Goblin Instigator MTG Card


Provides card advantage by placing two creatures on the board with a single cast. Supports strategies that benefit from a high creature count for quicker plays. Enhances instant-speed synergies with flash cards for strategic advantages.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Goblin Rogue
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

When Goblin Instigator enters the battlefield, create a 1/1 red Goblin creature token.

"We can take 'em. You go first!"


Cards like Goblin Instigator

Goblin Instigator is an intriguing creature card in Magic: The Gathering, offering players not just one, but two Goblin tokens for a single cast. Its nearest relative in function is Dragon Fodder, a sorcery that produces a pair of Goblin tokens as well, but it lacks the benefit of adding a creature to the board. Mogg War Marshal could also be mentioned in the same breath; it comes with echo and the potential to create more tokens when it dies. This makes it a versatile choice depending on your strategy.

Another card worth comparing is Krenko’s Command, mirroring the two-token spawn at the same mana value. However, Goblin Instigator has the upper hand, being a creature that can be bounced back to your hand or flickered for repeating the token generation effect. Lastly, Siege-Gang Commander deserves a mention. Although it has a higher casting cost, the commander brings three tokens into play and comes with a built-in ability to throw Goblins at opposing forces for direct damage, providing a significant reach in the later stages of the game.

Overall, Goblin Instigator holds its own within the variety of token generating cards in Magic: The Gathering, especially for those looking to swiftly build a Goblin army on the battlefield.

Dragon Fodder - MTG Card versions
Mogg War Marshal - MTG Card versions
Krenko's Command - MTG Card versions
Siege-Gang Commander - MTG Card versions
Dragon Fodder - MTG Card versions
Mogg War Marshal - MTG Card versions
Krenko's Command - MTG Card versions
Siege-Gang Commander - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Goblin 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
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
Stigma Lasher - 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
Stigma Lasher - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Boros TokensBoros Tokens GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 14 2024
URUR PauperPauper Challenge 32 2024-03-23
Boros ComboBoros Combo PioneerBoros GoblinsHBMO24 - GenX Comics and Games Pioneer 5k
Mono-red GoblinsMono-red Goblins PioneerMono-Red GoblinsReCQ - Pioneer - SCG CON Philadelphia - Friday - 1:30 pm (Bronze)
Mardu AggroMardu Aggro GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 10 2024
Boros GoblinsBoros Goblins PioneerBoros GoblinsPioneer League 2023-12-15
DecklistDecklist Free formSet Roulette Feburary 2024
Gruul AristocratsGruul Aristocrats PioneerGruul Goblins#16 Last Chance Qualifier: Pioneer

Card Pros

Card Advantage: When Goblin Instigator enters the battlefield, it creates a 1/1 red Goblin creature token, effectively placing two bodies on the board with a single card. This can quickly widen your battlefield presence and increase your potential for future plays.

Resource Acceleration: With the additional Goblin token, you can boost strategies that hinge on the number of creatures you control. This can lead to faster mana generation if you’re using cards that turn creatures into mana sources or if you’re aiming to cast spells with ‘convoke’ sooner, paving the way for more impactful plays earlier in the game.

Instant Speed: Although Goblin Instigator itself is not an instant, the concept of instant speed is inherent in its synergy with cards that feature ‘flash.’ By playing those cards during your opponent’s turn, you can drop the Instigator when it’s most strategically advantageous, keeping your options open and responding promptly to threats or opportunities as they arise.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Goblin Instigator does not force a discard when cast, enabling you to maintain more options in hand. This means there’s no setback of losing valuable cards just to get your creatures on the battlefield.

Specific Mana Cost: Goblin Instigator’s specific mana cost requires both colorless and red mana, potentially making it less flexible than cards with a generic mana cost that can fit into a wider range of deck archetypes.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Goblin Instigator’s mana cost is not steep, in the fast-paced environment of MTG, there are alternative cards at lower costs that provide similar or greater impact immediately upon entering the battlefield.


Reasons to Include Goblin Instigator in Your Collection

Versatility: Goblin Instigator is a flexible addition to your deck, seamlessly fitting into Goblin tribal strategies or any setup looking to increase creature presence without a significant mana investment.

Combo Potential: Summoning an additional creature directly translates into more firepower for combos, particularly with cards that thrive on wide board states or creature tokens for synergistic plays.

Meta-Relevance: With an ever-shifting landscape, the inclusion of cost-efficient creature generators like Goblin Instigator could be crucial in swarm strategies, maintaining a solid stance in various metagames.


How to beat

Goblin Instigator is a popular creature card among those who enjoy swarming the battlefield with tokens in Magic: The Gathering. When you summon this creature, it brings along a friend in the form of a 1/1 red Goblin creature token. This increases your army and can quickly overrun an unprepared opponent. However, this duo can be managed effectively with the right strategies.

Board clearing spells are your best bet as they can remove multiple creatures at once without the need for targeting each individually. Cards like Wrath of God or Doomskar can wipe the slate clean, taking down Goblin Instigator and its token – and potentially many more goblins if your opponent has been building up their ranks. Spot removal spells like Fatal Push or Bloodchief’s Thirst are also effective, offering a more surgical way to handle these creatures if you’re facing an early game play.

Lastly, preventing the goblins from exploiting their numbers is key. Enchantments like Ghostly Prison or Propaganda can discourage attacks by forcing an additional cost for each creature that swings your way. By employing these tactics, you can keep Goblin Instigator’s impact to a minimum and maintain control of the board.


BurnMana Recommendations

The battlefield of MTG is a dynamic environment where cards like Goblin Instigator can create significant advantages. By generating additional creature tokens, you’re not just playing a card, you’re initiating a strategy that broadens your potential for dominance. Whether you’re integrating it into a tribal deck or leveraging token synergy, this card can be a game-changer. Don’t miss the opportunity to advance your gameplay by utilizing Goblin Instigator’s unique abilities. Expand your collection, master new combos, and navigate the meta with confidence. Dive deeper with us for insights on how to expertly deploy this card and ensure your victories are both strategic and satisfying.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Goblin Instigator 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 Goblin Instigator 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 Goblin Instigator Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2018-07-13 and 2023-04-21. Illustrated by Filip Burburan.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12018-07-13Core Set 2019M19 1422015NormalBlackFilip Burburan
22020-07-17JumpstartJMP 3272015NormalBlackFilip Burburan
32023-04-21March of the Machine CommanderMOC 2822015NormalBlackFilip Burburan

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Goblin Instigator has restrictions

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