Goblin WardriverHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Goblin Wardriver features the Battle cry keyword, a triggered ability that occurs specifically when it is declared as an attacker. When Goblin Wardriver attacks, every other creature that was also declared as an attacker during that same step receives a +1/+0 power boost. This bonus lasts until the end of the turn, making your overall combat phase significantly more threatening.

Resolving the Trigger Step-by-Step

First, you enter the Declare Attackers step and choose Goblin Wardriver along with any other creatures you wish to attack with. Once you finish declaring all attackers, the Battle cry ability triggers and is put onto the stack. Your opponents have a chance to respond before the ability resolves. If it resolves, all attacking creatures except Goblin Wardriver itself gain the +1/+0 bonus. Notably, if Goblin Wardriver is removed from the battlefield after it has attacked but before the ability resolves, the bonus still applies to the remaining attackers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A common misconception is that Battle cry affects creatures that enter the battlefield attacking after the trigger has already resolved. Only creatures that are currently 'attacking' when the Battle cry ability resolves will get the bonus. Additionally, remember that Goblin Wardriver does not buff itself; it only inspires its companions. If you have two Goblin Wardriver cards attacking, they will each buff the other, giving both a +1/+0 boost.

When to Play It

Goblin Wardriver is most effective in decks that focus on 'going wide' with many low-cost creatures or tokens. Because its mana cost is specifically two red mana, it is best suited for mono-red or heavily red-focused aggressive strategies. It should be played early to establish board presence and force the opponent to decide whether to block the Wardriver or its buffed teammates.

Interaction examples

Taking to the Skies

Ornithopter of Paradise

If you attack with both Goblin Wardriver and Ornithopter of Paradise, Battle cry triggers. When it resolves, the Ornithopter of Paradise gets +1/+0, becoming a 1/2 flying attacker. This allows a defensive mana creature to contribute meaningful damage.

Profitable Aggression

Professional Face-Breaker

When you attack with both creatures, Battle cry buffs Professional Face-Breaker to a 3/3 with menace. Because of the power boost, it is more likely to survive combat or force an unfavorable block. If it connects with the player, you then trigger Professional Face-Breaker's ability to create a Treasure token.