Relic Robber MTG Card


Relic Robber creates pressure by forcing opponents to handle generated tokens, aiding your card advantage. It can unexpectedly change game tempo, mimicking the surprise of instant-speed spells upon hitting the player. Despite mana limitations and casting cost concerns, its unique token-producing ability offsets these drawbacks.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Goblin Rogue
Abilities Haste
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

Haste Whenever Relic Robber deals combat damage to a player, that player creates a 0/1 colorless Goblin Construct artifact creature token with "This creature can't block" and "At the beginning of your upkeep, this creature deals 1 damage to you."


Cards like Relic Robber

Relic Robber holds a unique position in Magic: The Gathering as a creature card that’s designed to immediately impact the board with the potential to deliver consistent damage over time. In comparison to other aggressive red creatures like Goblin Guide, Relic Robber requires a more strategic setup, for it provides the opponent with a 0/1 colorless Goblin Construct artifact creature token with the ability to deal damage to its controller during their upkeep.

Daring to be different from the swift strikes of Monastery Swiftspear or the growing threat of a Runaway Steam-Kin, Relic Robber engages in a battle of attrition, providing a steady source of annoyance rather than immediate firepower. While there are multiple creatures that can create tokens upon entering the battlefield, such as Beetleback Chief, none do so in quite the same way, attaching a harmful effect to the opponent, making it a rare find.

Evaluating the nuances and strategic use of Red’s creatures, Relic Robber is an intriguing option for players who enjoy employing a slow burn technique to victory. Its ability to stealthily chip away at an opponent’s life total over several turns positions it as a uniquely valuable piece in Red’s aggressive lineup within Magic: The Gathering.

Goblin Guide - MTG Card versions
Monastery Swiftspear - MTG Card versions
Runaway Steam-Kin - MTG Card versions
Beetleback Chief - MTG Card versions
Goblin Guide - MTG Card versions
Monastery Swiftspear - MTG Card versions
Runaway Steam-Kin - MTG Card versions
Beetleback Chief - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Relic Robber by color, type and mana cost

Dwarven Warriors - MTG Card versions
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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
Dwarven Warriors - MTG Card versions
Raging Bull - MTG Card versions
Goblin Flotilla - 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

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Boros AggroBoros Aggro GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 12 2024
Mono-red GoblinsMono-red Goblins PioneerMono-Red GoblinsReCQ - Pioneer - SCG CON Philadelphia - Friday - 1:30 pm (Bronze)

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Relic Robber has the potential to generate ongoing card advantage without further investment after it has been played. By creating a token with its hit ability, it forces your opponent to find an answer for the token or continue to face the consequences, slowly whittling down their resources.

Resource Acceleration: While Relic Robber itself does not directly accelerate your resources, the pressure it creates can indirectly lead to resource acceleration by disrupting your opponent’s game plan, possibly causing them to allocate resources inefficiently or divert attention from developing their board.

Instant Speed: Though Relic Robber is not an instant, the immediacy of its impact upon entering the battlefield can be compared to the surprise factor of an instant-speed spell. Its ability to quickly create a token when it deals combat damage to a player can catch an adversary off guard, potentially changing the tempo of the game in your favor.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Relic Robber does not have a discard requirement itself, it’s important to consider that employing it within strategies that rely on hand presence may indirectly lead to discarding valuable resources to maintain an aggressive pace.

Specific Mana Cost: Relic Robber demands a precise mana arrangement with two red mana in its casting cost. This necessity can be restrictive, fitting primarily with mono-red or red-centric decks, thus not providing versatility for varied mana bases.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost of three mana, including two red, Relic Robber can be seen as having a high cost for its 2/2 stats and effect. Given its unique ability to create Treasure tokens for opponents, assessing whether the payoff is worth the slot in a deck, especially when other three-cost options may offer more direct damage or board presence, is crucial.


Reasons to Include Relic Robber in Your Collection

Versatility: Relic Robber finds its place in aggressive red decks aiming to chip away at an opponent’s health efficiently. Its ability to generate constant pressure while requiring an answer makes it a threat that cannot be ignored in many game scenarios.

Combo Potential: This creature is not just about direct damage; it introduces a unique dynamic with its Goblin token creation. Each token it creates carries the potential to synergize with decks that capitalize on creatures entering the battlefield or on having numerous tokens to exploit.

Meta-Relevance: In a metagame where the tempo could dictate winning or losing, Relic Robber offers consistent damage output and becomes a more valuable asset. Against slower, control-oriented decks, the incremental damage from the tokens can become a persistent nuisance that tilts the game in your favor.


How to beat

Relic Robber presents a unique challenge in Magic: The Gathering, embodying both offensive and tactical elements. This goblin rogue slips through defenses, not only dealing damage but also planting a detrimental token with its hit. The token slowly whittles down an opponent’s life total, demanding immediate attention. To counteract this insidious threat, a mix of removal spells, blockers, and life gain strategies are essential. Efficient removal spells like Shock can swiftly eliminate Relic Robber before it begins to overrun the game with tokens. Including creatures with reach or those that can deal with flyers ensure the Robber doesn’t sneak past defenses. On top of that, sprinkling your deck with life gain cards can help offset the token damage, increasing your resilience against this relentless strategy. By integrating these components into your play, you’ll curtail Relic Robber’s impact and maintain control of the battlefield.


BurnMana Recommendations

Diligently analyzing the unique mechanics and potential of Relic Robber is key for any MTG enthusiast looking to enhance their gameplay. This mischievous goblin forces opponents into a corner, making each token a ticking time-bomb on their board state. Considering its influence on game flow and the careful deck-building it necessitates, Relic Robber can be an intriguing wildcard in your red arsenal. If you’re keen on diving deeper into how this card could pivot your matches towards victory and understand its role within the MTG meta, delve into our in-depth articles. Let BurnMana guide you through the strategic nuances and elevate your deck crafting skills.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Relic Robber MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Zendikar Rising, 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 Relic Robber and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Relic Robber Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2020-09-25 and 2020-09-25. Illustrated by Slawomir Maniak.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 838342015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak
22020-09-25Zendikar RisingZNR 3512015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak
32020-09-25Zendikar Rising PromosPZNR 153p2015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak
42020-09-25Zendikar Rising PromosPZNR 153s2015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak
52020-09-25Zendikar RisingZNR 1532015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Relic Robber has restrictions

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