This can strategically swing the momentum of a game into the player’s favor.
In contrast, cards like Goblin Arsonist offer similar departure damage effects but only inflict a single point of damage, which while useful, may not impact the board state as significantly as Mudbutton Torchrunner’s more substantial hit. Another peer in this category is Mogg War Marshal, highly valued for its ability to create multiple goblin tokens, yet it doesn’t pack the same punch when it comes to dealing direct damage.
While each card has unique benefits and strategic uses within the game, Mudbutton Torchrunner provides a satisfying balance between creature presence and the potential for a damaging exit, making it a card worth considering for players who relish the possibility of a surprise burst of damage in their MTG gameplay.
Cards similar to Mudbutton Torchrunner by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Mudbutton Torchrunner offers a unique way to potentially gain card advantage upon its death. When it’s destroyed, it deals 3 damage to any target. This ability can help eliminate an opponent’s creature, essentially working as a card exchange that can help tip the balance in your favor. In a match where board presence is key, eliminating an opponent’s threat while converting your card into a direct impact can be a significant upside.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing resource acceleration, the damage inflicted by Mudbutton Torchrunner can be a catalyst for other cards that trigger off of dealing damage. These triggers could lead to drawing cards, generating mana, or other effects that accelerate your resources. Pairing Torchrunner with synergistic cards can be an effective strategy for maintaining tempo.
Instant Speed: Although Mudbutton Torchrunner itself does not have instant speed, the triggered ability to deal 3 damage can be utilized during any phase of the game. This threat of damage can act similarly to having an instant in your hand, forcing your opponent to play around the potential 3 damage whenever Torchrunner is on the battlefield. Additionally, this effect can be combined cleverly with instant speed spells or effects from other cards to strategically time the 3 damage for maximum impact.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Mudbutton Torchrunner needs to be sacrificed or otherwise leave the field to trigger its effect, leading to potential card disadvantage if you can’t optimize the death trigger.
Specific Mana Cost: This creature requires both red and generic mana to cast, which might restrict its integration in multicolor decks or those with stringent mana bases.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At three mana for a 1/1 creature, Mudbutton Torchrunner’s cost-effectiveness is questionable, especially when you factor in the additional steps needed to use its ability compared to other cards with similar effects.
Reasons to Include Mudbutton Torchrunner in Your Collection
Versatility: Mudbutton Torchrunner is adaptable to various play styles. As a creature with a death trigger, it fits well into sacrifice-based strategies or decks that capitalize on direct damage.
Combo Potential: The ability to deal damage upon dying allows for the combination with cards that double death triggers or with instant and sorcery spells to amplify the effect, creating potential for impactful plays.
Meta-Relevance: In game environments where creature-based strategies are prominent, having a card like Mudbutton Torchrunner can provide unexpected advantages, especially when combat tricks and removal are pivotal.
How to beat
Mudbutton Torchrunner might not stand out at first glance among the plethora of creatures in Magic: The Gathering. As a three-mana cost creature, Mudbutton Torchrunner is relatively easy to manage on the battlefield. Its key trait lies in its ability to deal damage to any target when it dies, turning it into a ticking time bomb for your opponent’s life total or creatures.
To effectively counter this creature, it’s critical to minimize the impact of its death-triggered ability. Strategies include employing cards that exile it from the game instead of destroying it, thus avoiding its damage-dealing effect entirely. Furthermore, using instant-speed removal on Mudbutton Torchrunner when your opponent is tapped out can prevent them from exploiting its ability immediately. Tactics such as reducing the damage via damage prevention or shroud-inducing spells can also be useful tools. Ensuring you’re aware of the potential for direct damage is key to keeping your board and life total secure against this explosive goblin.
While Mudbutton Torchrunner presents a death-trigger-related challenge, knowledge of its mechanics and planning your moves with care will greatly reduce the threat it poses, leaving you in a strong position to control the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Mudbutton Torchrunner MTG card by a specific set like Lorwyn and Duel Decks: Elves vs. Goblins, 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 Mudbutton Torchrunner 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 Mudbutton Torchrunner Magic the Gathering card was released in 8 different sets between 2007-10-12 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Steve Ellis.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2007-10-12 | Lorwyn | LRW | 185 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Steve Ellis | |
| 2 | 2007-11-16 | Duel Decks: Elves vs. Goblins | DD1 | 46 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Steve Ellis | |
| 3 | 2011-04-01 | Duel Decks: Knights vs. Dragons | DDG | 52 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Steve Ellis | |
| 4 | 2012-06-01 | Planechase 2012 | PC2 | 49 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Steve Ellis | |
| 5 | 2014-12-05 | Duel Decks Anthology: Elves vs. Goblins | EVG | 46 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steve Ellis | |
| 6 | 2016-11-25 | Planechase Anthology | PCA | 49 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steve Ellis | |
| 7 | 2017-03-17 | Modern Masters 2017 | MM3 | 104 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steve Ellis | |
| 8 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 574 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steve Ellis |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Mudbutton Torchrunner has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |