Cardsplain
Desolation Prowler
Threat
Why it works in Goblin Army
Paying 2 life, no mana, once each turn makes it a 4/4 until end of turn, so opposing 2- and can neither block it nor attack into it safely. The pump also turns on , which checks for a creature with power 4 or greater, for Nighthowl Pursuer and Ravening Warg.
How to play it
Attack from turn 3 and pay the life after blockers are declared, either to win the fight or to deal 4 unblocked. If a red opponent keeps 2 mana open, skip the pump, because a Pinecone Strike in response kills it as a 2/2 and the life is gone too. On defense it blocks as a 4/4.
Black's uncommons are universally good cards, and Desolation Prowler is a Top 10 card in the entire format.
Win rates
- Win rate when drawn () in Goblin Army decks
- 61.8% +0.6 vs all decks 14,067 games
- Win rate when drawn () in all decks
- 61.2% 30,018 games
Win rates from 17Lands.
Replacements
If you don't see Desolation Prowler, these do the same job: threat.
Win rates from .