Beetleback Chief MTG Card


Boosts board presence with additional creatures, offering strategic and card advantage upon entering the battlefield. Its specific mana cost and later game play may limit deck integration and immediate impact. A versatile card with combo potential, Beetleback Chief is notably relevant in multiplayer formats like Commander.
Card setsReleased in 10 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Goblin Warrior
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

When Beetleback Chief enters the battlefield, put two 1/1 red Goblin creature tokens onto the battlefield.

Whether trained, ridden, or eaten, few goblin military innovations have rivaled the bug.


Cards like Beetleback Chief

Beetleback Chief holds its ground in the landscape of creature generation strategies in Magic the Gathering. This card echoes the token spawning ability of cards like Siege-Gang Commander, which also creates additional goblin tokens upon entering the battlefield. While Siege-Gang Commander produces a greater number of tokens, Beetleback Chief comes with a lower casting cost making it accessible sooner in the game.

Comparatively, Mogg War Marshal also fits into this discussion, as it shares the trait of summoning goblin tokens. Although its initial summoning cost is less than Beetleback Chief’s, the echo cost mechanic demands additional mana in the subsequent turn, adding a strategic layer to its use. Emrakul’s Hatcher is another card worth mentioning, providing a similar benefit of creature tokens, but with the twist of Eldrazi Spawn that can be sacrificed for colorless mana, offering a different kind of versatility to deck builders.

Ultimately, Beetleback Chief is an effective card for those looking to quickly populate the board with creatures. Its balance of cost and effect makes it a competitive choice among its peers for players crafting MTG decks that thrive on swarming tactics and synergizing with goblin-themed plays.

Siege-Gang Commander - MTG Card versions
Mogg War Marshal - MTG Card versions
Emrakul's Hatcher - MTG Card versions
Siege-Gang Commander - MTG Card versions
Mogg War Marshal - MTG Card versions
Emrakul's Hatcher - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Beetleback Chief 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

Card Pros

Card Advantage: When Beetleback Chief enters the battlefield, it creates two 1/1 red Goblin creature tokens, offering an immediate increase in board presence and an edge in card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: The extra Goblin tokens can be instrumental in strategies revolving around sacrificial effects or synergizing with cards that benefit from having multiple creatures, thus accelerating resource potential.

Instant Speed: While Beetleback Chief itself doesn’t have flash, it pairs well with effects that allow you to put creatures into play at instant speed, offering an unexpected swell in your ranks during critical moments of play.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Beetleback Chief does not require a discard upon casting, which is a benefit rather than a con for players looking to maintain hand advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both red and generic mana, Beetleback Chief necessitates a commitment to red amongst your mana base which might complicate the deck’s color consistency or restrict its inclusion to certain archetypes.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana, Beetleback Chief might arrive a bit late in games where speed is essential. Considering this mana investment, some players might look towards more impactful cards that offer immediate and larger board presence or game-changing effects.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Beetleback Chief is a multifaceted addition to decks that capitalize on creature presence. Whether you’re bolstering your army for a massive attack or need additional blockers, this card excels in both aggressive and defensive strategies.

Combo Potential: This card’s ability to generate multiple tokens makes it a cornerstone in combos that revolve around creature count or sacrifice mechanics. It can synergize with cards that exploit entering or leaving the battlefield effects for added value.

Meta-Relevance: In games where board presence is crucial, Beetleback Chief shines. It is particularly effective in metas heavy with sweepers, as it leaves behind value even if removed. Additionally, it fits well in formats like Commander where its impact is magnified in multiplayer scenarios.


How to Beat

Beetleback Chief has its strengths in MTG as a card that offers a combo of generating creature tokens alongside a solid body. This goblin warrior can clutter the battlefield with tokens upon entering the game, creating an immediate presence. Yet, despite its utility, there are strategies to effectively counter this card. Removal spells that can target the Beetleback Chief before its ability triggers, such as instant speed spells like Murder or Path to Exile, are efficient ways to handle this Chief before it can start its token generation.

Beyond single target removals, board wipes such as Wrath of God or Damnation can clean up the tokens alongside the Chief, addressing the aftermath of its ability if it has resolved. If the Chief is already settled on the board with its tokens, applying pressure through aggressive strategies can also keep those tokens at bay and prevent them from being used defensively or synergistically with other goblin-focused cards. Ensuring your side of the board can outpace the incremental advantage the Chief provides is key, which can often be achieved through consistent board presence and control.

The card is formidable but not invincible. Understanding its role within a deck and having a response ready in your own strategy makes Beetleback Chief a manageable threat in your MTG encounters.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the dynamics of Beetleback Chief can significantly impact your MTG gameplay, solidifying your board state with its token-creating ability. Embracing its pros can lead to a formidable goblin army, while understanding its cons will refine your deck-building skills. Assemble a deck that capitalizes on its strengths, integrate synergistic cards for maximum effect, and consider its role in the current meta. If Beetleback Chief resonates with your strategy, don’t hesitate to explore its full potential. Dive deeper into strategies and gather insights on optimizing play with cards like Beetleback Chief. Visit us for more and turn your next match into a world of strategic advantage.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Beetleback Chief MTG card by a specific set like Planechase 2012 and Vintage Masters, 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 Beetleback Chief and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Beetleback Chief Magic the Gathering card was released in 10 different sets between 2012-06-01 and 2020-07-17. Illustrated by Wayne England.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12012-06-01Planechase 2012PC2 402003NormalBlackWayne England
22014-06-16Vintage MastersVMA 1502015NormalBlackWayne England
32014-09-05Duel Decks: Speed vs. CunningDDN 142015NormalBlackWayne England
42014-11-07Commander 2014C14 1712015NormalBlackWayne England
52016-06-10Eternal MastersEMA 1192015NormalBlackWayne England
62016-11-25Planechase AnthologyPCA 402015NormalBlackWayne England
72018-06-08Commander Anthology Volume IICM2 832015NormalBlackWayne England
82019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 8522015NormalBlackWayne England
92020-07-17JumpstartJMP 2942015NormalBlackWayne England
102020-09-26The ListPLST PCA-402015NormalBlackWayne England

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Beetleback Chief has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
GladiatorLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal