Riveteers Provocateur MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Viashino Warrior |
| Abilities | Blitz,Menace |
| Released | 2022-06-02 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Alchemy: New Capenna |
| Set code | YSNC |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 26 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Nestor Ossandon Leal |
Text of card
Menace When Riveteers Provocateur enters the battlefield, choose a creature card in your hand without blitz. It perpetually gains blitz. The blitz cost is equal to its mana cost. Blitz (If you cast this spell for its blitz cost, it gains haste and "When this creature dies, draw a card." Sacrifice it at the beginning of the next end step.)
Cards like Riveteers Provocateur
Riveteers Provocateur is a unique creature in the vibrant world of Magic: The Gathering. It draws parallels with cards such as Robber of the Rich for its ability to disrupt an opponent’s strategies. Both creatures share the propensity to meddle with the opponent’s hand, although Riveteers Provocateur is more about forcing their hand — pushing the opponent to play spells sooner than they intend. The Robber of the Rich, in contrast, directly steals from the opponent’s deck, potentially providing you extra resources.
Analogous to Azra Oddsmaker, Riveteers Provocateur thrives in scenarios that incentivize attacking. While Azra Oddsmaker can bestow card advantage when a gambled creature successfully connects with an opponent, Riveteers Provocateur leans into a more aggressive strategic posture, compelling opponents to act or suffer the consequences. This creates a different kind of advantage — more psychological than material.
Another card that shares a kinship with Riveteers Provocateur is Xantcha, Sleeper Agent. This fiendish creature also manipulates opponents by offering them an alternative way to spend their mana and impact the board. However, Xantcha does this by becoming a communal threat, whereas Riveteers Provocateur remains under your control, giving you the reins to sway the match tempo.
Even within the varied options available, Riveteers Provocateur stands out for its unique combination of offensive pressure and psychological gameplay. Its compelling presence on the battlefield can pivot the direction of a duel, making it an intriguing choice for players looking to control the pace and flow of the match.
Cards similar to Riveteers Provocateur by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Riveteers Provocateur. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Rakdos Aggro | Gladiator | Gladiator Team Unified League |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Riveteers Provocateur offers distinct benefits to players by replacing itself in hand when entering the battlefield. This restocking of resources is vital for sustaining the flow of your strategy and keeping the pressure on opponents.
Resource Acceleration: This card also accelerates your resources by potentially discarding a land card, which synergizes with landfall or graveyard mechanics. This enables more demanding plays earlier in the game, setting a faster pace and capitalizing on your deck’s momentum.
Instant Speed: While not an instant itself, Riveteers Provocateur can trigger an effect at instant speed under the right conditions. This versatility ensures that even during an opponent’s turn, you’re actively engaging and making strategic moves that can alter the state of the game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Riveteers Provocateur demands that you discard a card to activate its ability. This can be a steep price in a game where card advantage is crucial, potentially putting you at a disadvantage if you are already behind.
Specific Mana Cost: This card necessitates a precise blend of mana colors to cast. The red and black mana requirement could restrict deck-building options, particularly in formats where mana flexibility is key to consistency.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Riveteers Provocateur offers an intriguing mix of aggression and utility, its casting cost is on the higher side for its power level. In a game where speed can be essential, the four-mana investment may not always align with your strategy, especially when considering alternative cards with similar or better effects at a lower mana value.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Riveteers Provocateur has the capability to slide seamlessly into a variety of decks. This card thrives in environments that reward aggressive play and can tip the scales in matches by disrupting opponents’ strategies.
Combo Potential: This card works well with mechanics that reward dealing damage to your opponent, or when paired with cards that can take advantage of the discard effect. It can be a key piece in decks built to leverage these synergies.
Meta-Relevance: Due to its potential to apply early pressure and disrupt your opponent’s hand, Riveteers Provocateur can be particularly effective if the current metagame favors slow-build decks or combo setups that require specific cards in hand to function effectively. It’s a powerful asset when shaping the flow of the game to your advantage.
How to beat
Riveteers Provocateur presents unique challenges on the battlefield with its ability to dictate combat decisions. This card can disrupt your strategy by forcing unwelcome attacks, potentially causing unfavorable trades. To navigate against this menace effectively, smart gameplay and card selection are vital. Cards that provide protection, such as instant-speed removals or those offering indestructibility to your creatures, can mitigate the forced attack effect.
Utilizing creatures with strong defensive capabilities also serves as a solid counter. Those set to block the coerced attackers can help retain board control. Additionally, incorporating cards that can bypass or nullify abilities, such as hexproof or shroud enablers to shield your creatures, can be a discerning approach. This way, your opponent’s planned provocation can backfire, allowing you to maintain an upper hand in combat.
Always consider flexibility in your strategy when facing Riveteers Provocateur. Employ both caution in the development of your board state and precision in the execution of your spells and abilities. A well-prepared deck with answers to this provocative dilemma ensures you remain unfazed and in command of the game’s flow.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Riveteers Provocateur MTG card by a specific set like Alchemy: New Capenna, 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 Riveteers Provocateur and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Riveteers Provocateur has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |