Warren Instigator MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityMythic
TypeCreature — Goblin Berserker
Abilities Double strike
Power 1
Toughness 1

Key Takeaways

  1. Warren Instigator excels by dropping Goblins into play, granting huge card and board advantage.
  2. Effective in aggressive MTG strategies, it can alter game dynamics by cheating high-cost Goblins.
  3. Despite restrictions, it’s a game-changer in creature-centric metagames, potentially dominating the board.

Text of card

Double strike Whenever Warren Instigator deals damage to an opponent, you may put a Goblin creature card from your hand onto the battlefield.

"Danger! Danger! Come out of the safety of your holes!"


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Warren Instigator has the potential to bring immense card advantage to the battlefield. Each time it deals damage to an opponent, you may put a Goblin creature card from your hand onto the battlefield. This ability not only bypasses the usual casting cost of those creatures but also swells your board presence, propelling you ahead in the game.

Resource Acceleration: The ability to cheat Goblin cards from your hand directly into play acts as a form of resource acceleration. With Warren Instigator, you’re essentially playing additional lands in the form of the goblins they bring into play, which can result in a significant speed boost for your strategy, allowing for more impactful turns earlier in the game.

Instant Speed: While Warren Instigator itself isn’t an instant, it synergizes well with cards that are. This goblin rogue can rapidly change the state of the board, encouraging opponents to hesitate before acting at instant speed themselves. Holding back removal or tricks in fear of what the Instigator could drop onto the battlefield alters the pace of the game to your favor.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: A primary drawback of Warren Instigator is the absence of an inherent discard mechanism. Without support cards to help fuel its double strike capability and build a strong Goblin presence on the battlefield, its potential can be severely limited.

Specific Mana Cost: Warren Instigator’s red-specific casting cost can restrict its integration into multi-colored decks. Players may find it challenging to optimally utilize Warren Instigator in decks that do not have a sufficient red mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At two red mana, Warren Instigator comes with a high cost when considering the investment needed to activate its full potential. Cheaper alternatives may provide a more immediate board presence or impact, making them preferential choices in faster-paced Goblin decks.


Reasons to Include Warren Instigator in Your Collection

Versatility: Warren Instigator’s double strike ability allows it to deal damage twice, making it a respectable threat on its own. Its ability to cheat Goblins onto the battlefield complements various strategies, sliding into aggressive, combo, or tribal Goblin decks with ease.

Combo Potential: This particular card shines when paired with powerful Goblins. When Warren Instigator connects with an opponent, it can instantly turn the tide by putting high-cost Goblins into play for free, setting up game-winning combos out of nowhere.

Meta-Relevance: In metagames where creature-based strategies prevail, Warren Instigator can quickly dominate the board. Its ability to deploy key pieces rapidly makes it a potent force against slower, more controlling decks—punishing them before they can establish their game plan.


How to Beat Warren Instigator

Warren Instigator is a powerhouse in the world of red creature cards in Magic: The Gathering. It’s not just its double strike ability that makes it a force to reckon with but also its potential to cheat in hefty goblins from your deck to the battlefield. Neutralizing this threat become imperative to keep the game in balance.

To effectively counter Warren Instigator, removal spells that can deal with creatures at instant speed are key. Spells like Fatal Push or Path to Exile can disrupt your opponent’s plans before they can capitalize on the Instigator’s abilities. Additionally, instant-speed removals that don’t require a target, like Pyroclasm or Blazing Volley, dismantle its rush without any chance for response, especially if the creature hasn’t attacked yet or is being used in a combo.

