Goblin Sharpshooter MTG Card


Repeated damage capability creates significant card advantage by clearing out smaller creatures effectively. Demands specific mana and setup, potentially clashing with multi-color deck strategies and other removal options. Excellent synergy potential makes it a powerful inclusion against token and small creature strategies.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Goblin
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

Goblin Sharpshooter doesn't untap during your untap step. Whenever a creature is put into a graveyard from play, untap Goblin Sharpshooter. oc T: Goblin Sharpshooter deals 1 damage to target creature or player.


Cards like Goblin Sharpshooter

Goblin Sharpshooter stands out in the realm of creature-based control within Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to untap whenever any creature dies allows for multiple uses in a single turn, inviting comparisons to cards like Deathbringer Thoctar. Although the Thoctar gains a +1/+1 counter with each death, it lacks the Sharpshooter’s untapping flexibility and instant-speed shooting capability. Moreover, the Sharpshooter can eliminate a swath of small creatures in one go, a talent not shared by its zombie counterpart.

Analogous in effect to the Sharpshooter, the card Basilisk Collar grants a creature deathtouch and lifelink. When equipped to a Goblin Sharpshooter, it can decimate entire boards while gaining life. Nonetheless, Basilisk Collar requires a separate creature and a setup, whereas the Sharpshooter is ready to fire upon entry. Furthermore, cards like Thornbite Staff can mimic the untapping ability when a creature dies but demands a significant mana investment to be equipped, distinguishing the autonomous Sharpshooter.

In essence, while other cards might offer similar destructive capabilities or untapping synergies, Goblin Sharpshooter delivers a unique blend of board control and consistent untapping that is rare to find in a single MTG card.

Deathbringer Thoctar - MTG Card versions
Basilisk Collar - MTG Card versions
Thornbite Staff - MTG Card versions
Deathbringer Thoctar - MTG Card versions
Basilisk Collar - MTG Card versions
Thornbite Staff - MTG Card versions

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

Dwarven Warriors - MTG Card versions
Raging Bull - MTG Card versions
Wall of Lava - MTG Card versions
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Goblin Sky Raider - MTG Card versions
Cosmic Larva - MTG Card versions
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Ghost-Lit Raider - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chariot - MTG Card versions
Balduvian Barbarians - MTG Card versions
Basalt Gargoyle - MTG Card versions
Orcish Artillery - MTG Card versions
Stinkdrinker Daredevil - MTG Card versions
Blind-Spot Giant - MTG Card versions
Mudbutton Torchrunner - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Warriors - MTG Card versions
Raging Bull - MTG Card versions
Wall of Lava - MTG Card versions
Brassclaw Orcs - MTG Card versions
Imperial Recruiter - MTG Card versions
Uthden Troll - MTG Card versions
Hobgoblin Bandit Lord - MTG Card versions
Goblin Rabblemaster - MTG Card versions
Nosy Goblin - MTG Card versions
Goblin Sky Raider - MTG Card versions
Cosmic Larva - MTG Card versions
Mannichi, the Fevered Dream - MTG Card versions
Ghost-Lit Raider - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chariot - MTG Card versions
Balduvian Barbarians - MTG Card versions
Basalt Gargoyle - MTG Card versions
Orcish Artillery - MTG Card versions
Stinkdrinker Daredevil - MTG Card versions
Blind-Spot Giant - MTG Card versions
Mudbutton Torchrunner - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
GoblinsGoblins PremodernEternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent
Raging Goblins Q1 2024Raging Goblins Q1 2024 Free formCanadian Highlander for Duals - Underground Sea Guaranteed - Proxies Allowed
Mono-Red GoblinsMono-Red Goblins PremodernEternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent
Colorless AggroColorless Aggro PremodernEternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent
Welder SurvivalWelder Survival PremodernEternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent
Gruul AggroGruul Aggro PremodernEternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Goblin Sharpshooter can repeatedly deal damage without tapping once it’s triggered. This creates a cyclic advantage as it clears multiple smaller creatures from the board, potentially drawing out your opponent’s resources while keeping your ammunition ready.

