Goblin Fireslinger MTG Card


Contributes to card advantage through steady damage without expending cards, enhancing player’s board control. Low cost and instant speed allow strategic play and efficient mana use across turns in MTG. Locked to red mana, the card’s specificity may limit deck versatility, requiring careful planning.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Goblin Warrior
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

: Goblin Fireslinger deals 1 damage to target player.

A rock between your eyes hurts. A burning rock between your eyes ruins your whole day.


Cards like Goblin Fireslinger

Goblin Fireslinger stands out as a staple in decks aiming to deal incremental damage in MTG. It’s similar to other one-damage pingers like Prodigal Pyromancer, which can also tap to deal one damage to any target. Where Goblin Fireslinger has the edge is in its lower casting cost, requiring only one red mana compared to the pyromancer’s three, making it a swift addition to the battlefield.

Companions in the one-damage area also include Cunning Sparkmage, which offers the same ability but brings utility to the table with the ability to target creatures with -1/-1 counters. However, Goblin Fireslinger is often favored in aggressive red decks for its simplicity and immediate impact. Another related card is Gelectrode, which can untap whenever you cast an instant or sorcery, potentially dealing more damage over time, though it carries a higher mana cost.

When evaluating the effectiveness of these cards, Goblin Fireslinger is particularly appreciated for its low-cost and direct damage utility. In rapid-paced games, this card holds its own as an excellent tool to whittle down an opponent’s life total or remove key creatures from the board early in the game.

Prodigal Pyromancer - MTG Card versions
Cunning Sparkmage - MTG Card versions
Gelectrode - MTG Card versions
Prodigal Pyromancer - MTG Card versions
Cunning Sparkmage - MTG Card versions
Gelectrode - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Goblin Fireslinger by color, type and mana cost

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Goblin Balloon Brigade - MTG Card versions
Hurr Jackal - MTG Card versions
Primordial Ooze - MTG Card versions
Gorilla Shaman - MTG Card versions
Goblin Swine-Rider - MTG Card versions
Mons's Goblin Raiders - MTG Card versions
Orcish Conscripts - MTG Card versions
Mountain Goat - MTG Card versions
Roc Hatchling - MTG Card versions
Jackal Pup - MTG Card versions
Flailing Soldier - MTG Card versions
Branded Brawlers - MTG Card versions
Scarred Puma - MTG Card versions
Mogg Fanatic - MTG Card versions
Grim Lavamancer - MTG Card versions
Kessig Wolfrider - MTG Card versions
Goblin Guide - MTG Card versions
Skirk Prospector - MTG Card versions
Crazed Goblin - MTG Card versions
Akki Avalanchers - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Goblin Fireslinger doesn’t directly provide card draw, it does offer repeatable damage that can chip away at your opponent’s life total without the need to expend additional cards, indirectly contributing to card advantage over time by maintaining pressure and board control.

Resource Acceleration: Though not a direct source of mana, the one mana cost of Goblin Fireslinger allows for a swift on-board presence, paving the way for more substantial plays in subsequent turns. Its inexpensive activation cost also ensures that mana can be used efficiently across multiple turns, accentuating resource acceleration in decks that can untap creatures or generate extra red mana.

Instant Speed: The ability to deal damage at instant speed gives the player flexibility during both their own turn and their opponent’s. This allows for strategic plays such as pinging creatures at the end of an opponent’s turn to set them up for removal or delivering the final point of damage on an enemy planeswalker without committing to a full attack.


Card Cons

Specific Mana Cost: Goblin Fireslinger is locked into a specific mana requirement with its red color symbolism. This trait can be restrictive, as the card may not fit into multi-color decks that don’t focus on or support red mana, potentially limiting its versatility.

Discard Requirement: While Goblin Fireslinger doesn’t have discard as a direct cost, its limited ability means players may have to discard other cards to make room for more impactful ones, especially in the mid to late game where every card in hand counts.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Considering Goblin Fireslinger’s ability only deals one damage to a player, its cost may seem steep when compared with other one-drop creatures that offer more bang for the buck. In fast-paced and competitive matches, investing mana in low-impact creatures can set you back and cost you the game.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Goblin Fireslinger is a staple in red-based decks that thrive on dealing consistent damage. Its ability to ping opponents directly makes it a versatile choice for aggro and control strategies alike.

Combo Potential: In combination with cards that amplify damage or care about the number of spells cast, Goblin Fireslinger can be a key component in assembling a winning combo. Its simple activation requirement enables various interactions within a turn cycle.

Meta-Relevance: As the game’s environment shifts toward creature-centric decks, having a reliable source of direct damage can disrupt opponent’s momentum. In the context of the current meta, Goblin Fireslinger provides strategic advantages against decks that rely on small, crucial creatures to execute their game plan.


How to Beat Goblin Fireslinger

Goblin Fireslinger is a well-known creature in the world of MTG that brings direct damage to the opposing player with its tap ability. To outmaneuver this pesky one-drop, consider incorporating creatures with life link to your deck to offset the consistent damage it deals. Cards with higher toughness also stand strong against this goblin’s ping, rendering the damage it does less effective over time.

Another effective strategy is to include cheap removal spells in your arsenal. Quick spells like Shock or Fatal Push can dispatch Goblin Fireslinger before it starts chipping away at your life total. Board wipes, particularly those that can be cast early, ensure that the Fireslinger and other small creatures are cleared away in a single swoop.

Remember to prioritize these methods if your opponent hinges on Goblin Fireslinger or similar creatures for victory. By anticipating the arrival of this goblin on the battlefield and preemptively setting up your defenses or removal, the tide of battle will lean in your favor, leaving your adversary’s strategy in disarray.


BurnMana Recommendations

As you’ve seen, the nimble Goblin Fireslinger adds consistent pressure to your opponent while simultaneously offering resource optimization and strategic play opportunities. Its low cost and instant speed damage align perfectly with aggressive red strategies, keeping your hand free for bigger threats. But every card plays its role within the vast MTG ecosystem. Whether you are enhancing your red deck’s potency or seeking out cards with similar function, there’s much to explore. Dive deeper into MTG tactics with us, discover innovative combos, and refine your collection to secure your dominance in the battlefield. Get the insights to turn each duel into a triumphant blaze!


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Goblin Fireslinger MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2012 and Modern Masters 2015, 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 Goblin Fireslinger and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Goblin Fireslinger Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2011-07-15 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Pete Venters.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12011-07-15Magic 2012M12 1392003NormalBlackPete Venters
22015-05-22Modern Masters 2015MM2 1142015NormalBlackPete Venters
32019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 9532015NormalBlackPete Venters
42020-09-26The ListPLST MM2-1142015NormalBlackPete Venters

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Goblin Fireslinger has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PennyLegal