From a broader strategy perspective, favoring a control-style deck with ample countermagic and board control can also suppress the Warren Instigator’s impact. Preventative tactics with cards like Essence Scatter ensure that the Instigator never sees the battleground, while consistent board presence can thwart the goblins it aims to summon, keeping the game in your favor.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the art of deck construction and in-game tactics is essential for MTG enthusiasts. With Warren Instigator enhancing your arsenal, leveraging its strengths can be game-changing. Curating a support system with a strong Goblin presence and ensuring the firepower to safeguard your Instigator’s attacks will maximize its potential. Should you aim to outpace your opponents with swift attacks and free creature casts or to build value over time with a growing mob of Goblins, we provide insights to bring your deck-building skills to new heights. Dive deeper with us for strategies, combos, and tips to make Warren Instigator a lynchpin in your swift victory.


Cards like Warren Instigator

In the diverse landscape of creature cards in Magic: The Gathering, Warren Instigator has earned its place as a notable asset for goblin-themed decks. It reminds many players of the popular Goblin Lackey, as both share the characteristic of allowing a player to put a goblin card from their hand onto the battlefield. While Goblin Lackey shines with its one mana cost, Warren Instigator boasts double strike, potentially delivering twice the opportunity to trigger its special ability.

Comparably, another goblin ally comes to mind: Mogg War Marshal. Though it lacks the direct battlefield advantage, it compensates by generating multiple goblin tokens, ensuring a stronger board presence over time. Meanwhile, Warren Instigator requires a successful attack to truly capitalize on its advantage—something that can be mitigated by the opponent’s blockers or removal spells.

After considering the mechanics and synergy within goblin decks, it’s clear Warren Instigator holds a competitive edge in aggressive strategies, especially where it can quickly cheat out high-cost goblins. Its unique blend of aggression and utility can change the tide of a match when it lands successful hits, making it a force to be reckoned within the red zone.

Goblin Lackey - MTG Card versions
Mogg War Marshal - MTG Card versions
Goblin Lackey - MTG Card versions
Mogg War Marshal - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Warren Instigator by color, type and mana cost

Rock Hydra - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Weaponsmith - MTG Card versions
Goblin Rock Sled - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Lieutenant - MTG Card versions
Goblin Recruiter - MTG Card versions
Heart Sliver - MTG Card versions
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Goblin Lookout - MTG Card versions
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Storm Entity - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Soldier - MTG Card versions
Mogg War Marshal - MTG Card versions
Mudbrawler Cohort - MTG Card versions
Rock Hydra - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Weaponsmith - MTG Card versions
Goblin Rock Sled - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Lieutenant - MTG Card versions
Goblin Recruiter - MTG Card versions
Heart Sliver - MTG Card versions
Mogg Flunkies - MTG Card versions
Goblin Elite Infantry - MTG Card versions
Fireslinger - MTG Card versions
Skittish Kavu - MTG Card versions
Rage Weaver - MTG Card versions
Minotaur Explorer - MTG Card versions
Sparksmith - MTG Card versions
Goblin Lookout - MTG Card versions
Skirk Marauder - MTG Card versions
Hellspark Elemental - MTG Card versions
Storm Entity - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Soldier - MTG Card versions
Mogg War Marshal - MTG Card versions
Mudbrawler Cohort - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Warren Instigator MTG card by a specific set like Zendikar and Treasure Chest, 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 Warren Instigator and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Warren Instigator Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2009-10-02 and 2019-12-02. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12009-10-02ZendikarZEN 1542003NormalBlackAndrew Robinson
22016-11-16Treasure ChestPZ2 658532015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
32017-10-24Duel Decks: Merfolk vs. GoblinsDDT 322015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
42019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 1572015NormalBlackMatteo Bassini

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Warren Instigator has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2009-10-01 If Warren Instigator attacks an opponent and isn’t blocked, its double strike ability will cause it to deal combat damage to that opponent twice, once during each combat damage step. Its triggered ability will thus trigger twice: Warren Instigator deals first-strike combat damage, its ability triggers and resolves, it deals regular combat damage, and its ability triggers and resolves again.
2009-10-01 Warren Instigator’s ability triggers when it deals any kind of damage to an opponent, not just combat damage.

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