Aetherborn Marauder MTG Card


Aetherborn Marauder’s ability to shift +1/+1 counters can be a game-changer, bolstering its power. The card’s versatility in black-focused decks adds depth to counter and lifelink strategies. It competes with similar cards but offers unique benefits with its counter manipulation.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Aetherborn Rogue
Abilities Flying,Lifelink
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

Flying, lifelink When Aetherborn Marauder enters the battlefield, move any number of +1/+1 counters from other permanents you control onto Aetherborn Marauder.

"I don't know what that is or who it belongs to, but it's shiny and I want it."


Cards like Aetherborn Marauder

Aetherborn Marauder stands out in the world of Magic: The Gathering as a unique creature with its life-linking abilities and power redistribution feature. A card that invites comparison is Night Market Lookout. While both are Aetherborn and tap for an effect, the Lookout siphons life with each tap, but doesn’t offer the same flying ability or the potential power increase of the Marauder.

Meanwhile, consider Yahenni, Undying Partisan, who also thrives in environments abundant with creature deaths, growing stronger with every demise. Yahenni differs with a self-protecting sacrifice option rather than Aetherborn Marauder’s power shifting mechanism.

Lastly, Gifted Aetherborn gives you a stable creature with both deathtouch and lifelink at a lower cost, but lacks the high-risk, high-reward energy counter play of the Marauder. When you weigh the benefits against their mana costs and abilities, Aetherborn Marauder offers a tantalizing option for players looking to manipulate energy counters and life totals for strategic advantage.

Night Market Lookout - MTG Card versions
Yahenni, Undying Partisan - MTG Card versions
Gifted Aetherborn - MTG Card versions
Night Market Lookout - MTG Card versions
Yahenni, Undying Partisan - MTG Card versions
Gifted Aetherborn - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Aetherborn Marauder by color, type and mana cost

Hell's Caretaker - MTG Card versions
Rag Man - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Debaser - MTG Card versions
Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed - MTG Card versions
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Whispering Shade - MTG Card versions
Filth - MTG Card versions
Demon of Catastrophes - MTG Card versions
Bold Plagiarist - MTG Card versions
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Toxin Sliver - MTG Card versions
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Nim Shambler - MTG Card versions
Bad Ass - MTG Card versions
Scourge of Numai - MTG Card versions
Deathgazer - MTG Card versions
Dirty Wererat - MTG Card versions
Hell's Caretaker - MTG Card versions
Rag Man - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Debaser - MTG Card versions
Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed - MTG Card versions
Slinking Skirge - MTG Card versions
Gravedigger - MTG Card versions
Scandalmonger - MTG Card versions
Urborg Shambler - MTG Card versions
Whispering Shade - MTG Card versions
Filth - MTG Card versions
Demon of Catastrophes - MTG Card versions
Bold Plagiarist - MTG Card versions
Dirge Bat - MTG Card versions
Toxin Sliver - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Spirit - MTG Card versions
Nim Shambler - MTG Card versions
Bad Ass - MTG Card versions
Scourge of Numai - MTG Card versions
Deathgazer - MTG Card versions
Dirty Wererat - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Aetherborn Marauder enables you to enhance your board presence while potentially disrupting your opponent’s strategy. By transferring counters from other permanents onto the Marauder, you effectively consolidate power onto a single creature, optimizing the value you get from your cards.

Resource Acceleration: While Aetherborn Marauder doesn’t directly accelerate your resources in terms of mana, it does allow for a swift change in battlefield dynamics. The ability to move counters can be interpreted as a form of resource acceleration, as it permits the immediate upgrade of the Marauder, saving you turns and potentially leading to faster victories.

Instant Speed: Aetherborn Marauder’s Lifelink ability at instant speed grants you the flexibility to respond to threats or opportunities at a moment’s notice. This can be crucial in turning the tides during combat, making it a versatile tool not just in offense but also for defence, as gaining life can often be pivotal in close matchups.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Aetherborn Marauder does not have a discard requirement, but its ability does necessitate forsaking counters on other permanents you control. This could potentially weaken your board presence, especially if you rely on +1/+1 counters for a competitive edge.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting cost is defined – two generic and two black mana. This specific cost means that it fits primarily into black-focused decks or those with a reliable mana base to accommodate black mana, possibly limiting its integration into multi-color or colorless decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana, Aetherborn Marauder may come into play later than desired. There are creatures with lower mana costs that provide immediate value upon entering the battlefield or have similar power and toughness without requiring the setup of distributing +1/+1 counters.


Reasons to Include Aetherborn Marauder in Your Collection

Versatility: Aetherborn Marauder is a multifaceted card that can adapt to various deck builds. Its ability to manipulate +1/+1 counters makes it a flexible addition to decks focusing on counter strategies or those looking for an aerial threat.

Combo Potential: The lifelink and counter-moving mechanics of Aetherborn Marauder offer unique combo opportunities. It can pair well with cards that generate or double counters, enhancing its impact on the game and providing significant life swings.

Meta-Relevance: Considering the card’s ability to shift the battlefield’s dynamics significantly and interact with prevalent counter-centric decks, Aetherborn Marauder can be a valuable asset in a meta where such strategies are prominent.


How to Beat Aetherborn Marauder

Aetherborn Marauder is a unique creature in Magic: The Gathering, known for its ability to manipulate +1/+1 counters. This card can challenge players due to its potential for quickly growing into a substantial threat. As it enters the battlefield, it allows you to move any number of counters from other permanents onto it, giving it the capacity to become formidable in a blink.

To effectively counteract Aetherborn Marauder, consider using removal spells that can target creatures regardless of their size, like Murder or Go for the Throat. Board wipes such as Wrath of God are also efficient at clearing the table of the Marauder along with any other creatures. With the correct timing, countering when the Marauder is cast with spells like Counterspell will prevent it from hitting the board altogether. Alternatively, steadfastly controlling the number of counters present on the field can stifle the Marauder’s power-boosting ability, making it a less daunting obstacle.

Understanding the interaction of Aetherborn Marauder with +1/+1 counters and preparing your deck with the appropriate responses will ensure that you maintain dominance over the battlefield and prevent your opponent’s marauder from turning the tide of the game.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Aetherborn Marauder MTG card by a specific set like Kaladesh and Kaladesh Remastered, 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 Aetherborn Marauder and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Aetherborn Marauder Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2016-09-30 and 2024-04-19. Illustrated by Kieran Yanner.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12016-09-30KaladeshKLD 712015NormalBlackKieran Yanner
22020-11-12Kaladesh RemasteredKLR 762015NormalBlackKieran Yanner
32024-04-19Outlaws of Thunder Junction CommanderOTC 1252015NormalBlackKieran Yanner

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Aetherborn Marauder 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 Aetherborn Marauder card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2016-09-20 If a creature has been dealt damage, that damage remains marked on it until the cleanup step. If Aetherborn Marauder takes counters from a creature that has been dealt damage, that creature will be destroyed if the damage is now lethal.
2016-09-20 You choose which counters to move as Aetherborn Marauder's triggered ability resolves.
2016-09-20 You may choose to move zero +1/+1 counters.
2016-09-20 You may move +1/+1 counters from any number of other permanents you control, not just from one.