Ravenous Intruder MTG Card


Ravenous Intruder excels in artifact-based strategies, turning sacrifices into combat tricks and deck efficiency. Instant speed growth allows surprise defense or offense, making it a tactical wildcard during matches. While powerful, requiring artifact sacrifices and red mana can limit board presence and deck diversity.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Gremlin
Power 1
Toughness 2

Text of card

Sacrifice an artifact: Ravenous Intruder gets +2/+2 until end of turn.

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Cards like Ravenous Intruder

Ravenous Intruder serves as an intriguing piece in sacrifice-based strategies in Magic: The Gathering. It’s often measured against its predecessor, Atog, a classic creature with a similar ability to sacrifice artifacts for a power boost. While both creatures can grow significantly in strength, Ravenous Intruder offers a modern twist with its lower casting cost and affinity for artifact-heavy decks.

Looking at more contemporaries, we observe cards like Salvage Slasher, which also benefits from artifacts in the graveyard but without the immediacy and explosiveness of Ravenous Intruder’s sacrifice ability. Then there’s Disciple of the Vault, an ally to Intruder that turns each sacrifice into a potential life loss for your opponent, yet it doesn’t pack the same potential for a massive power swing.

While evaluating these options, it becomes apparent that Ravenous Intruder holds a unique spot in MTG. It can turn any artifact-laden board state into a surprise victory, leveraging the element of surprise far more than its counterparts. Crafted for the sharp strategist, Ravenous Intruder demands attention as a formidable asset in the right deck.

Atog - MTG Card versions
Salvage Slasher - MTG Card versions
Disciple of the Vault - MTG Card versions
Atog - MTG Card versions
Salvage Slasher - MTG Card versions
Disciple of the Vault - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Ravenous Intruder by color, type and mana cost

Rock Hydra - MTG Card versions
Ironclaw Orcs - 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
Goblin Raider - MTG Card versions
Hellspark Elemental - MTG Card versions
Utvara Scalper - MTG Card versions
Storm Entity - MTG Card versions
Rock Hydra - MTG Card versions
Ironclaw Orcs - 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
Goblin Raider - MTG Card versions
Hellspark Elemental - MTG Card versions
Utvara Scalper - MTG Card versions
Storm Entity - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
DecklistDecklist Free form88#CS

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Ravenous Intruder offers strategic advantage through artifact sacrifice, letting you thin your deck for efficiency and potentially triggering synergistic effects from the graveyard or other permanents on the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: As you sacrifice artifacts with this card, certain gameplay setups could convert these actions into various forms of resource acceleration, such as additional mana or fueling powerful combos.

Instant Speed: With its ability to grow in power at instant speed, the Ravenous Intruder can unexpectedly become a significant threat during combat or in response to an opponent’s actions, making it a flexible and tactical asset during play.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Ravenous Intruder card necessitates sacrificing another artifact to activate its ability, which means you must part with valuable permanents on the battlefield. This could lead to a decline in board presence and resource availability, especially if you are unable to maintain a steady stream of artifacts to fuel its power.

Specific Mana Cost: Ravenous Intruder requires red mana for casting, making it less flexible for inclusion in multi-colored or colorless artifact-centric decks. This cost can restrict deckbuilding options, confining it primarily to red or artifact-based strategies that can consistently meet the mana requirement.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While not exceedingly cost-prohibitive, the one red mana required to cast this creature card could be considered high for a 1/2 creature. Given its power level, players might find other cards at the same mana slot that provide immediate impact or greater synergy with their deck’s overall strategy.


Reasons to Include Ravenous Intruder in Your Collection

Versatility: Ravenous Intruder offers a unique dynamic to any artifact-based deck. Its ability to sacrifice an artifact for a powerful attack boost allows for tactical plays, whether you’re looking for a sudden damage spike or need to dismantle your own board for strategic reasons.

Combo Potential: This card shines in combos. It pairs well with cards that produce artifacts or artifact creatures that can be sacrificed. For example, integrate it with a deck that contains cards like “Myr Retriever” to cycle artifacts for constant pressure on your opponent.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where artifact decks are prevalent or where having sacrificial elements can disrupt an opponent’s strategy, Ravenous Intruder serves as a key player. Moreover, it’s an asset against decks that are susceptible to quick, unexpected bursts of damage, making it a useful sideboard candidate or even a main deck surprise factor.


How to beat

Ravenous Intruder presents a unique challenge in MTG due to its ability to sacrifice artifacts for a significant power boost. This sacrifice outlet can quickly turn the tide of a game if not addressed promptly. When facing a deck utilizing this card, it’s essential to limit the number of artifacts your opponent has available. Efficient artifact removal spells such as Abrade or Shatter can dismantle their strategy before they amass enough resources to overwhelm you. Additionally, keeping the board clear of small, disposable artifacts will starve them of the “ammunition” they need to fuel their Intruder’s strength.

Moreover, it’s wise to have creature removal at the ready. Instant-speed removal such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile can be pivotal. Timing these spells for when your opponent commits to sacrificing their artifacts can lead to a strategic advantage by wasting their resources while taking down the Intruder. Direct creature counters like Counterspell can also prevent the Intruder from hitting the board in the first place. By combining artifact removal with responsive creature control, you’ll effectively neutralize the threat posed by the Ravenous Intruder and safeguard your standing in the game.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ravenous Intruder MTG card by a specific set like Aether Revolt and Double 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 Ravenous Intruder and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Ravenous Intruder Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2017-01-20 and 2020-11-12. Illustrated by Mathias Kollros.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12017-01-20Aether RevoltAER 942015NormalBlackMathias Kollros
22020-08-07Double Masters2XM 1412015NormalBlackMathias Kollros
32020-11-12Kaladesh RemasteredKLR 1402015NormalBlackMathias Kollros

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Ravenous Intruder has restrictions

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