Skirk Marauder MTG Card
2003-01-01 - Number 6
2003-02-03 - Number 113
2010-06-18 - Number 48
2002-06-24 - Number 36260
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Goblin |
| Abilities | Morph |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Morph (You may cast this card face down as a 2/2 creature for . Turn it face up any time for its morph cost.) When Skirk Marauder is turned face up, it deals 2 damage to any target.
Cards like Skirk Marauder
Skirk Marauder is a staple in decks focusing on creature destruction in MTG. This goblin creature shares similarities with cards like Ember Hauler, which also offers the ability to deal damage upon being sacrificed. Skirk Marauder, however, elevates this with its morbid twist; dealing damage equal to its power once it’s turned face up, after being morphed. Ember Hauler delivers an equal trade of two mana for two damage, a balance that is simple and effective for swift removal strategies.
Comparatively, we have Goblin Arsonist, a diminutive creature that inflicts a single point of damage when it dies. While less impactful than Skirk Marauder’s potential for larger damage, the Arsonist’s low cost makes it an early game nuisance. Mogg War Marshal echoes the theme of goblin sacrifice but focuses more on token generation than direct damage, providing a different kind of utility for swarm strategies, yet can still pair well with sacrifice triggers.
Assessing these offerings reveals Skirk Marauder as a versatile choice for players who appreciate reactive playstyles and the surprise factor of morphing creatures, making it a nuanced option within red’s direct damage creature lineup in MTG.
Cards similar to Skirk Marauder by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Skirk Marauder offers a unique form of card advantage through its Morph mechanic. The ability to flip it for surprise damage can counteract an opponent’s creature without needing an additional card, effectively handling two threats with one card.
Resource Acceleration: While Skirk Marauder doesn’t directly accelerate resources in the traditional sense, its low casting cost enables rapid deployment. This swift play can hasten the pace at which you present threats, pressuring your opponent’s resources.
Instant Speed: Although Skirk Marauder operates at sorcery speed, its Morph cost can be paid at instant speed, allowing strategic flexibility. This can disrupt an adversary’s calculation during combat or in response to spells targeting the Marauder.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Skirk Marauder card doesn’t involve discarding directly, but as part of the Echo cost, it can pressure your hand by essentially demanding you pay its casting cost twice or sacrifice it, which might deplete your resources faster than anticipated.
Specific Mana Cost: The Skirk Marauder requires red mana to cast. This specification can make it a less flexible option in multicolored decks that might not always have red mana readily available, potentially leading to it sitting unusable in your hand at crucial times.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost and an additional Echo cost to consider, the total investment for the Skirk Marauder to stay on the battlefield can be steep in terms of mana economy, especially when compared to other two-drop creatures that don’t carry such a demanding Echo cost, offering potentially greater value or impact on the game immediately upon hitting the board.
Reasons to Include Skirk Marauder in Your Collection
Versatility: Skirk Marauder is a robust choice for red-based decks, fitting well into aggressive strategies. With its Morph ability, it offers flexibility in gameplay, allowing players to surprise opponents with sudden damage effects.
Combo Potential: This card has significant synergy with effects that trigger upon creatures dying or dealing direct damage. It can be a key piece in a combination of cards that aim to deplete opponents’ life quickly or disrupt their board presence.
Meta-Relevance: In game environments where small utility creatures are prevalent, Skirk Marauder can serve as an effective removal tool. It can adapt to shifts in the meta that favor aggressive tactics, making it a valuable addition for players who like to stay ahead of the curve.
How to beat Skirk Marauder
Skirk Marauder brings a unique dynamism to the battlefield, primarily due to its Morph ability, allowing it to turn face up and trigger a damage-dealing effect. This sneaky goblin can catch opponents by surprise, inflicting direct damage which can be vital in disrupting your adversaries’ game plans. Understanding the potential of Skirk Marauder is crucial to effectively countering it.
One of the simplest yet most effective strategies to neutralize Skirk Marauder is to remove it while it’s still a face-down creature. By doing so, you circumvent the triggered ability that deals damage upon turning face up. Board wipes and spot removals are efficient tools for this, especially when activated before your opponent accumulates enough mana to use the Morph ability. Tapping into instant speed removal gives you the flexibility to act swiftly during your opponent’s turn.
Moreover, using counterspells can be especially potent against Skirk Marauder, ensuring it never even hits the battlefield. By employing these methods, you maintain control over the game, keep surprise damage at bay, and reduce the risk of being outmaneuvered by the marauding goblins’ quick tactics.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Skirk Marauder MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Arena League 2003, 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 Skirk Marauder and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
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- MTG Mint Card
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- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
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Printings
The Skirk Marauder Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2003-01-01 and 2010-06-18. Illustrated by Pete Venters.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 36260 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Pete Venters | ||
| 2 | 2003-01-01 | Arena League 2003 | PAL03 | 6 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Pete Venters | |
| 3 | 2003-02-03 | Legions | LGN | 113 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Pete Venters | |
| 4 | 2010-06-18 | Archenemy | ARC | 48 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Pete Venters |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Skirk Marauder has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Skirk Marauder card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | The trigger occurs when you use the Morph ability to turn the card face up, or when an effect turns it face up. It will not trigger on being revealed or on leaving the battlefield. |