Resource Acceleration: It thrives in environments filled with creature tokens or small threats. After taking out an opponent’s creature, it untaps, effectively speeding up your resource dominance by removing blockers or potential threats, and allowing freer attacks on your opponent’s life points.

Instant Speed: Goblin Sharpshooter’s ability works at instant speed, which means you can strategically clear the board or finish off weakened creatures during your opponent’s turn. This level of flexibility ensures you’re always one step ahead, dictating the pace of the battlefield as you react swiftly to the changing game state.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: For Goblin Sharpshooter to be maximally effective, it often requires enablers that might force you to discard cards to untap it repeatedly, which can deplete your hand and leave you at a disadvantage in the long game.

Specific Mana Cost: Goblin Sharpshooter demands a specific mana arrangement, with at least one red mana necessary to cast. This could restrain its integration into multi-color decks that might not always have red mana readily accessible.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing three mana, which includes red mana, the Sharpshooter is sometimes considered a higher investment compared to other removal options. Considering other removal spells or creatures can impact the board instantly, Goblin Sharpshooter’s utility can be delayed as it requires the board to be set up favorably to capitalize on its ability.


Reasons to Include Goblin Sharpshooter in Your Collection

Versatility: This card can be slotted into a variety of red-based decks, particularly those that have a strategy focused on controlling the board. Its ability to untap whenever a creature dies makes it a threat against decks with numerous small creatures.

Combo Potential: The Sharpshooter works well with cards that can deal damage to creatures or provide deathtouch, allowing it to clear multiple creatures off the board in a single turn. This can set off a chain reaction, potentially wiping an opponent’s side clean.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where small creature-based strategies such as token decks are prevalent, the Goblin Sharpshooter can serve as a deterrent and control element, disrupting opponents’ plans and maintaining board dominance.


How to beat

The Goblin Sharpshooter is a potent fixture in certain Magic: The Gathering decks, known for its ability to untap after a creature dies and deal one damage to a target. To effectively neutralize this creature, players should minimize opportunities for it to untap. This can be achieved by avoiding the sacrifice of small creatures or employing removal spells before a board state is established that would benefit the Sharpshooter.

Enchantment-based control methods like ‘Pacifism’ or ‘Imprisoned in the Moon’ can suppress the Sharpshooter’s abilities without triggering its untap feature. Alternatively, instant-speed removal like ‘Path to Exile’ or ‘Terminate’ can dispatch it during your opponent’s end phase, reducing the chances they’ll exploit it on their turn. The key lies in timing and controlling the flow of the game to prevent the Sharpshooter’s ping ability from influencing the board. Keep a watchful eye on your opponent’s untapped mana and potential combat tricks to prevent this relentless goblin from decimating your team.

Overall, efficient creature management and strategically timed removal are your best tools in facing the threat posed by the Goblin Sharpshooter on the gripping battlefield of Magic: The Gathering.


BurnMana Recommendations

The Goblin Sharpshooter card embodies strategy and adaptation on the MTG battlefield. Embrace its potential for control and disruption, and explore how it can enhance your gameplay experience. Remember, in MTG, each card unlocks new pathways to victory. We encourage you to delve deeper into the synergies and deck-building strategies that make the Goblin Sharpshooter a formidable force. For insights on optimizing your deck and mastering your MTG adventures, join our community where expertise meets passion. Learn more and arm yourself with the knowledge to turn the tides of battle in your favor.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Goblin Sharpshooter MTG card by a specific set like Onslaught and World Championship Decks 2003, 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 Sharpshooter and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Goblin Sharpshooter Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2002-10-07 and 2019-12-02. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-10-07OnslaughtONS 2071997NormalBlackGreg Staples
22003-08-07World Championship Decks 2003WC03 we2072003NormalGoldGreg Staples
32013-11-01Commander 2013C13 1112003NormalBlackWayne Reynolds
42015-11-18Legendary Cube Prize PackPZ1 622015NormalBlackWayne Reynolds
52019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 182015NormalBlackMike Uziel

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Goblin Sharpshooter has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal