Whirler Rogue MTG Card


Generates two Thopter tokens upon entry, expanding battlefield options for offense and defense. Ability to make creatures unblockable at instant speed bolsters tactical combat maneuvers. Dedicated blue mana cost and four-mana investment may limit deck-building flexibility.
Card setsReleased in 16 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Human Rogue Artificer
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

When Whirler Rogue enters the battlefield, put two 1/1 colorless Thopter artifact creature tokens with flying onto the battlefield. Tap two untapped artifacts you control: Target creature can't be blocked this turn.


Cards like Whirler Rogue

Whirler Rogue has earned its place in Magic: The Gathering as a formidable blue creature card, not just for its ability to produce two colorless Thopter artifact creature tokens upon entering the battlefield, but also for its potential to turn creatures unblockable. In comparison, Pia and Kiran Nalaar also generate artifact creature tokens, specifically two Thopters, upon entry. Although Pia and Kiran Nalaar offer more flexible utility with the added options to sacrifice artifacts for direct damage, they do not provide the tactical advantage of making creatures unblockable that Whirler Rogue does.

Delving further, Ghirapur Gearcrafter similarly creates a Thopter token when it comes into play. Yet, it lingers behind in power, only producing one Thopter and lacking Whirler Rogue’s impactful second ability. Another comparable card is Master of Etherium, which not only boosts the power and toughness of other artifact creatures but as a bonus, can grow in power itself. However, it’s the capacity of Whirler Rogue to influence combat by ensuring key creatures can evade blockers that sets it apart, nudging it into a nuanced tactical role within MTG strategies.

Ultimately, Whirler Rogue’s unique combination of token generation and strategic flexibility presents MTG players with a dynamic toolkit, making it a multifaceted choice for artifact-centric decks and control strategies.

Pia and Kiran Nalaar - MTG Card versions
Ghirapur Gearcrafter - MTG Card versions
Master of Etherium - MTG Card versions
Pia and Kiran Nalaar - MTG Card versions
Ghirapur Gearcrafter - MTG Card versions
Master of Etherium - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Whirler Rogue by color, type and mana cost

Phantasmal Forces - MTG Card versions
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Clone - MTG Card versions
Cytoplast Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Crookclaw Transmuter - MTG Card versions
Dreamborn Muse - MTG Card versions
Turtleshell Changeling - MTG Card versions
Glen Elendra Archmage - MTG Card versions
Fatestitcher - MTG Card versions
Argent Sphinx - MTG Card versions
Lumengrid Drake - MTG Card versions
Phantasmal Forces - MTG Card versions
Phantom Monster - MTG Card versions
Wall of Vapor - MTG Card versions
Tradewind Rider - MTG Card versions
Archivist - MTG Card versions
Thieving Magpie - MTG Card versions
Inga Rune-Eyes - MTG Card versions
Sakashima of a Thousand Faces - MTG Card versions
Laboratory Drudge - MTG Card versions
Johnny, Combo Player - MTG Card versions
Dream Prowler - MTG Card versions
Clone - MTG Card versions
Cytoplast Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Crookclaw Transmuter - MTG Card versions
Dreamborn Muse - MTG Card versions
Turtleshell Changeling - MTG Card versions
Glen Elendra Archmage - MTG Card versions
Fatestitcher - MTG Card versions
Argent Sphinx - MTG Card versions
Lumengrid Drake - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Whirler Rogue. 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: Whirler Rogue comes into play with two additional 1/1 colorless Thopter artifact creature tokens, immediately expanding your presence on the battlefield and creating potential blockers or attackers.

Resource Acceleration: The Thopter tokens can be used to convoke or fuel abilities that require artifact sacking, thereby accelerating your resource development and utilization within the game.

Instant Speed: While Whirler Rogue itself doesn’t have flash, the ability to tap two artifacts you control to make a creature unblockable can be activated at instant speed. This enables tactical plays during the combat phase or at the end of your opponent’s turn, keeping them always on their toes.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Whirler Rogue itself doesn’t necessitate discarding, it’s important to consider that introducing artifacts into your deck to support its abilities might result in a discard-heavy strategy. This could potentially deplete your hand and leave you with fewer options later in the game.

Specific Mana Cost: Whirler Rogue’s casting cost is not just four mana, but specifically requires two blue mana. This can be restrictive for decks that aren’t heavily invested in blue mana sources or are aiming for a wider color spread, potentially straining the mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For a creature that offers utility in generating token artifacts and providing unblockability, the four-mana investment is sizeable. Considering the competitive environment of MTG where efficiency is key, there may be instances where faster, lower-cost cards would be more advantageous to play at that stage of the game.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Whirler Rogue offers the flexibility to slot into numerous deck archetypes. Its ability to create Thopter tokens upon entering the battlefield can be invaluable for strategies that capitalize on wide creature presence or artifact synergies.

Combo Potential: This card’s ability to make a creature unblockable by tapping two artifacts provides excellent combo potential. It harmonizes with mechanisms that activate when creatures deal combat damage to a player, such as card draw or direct damage effects.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where evasive tactics are key, Whirler Rogue stands out. It can swing games by allowing key creatures to bypass blockers, aligning well with tempo playstyles and evasive strategies currently favored in many MTG metagames.


How to beat Whirler Rogue

Whirler Rogue enters the battlefield as a double threat in Magic: The Gathering. Not only does this artificer bring along two Thopter tokens, thus enhancing your board presence, but it also has an ability that can make a creature unblockable for a turn. Navigating around this can be tricky; however, there are strategies to mitigate its impact.

Removal spells are your first line of defense. Instant-speed spells like Doom Blade or Path to Exile can dispatch the Rogue before its ability is activated. For the Thopters, cards with wide-reaching effects, such as Electrickery or Pyroclasm, can clear multiple tokens at once, effectively preventing the Rogue from utilizing its synergistic token-generating ability.

Another angle to consider is to prevent the Rogue from hitting the battlefield in the first place. Counterspells such as Mana Leak or Essence Scatter will keep Whirler Rogue in the opponent’s hand or graveyard rather than on the field. By prioritizing control over the board and keeping the opponent’s threats at bay, you can navigate the complexities Whirler Rogue presents and maintain an upper hand in the duel.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG is like tinkering with a complex artifact — it requires precision and creativity. Whirler Rogue is a card that encapsulates this, enhancing your tactical scope with its ability to summon Thopter tokens and make creatures unblockable. Understanding the ins and outs of such multifaceted cards can significantly tilt the scales in your favor. Embark on a quest to refine your strategies and expand your collection with gems like Whirler Rogue. Dive into our repository of knowledge where we dissect the nuances of pivotal cards, MTG mechanics, and winning deck builds. Enhance your gameplay and join the ranks of seasoned players who turn the tide of battle with well-informed choices.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Whirler Rogue MTG card by a specific set like Magic Origins and Commander 2018, 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 Whirler Rogue and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Whirler Rogue Magic the Gathering card was released in 15 different sets between 2015-07-17 and 2024-04-19. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12015-07-17Magic OriginsORI 832015NormalBlackWinona Nelson
22018-08-09Commander 2018C18 1112015NormalBlackWinona Nelson
32018-11-16Game NightGNT 252015NormalBlackWinona Nelson
42020-09-25Zendikar Rising CommanderZNC 392015NormalBlackWinona Nelson
52021-02-05Kaldheim CommanderKHC 452015NormalBlackWinona Nelson
62021-05-27Historic Anthology 5HA5 92015NormalBlackWinona Nelson
72022-02-18Neon Dynasty CommanderNEC 1012015NormalBlackWinona Nelson
82022-04-29New Capenna CommanderNCC 2382015NormalBlackWinona Nelson
92022-11-18The Brothers' War CommanderBRC 1011997NormalBlackWinona Nelson
102022-12-02Jumpstart 2022J22 662015NormalBlackI☆LA
112023-04-21March of the Machine CommanderMOC 2442015NormalBlackWinona Nelson
122023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 1322015NormalBlackWinona Nelson
132024-02-09Murders at Karlov Manor CommanderMKC 1242015NormalBlackWinona Nelson
142024-03-08FalloutPIP 7092015NormalBlackDaarken
152024-03-08FalloutPIP 1812015NormalBlackDaarken
162024-04-19Outlaws of Thunder Junction CommanderOTC 1222015NormalBlackWinona Nelson

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Whirler Rogue has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2015-06-22 Activating the second ability of Whirler Rogue after a creature has become blocked won't cause it to become unblocked.
2015-06-22 You may tap any two untapped artifacts you control, including artifact creatures that haven't been under your control continuously since the beginning of your most recent turn.