Mogg Squad MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Goblin
Released	1997-10-14
Set symbol
Set name	Tempest
Set code	TMP
Power	3
Toughness	3
Number	192
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Joel Biske

Key Takeaways

Mogg Squad enables rapid creature deployment for board control and tactical in-game advantages.
It requires careful deck consideration due to specific mana costs and potential card disadvantage.
Despite limitations, its combat manipulation offers powerful synergy in aggressive red decks.

Text of card

Mogg Squad gets -1/-1 for each other creature in play.

As they crept into the *Weatherlight*'s hold, the squad leader held up his hand and whispered, "Stop, goblins—what's that sound?"

Card Pros

Card Advantage: When playing the Mogg Squad, the ability to amass a greater number of creatures rapidly can tip the scales in your favor. This squad’s potential to outnumber opponents gives you a tactical edge in maintaining board control.

Resource Acceleration: With the Mogg Squad, you’re not just deploying more creatures, you’re potentially ramping up your resources. This can lead to faster execution of your strategy by deploying high-cost cards earlier than you typically would be able to.

Instant Speed: The Mogg Squad can be particularly disruptive at instant speed. This allows you to respond to the flow of the game with tactical precision, whether that’s deploying blockers unexpectedly or capitalizing on an opponent’s end of turn phase for a strategic ambush.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: When considering adding the Mogg Squad to your deck, it’s important to note that you may need to part ways with another card in your hand just to deploy this creature, putting you at a potential card disadvantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Mogg Squad’s specific mana cost confines it to red-centric or compatible decks, thus restricting its flexibility in various MTG strategies. Players not running red may find this card hard to accommodate.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana investment for Mogg Squad is significant, and players should weigh this against other goblins or creatures available. You might find that there are other options that yield more bang for your buck mana-wise, especially given the aggressive nature of red decks that favor a lower curve.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Mogg Squad is a card that can adapt to various strategies within red decks. Its ability to give creatures you control menace until end of turn can turn the tides by making your army harder to block, fitting perfectly in aggressive and combat-focused builds.

Combo Potential: This card can be a key piece in combos that capitalize on unblockable creatures or those that benefit from pushing damage through defensive lines. It works well with abilities that trigger on dealing combat damage to a player.

Meta-Relevance: In a game setting where creature-based strategies are prevalent, Mogg Squad can disrupt your opponent’s blocking plans and enhance the effectiveness of your attacks, making it a timely addition to your collection.

How to Beat

The Mogg Squad is a card that can present a unique challenge on the battlefield. Its diverse abilities can create a formidable barrier, especially when facing a deck that thrives on creature strategies. To navigate against this card, it’s important to focus on removal spells that can target and eliminate the Mogg Squad without the need for combat. Direct damage spells are incredibly effective here, allowing you to bypass the card’s potential buffs and synergies with other creatures.

Additionally, considering sweepers or board-wipe spells could be the key to dismantling a board presence bolstered by the Mogg Squad. Mass removal spells, which can clear multiple creatures at once, present a clean solution without getting entangled in individual creature combat. It’s crucial to manage the timing of these spells to maximize their impact and prevent the Mogg Squad from generating too much value for your opponent.

A strategic approach focusing on the right removals at the right time can shift the tide in your favor. By being selective with your spell choice and timing, you can outmaneuver the challenge posed by Mogg Squad and maintain control of the game.

Cards like Mogg Squad

Mogg Squad adds an intriguing dynamic to the aggressive creature strategies in MTG. When we compare it with other creatures, like Goblin Piledriver, the distinctions become clear. Goblin Piledriver benefits greatly from each other goblin on the battlefield, potentially becoming a giant threat. Mogg Squad, while not boasting such a dramatic increase in power, acts as a reliable early game creature that can clear the path for your other creatures by preventing specific blocking scenarios.

Looking at Legion Loyalist, another goblin creature, we note its battalion ability that can give your team first strike and trample, along with preventing enemy tokens from blocking. This effect is similar to the tactical advantage Mogg Squad provides, though Mogg Squad’s ability doesn’t require multiple attackers and can be more controlled and targeted. There is also the Ember Hauler, which offers versatility with its ability to deal damage to any target, contrasting with Mogg Squad’s more combat-focused utility.

Ultimately, Mogg Squad’s unique characteristic of manipulating combat by inhibiting blockers positions it as a valuable tool for players driving towards an aggressive game state, able to create advantageous combat conditions for the assault.

Cards similar to Mogg Squad by color, type and mana cost

Goblin Elite Infantry - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Mogg Squad MTG card by a specific set like Tempest, 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 Mogg Squad and other MTG cards: