Goblin Warchief MTG Card


Warchief allows rapid goblin deployment, quickly changing board dynamics in your favor. It enhances mana efficiency, enabling earlier impactful plays and resource extension. Mana cost specificity limits Warchief to goblin or red-heavy decks, affecting versatility.
Card setsReleased in 13 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Goblin Warrior
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

Goblin spells you play cost less to play. Goblins you control have haste.

They poured from the Skirk Ridge like lava, burning and devouring everything in their path.


Cards like Goblin Warchief

The Goblin Warchief is an iconic card that stands proud among goblin-themed decks in Magic: The Gathering. Its closest kin in function and form is the renowned Goblin King, another card that bolsters its brethren by granting mountainwalk, setting it apart when facing decks heavy with mountains. While Goblin King focuses on evasion, the Warchief emphasizes speed and reduced casting costs.

Looking at Goblin Chieftain, we observe a savvy leader akin to the Warchief, as both empower their fellow goblins—Chieftain with haste and a static boost to power and toughness. Despite their similarities, the Chieftain lacks the cost reduction trait, making Warchief more appealing for swarming the field. Then comes the powerful Goblin Rabblemaster, a goblin generator that aggressively pushes for a confrontational playstyle, but lacks the leader-like support ability that our Warchief provides for an efficient goblin army deployment.

To sum up, while there are many cards that rally the goblin troops, the Goblin Warchief is exemplary in accelerating the tribal onslaught, giving it an esteemed position in decks where swiftness and numbers are key to overwhelming opponents on the battlefield.

Goblin King - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chieftain - MTG Card versions
Goblin Rabblemaster - MTG Card versions
Goblin King - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chieftain - MTG Card versions
Goblin Rabblemaster - MTG Card versions

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

Dwarven Warriors - MTG Card versions
Raging Bull - MTG Card versions
Wall of Stone - MTG Card versions
Wall of Lava - MTG Card versions
Brassclaw Orcs - MTG Card versions
Sabretooth Tiger - MTG Card versions
Imperial Recruiter - MTG Card versions
Cavern Crawler - MTG Card versions
Uthden Troll - MTG Card versions
Hobgoblin Bandit Lord - MTG Card versions
Goblin Rabblemaster - MTG Card versions
Windseeker Centaur - MTG Card versions
Nosy Goblin - MTG Card versions
Goblin Sky Raider - MTG Card versions
Skirk Commando - MTG Card versions
Cosmic Larva - MTG Card versions
Mannichi, the Fevered Dream - MTG Card versions
Cunning Bandit // Azamuki, Treachery Incarnate - MTG Card versions
Ghost-Lit Raider - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chariot - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Warriors - MTG Card versions
Raging Bull - MTG Card versions
Wall of Stone - MTG Card versions
Wall of Lava - MTG Card versions
Brassclaw Orcs - MTG Card versions
Sabretooth Tiger - MTG Card versions
Imperial Recruiter - MTG Card versions
Cavern Crawler - MTG Card versions
Uthden Troll - MTG Card versions
Hobgoblin Bandit Lord - MTG Card versions
Goblin Rabblemaster - MTG Card versions
Windseeker Centaur - MTG Card versions
Nosy Goblin - MTG Card versions
Goblin Sky Raider - MTG Card versions
Skirk Commando - MTG Card versions
Cosmic Larva - MTG Card versions
Mannichi, the Fevered Dream - MTG Card versions
Cunning Bandit // Azamuki, Treachery Incarnate - MTG Card versions
Ghost-Lit Raider - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chariot - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
GoblinsGoblins LegacyGoblinsLegacy Preliminary 2024-04-01 (1)
Mono-Red GoblinsMono-Red Goblins LegacyGoblins*HALF PRICE FRIDAY* $1K - Legacy - SCG CON Atlanta - Friday - 1:30 pm
RR LegacyLegacy League 2024-04-01

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Goblin Warchief is a card that can significantly affect board presence by enabling you to deploy more goblin allies quickly. Its effect, which reduces the cost of goblin spells you cast, allows for multiple goblin cards to be played in a single turn, potentially turning the tide in your favor through swift population of the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: The mana-cost reduction ability of Goblin Warchief is a form of resource acceleration. By making your goblin spells cost less to cast, it efficiently extends your mana resources each turn. This lets you maximize the use of your lands and paves the way for impactful plays earlier in the game than would otherwise be possible.

Instant Speed: While the Warchief itself doesn’t have a direct ability that operates at instant speed, its influence often catalyzes a strategy that includes instant speed interactions with other cards. Because you’re playing your goblins at a reduced cost, you can now more affordably keep mana open for instant speed responses, thus maintaining flexibility and readiness to react to opponents’ moves.


Card Cons

Specific Mana Cost: The Goblin Warchief has a specified mana cost that includes two red mana symbols. This tailored requirement means it can predominantly be played in red-centric or goblin tribal decks, potentially limiting its versatility in other deck types.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At three mana, including two that must be red, the Goblin Warchief may be considered a weightier investment in the early game. In fast-paced environments or against decks with efficient removal, this cost can put players at a disadvantage if the Warchief is quickly eliminated without impacting the board.

Discard Requirement: While the Goblin Warchief itself does not have a discard requirement, it often belongs to strategies that might include other cards that do. Players should be mindful of the potential resource loss when building a deck that maximizes the utility of Goblin Warchief, balancing its tribal synergies with the drawbacks of additional cards that might diminish your hand size.


Reasons to Include Goblin Warchief in Your Collection

Versatility: Goblin Warchief is not just another creature; it’s a game-changer in tribal goblin decks. Its ability to reduce the cost of goblin spells makes it easier to flood the board with these mischievous creatures, thereby enhancing decks across various play styles.

Combo Potential: This card shines when paired with other goblins, creating a synergy that can be devastating. Its haste-enabling trait allows for immediate impact, further empowering explosive turns when combined with other goblin-focused cards.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where speed and efficiency are key, Goblin Warchief holds its ground. It supports aggressive strategies and can adapt to shifts in the meta, remaining a relevant choice for anyone looking to keep their opponents on their toes.


How to beat

Goblin Warchief remains a classic aggressor in tribal Goblin decks within Magic the Gathering. With its combination of cost reduction for other Goblin spells and granting haste to Goblin creatures, it accelerates the tribal strategy whenever it hits the board. Discovering a strategy against this card involves disrupting the rapid deployment of Goblins. Therefore, efficient removal spells are key. Cards like Fatal Push or Path to Exile provide quick answers to the Warchief before the board gets out of control.

Moreover, board wipes like Wrath of God or Blasphemous Act can reset the board after a Warchief-led onslaught. Since Goblin decks rely heavily on synergies, deterring their synergy payoffs is also effective. Strategies involving counter spells or adding extra costs to your opponent’s creatures, through Thalia, Guardian of Thraben for instance, can also hinder the Warchief’s effectiveness. A well-timed counterspell to the initial casting of Warchief is arguably the cleanest solution.

Ultimately, an understanding of your metagame and having the appropriate answers in your deck are the keys to outplaying a Goblin Warchief-led squad. Adaptability and anticipation can nullify its advantage and turn the tide of battle in your favor.


BurnMana Recommendations

As we dissect the multifaceted nature of Goblin Warchief in MTG, we see a card that exemplifies tribal cohesion and tactical advantage. With its prowess in mobilizing an army of goblins at a moment’s notice, it’s pivotal for players to understand its strategic uses and counterplays. Whether considering the introduction of Goblin Warchief to your deck or seeking methods to dismantle its ambush, there is much to learn and apply in your MTG endeavors. We invite you to join the ranks of savvy players by exploring our extensive resources, where you can enhance your skills and refine your strategies to optimize your gameplay. Connect with us for a deep dive into mastering the art of war with your goblin horde.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Goblin Warchief MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Magic Online Promos, 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 Warchief and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Goblin Warchief Magic the Gathering card was released in 12 different sets between 2003-05-26 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by 10 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 314772003NormalBlackGreg Hildebrandt & Tim Hildebrandt
22002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 604522015NormalBlackMark Zug
32003-05-26ScourgeSCG 971997NormalBlackGreg Hildebrandt & Tim Hildebrandt
42003-08-07World Championship Decks 2003WC03 we972003NormalGoldGreg Hildebrandt & Tim Hildebrandt
52007-11-16Duel Decks: Elves vs. GoblinsDD1 422003NormalBlackGreg Hildebrandt & Tim Hildebrandt
62014-06-16Vintage MastersVMA 1732015NormalBlackGreg Hildebrandt & Tim Hildebrandt
72014-09-05Duel Decks: Speed vs. CunningDDN 92015NormalBlackGreg Hildebrandt & Tim Hildebrandt
82014-12-05Duel Decks Anthology: Elves vs. GoblinsEVG 422015NormalBlackGreg Hildebrandt & Tim Hildebrandt
92016-01-01Friday Night Magic 2016F16 52015NormalBlackMark Zug
102018-04-27DominariaDOM 1302015NormalBlackKarl Kopinski
112019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 9612015NormalBlackKarl Kopinski
122020-09-26The ListPLST DOM-1302015NormalBlackKarl Kopinski
132022-12-02Jumpstart 2022J22 5482015NormalBlackKarl Kopinski

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Goblin Warchief has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Goblin Warchief card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2018-04-27 Goblin Warchief’s effect reduces only generic mana in the cost of Goblin spells you cast. For example, it doesn’t reduce the cost of Skirk Prospector below .