Volley Veteran MTG Card


Amplifies damage output significantly depending on the number of Goblins controlled. Strategic for Goblin-heavy decks, enabling potent combos and board control. Effective in a creature-focused meta, capable of both offense and defense.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Goblin Warrior
Power 4
Toughness 2

Text of card

When Volley Veteran enters the battlefield, it deals damage to target creature an opponent controls equal to the number of Goblins you control.

"Fill the sky with stuff!"


Cards like Volley Veteran

Volley Veteran joins the ranks of creature cards in Magic: The Gathering that make an impact with direct damage abilities. It shares a kinship with cards like Guttersnipe, which deals damage to opponents whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell. However, Volley Veteran comes with a unique flavor – its damage output depends on the number of Goblins under your control.

An interesting comparison here would be to Flametongue Kavu, a creature that deals damage to a target creature upon entering the battlefield. While Flametongue Kavu’s damage is fixed, Volley Veteran has the potential for increased damage based on the tribal synergy with other Goblins. Another card to consider is Siege-Gang Commander, which not only deals damage but also beefs up your board with additional Goblin tokens.

Ultimately, Volley Veteran stands out in the MTG universe for its tribal-specific mechanic that can change the scale of damage dealt, particularly in a deck dense with Goblins. This makes it a formidable card for players looking to capitalize on the strength of tribal synergies within their MTG gameplay strategy.

Guttersnipe - MTG Card versions
Flametongue Kavu - MTG Card versions
Siege-Gang Commander - MTG Card versions
Guttersnipe - MTG Card versions
Flametongue Kavu - MTG Card versions
Siege-Gang Commander - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Volley Veteran by color, type and mana cost

Keldon Warlord - MTG Card versions
Crimson Manticore - MTG Card versions
Márton Stromgald - MTG Card versions
Reckless Embermage - MTG Card versions
Wildfire Emissary - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Giant - MTG Card versions
Rathi Dragon - MTG Card versions
Mogg Bombers - MTG Card versions
Warmonger - MTG Card versions
Bloodfire Kavu - MTG Card versions
Whipkeeper - MTG Card versions
Anger - MTG Card versions
Nalathni Dragon - MTG Card versions
Everquill Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Lesser Gargadon - MTG Card versions
Krark-Clan Engineers - MTG Card versions
Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked - MTG Card versions
Ogre Taskmaster - MTG Card versions
Ogre Gatecrasher - MTG Card versions
Reckless One - MTG Card versions
Keldon Warlord - MTG Card versions
Crimson Manticore - MTG Card versions
Márton Stromgald - MTG Card versions
Reckless Embermage - MTG Card versions
Wildfire Emissary - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Giant - MTG Card versions
Rathi Dragon - MTG Card versions
Mogg Bombers - MTG Card versions
Warmonger - MTG Card versions
Bloodfire Kavu - MTG Card versions
Whipkeeper - MTG Card versions
Anger - MTG Card versions
Nalathni Dragon - MTG Card versions
Everquill Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Lesser Gargadon - MTG Card versions
Krark-Clan Engineers - MTG Card versions
Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked - MTG Card versions
Ogre Taskmaster - MTG Card versions
Ogre Gatecrasher - MTG Card versions
Reckless One - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Volley Veteran. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
DecklistDecklist Free formSet Roulette Feburary 2024
RR LegacyLegacy League 2023-11-25

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Volley Veteran shines in decks that capitalize on goblins. Each goblin in play increases the damage potential of Volley Veteran, effectively providing card advantage as it can eliminate an opponent’s creature while adding to your board presence.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly accelerating resources, Volley Veteran’s potential for a high-impact play can shift the game’s pace. By clearing blockers or threats, you pave the way for your goblins to attack, indirectly speeding up your game plan.

Instant Speed: Although played at sorcery speed, the immediate impact of Volley Veteran’s ability can be akin to instant speed removal, disrupting your opponent’s strategy during your turn and potentially catching them off guard with a well-timed board alteration.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Volley Veteran doesn’t have a discard requirement in its own right, it does necessitate having other Goblins either on the battlefield or in hand to fully capitalize on its ability. This can be a downside in decks not fully dedicated to the Goblin tribe.

Specific Mana Cost: Volley Veteran demands both generic and red mana, specifically three of any kind and one red. This specificity can make the card less flexible in multi-colored decks that might struggle with mana fixing.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana, Volley Veteran may arrive a bit too late in the game, especially considering aggro decks prefer lower-cost creatures to establish board presence quickly. There are other four-mana spells or creatures that can offer immediate and potentially larger impacts the moment they enter the battlefield.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Volley Veteran slips seamlessly into decks that capitalize on the Goblin tribe’s strength. Its ability to deal damage scaled with the number of Goblins you control makes it adaptable to various game states.

Combo Potential: This card shines in synergic combinations, enabling devastating impacts in concert with cards like “Skirk Prospector” to generate mana or “Krenko, Mob Boss” for token generation, turning it into a formidable damage dealer.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta that favors creature-based strategies, Volley Veteran serves as a valuable player. It operates as both an offensive threat and a way to clear the board of pesky creatures, making it a flexible choice in ever-evolving game environments.


How to beat

Volley Veteran is a creature card that can pack a punch in your MTG matchup, especially in decks that capitalize on Goblin synergy. Its ability to deal damage equivalent to the number of Goblins you control when it enters the battlefield makes it a formidable card against opponents. To overcome the challenge it presents, consider playing with cards that limit the number of Goblins on the field. Board clearing spells like Wrath of God or spot removal options such as Doom Blade can efficiently eliminate the problem before it escalates.

Another strategy is to use counter spells to prevent Volley Veteran from ever entering the game. Since the ability triggers on entry, denying the casting with cards like Counterspell or Negate can nip the issue in the bud. If Volley Veteran is already in play, enchantments that neutralize abilities, like Pacifism or Darksteel Mutation, can sideline the creature without the need for destruction.

Decks with the capability to go wide swiftly can also undermine Volley Veteran’s impact. By outpacing your opponent in creature production, you reduce the relative threat of their Goblin-based strategies. Employing cards like Raise the Alarm or Lingering Souls provides the needed creature volume to dilute the Veteran’s effect. Ultimately, the right combination of removal, countermeasures, or swarming tactics will be your best defense in taking down this Goblin sharpshooter.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG is understanding that each card has its place and potential for greatness. Volley Veteran is a classic example of a card that shines with the right support from other goblins. If you’re constructing a deck heavy in Goblin cards, this card can be a game-changer, turning the tide with its damage-dealing ability. Diving into the nuances of card synergy is key to forging a winning strategy. Interested in optimizing your deck with Volley Veteran’s firepower? Let us guide you through building a tribal force that opponents will fear. Explore more with us and make every match count.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Volley Veteran MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2019 and Jumpstart, 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 Volley Veteran and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Volley Veteran Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2018-07-13 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Craig J Spearing.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12018-07-13Core Set 2019M19 1682015NormalBlackCraig J Spearing
22020-07-17JumpstartJMP 3692015NormalBlackCraig J Spearing
32022-12-02Jumpstart 2022J22 6192015NormalBlackCraig J Spearing

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Volley Veteran has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Volley Veteran card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2018-07-13 The number of Goblins you control is counted only as Volley Veteran’s ability resolves. If Volley Veteran is still on the battlefield, it will count itself.