Gremlin is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.
Complete guide
Gremlins are the ultimate chaotic companions in Magic: The Gathering, known for their love of artifacts and sudden swarms. Whether they are 1/1 scouts or massive artifact tokens, these red creatures excel at overwhelming opponents through sheer numbers and synergistic aggression.
A Horde of Many Sizes
While the Gremlin token is typically a 1/1 red creature, its attributes can change depending on the source that creates it. Some Gremlins are pure creatures, while others are artifact creatures. The stats range from 1/1 tokens created by Gremlin Tamer to the scaling 0/0 artifact tokens produced by Gimbal, Gremlin Prodigy, which enter with +1/+1 counters.
Building the Swarm
To maximize Gremlins, you must follow the specific triggers of your spells. When a spell like Release the Gremlins resolves, it first destroys the targets, then creates the tokens. For permanents, like Gremlin Tamer, the token creation is a triggered ability that goes on the stack whenever you fulfill the 'Eerie' condition, such as casting an enchantment or unlocking a Room.
Managing Token Types
A common mistake is assuming all Gremlins are identical. Always check if your source creates an 'artifact creature' or just a 'creature.' This distinction is vital for cards like Gimbal, Gremlin Prodigy, which specifically cares about the names of artifact tokens. If you have a Gremlin artifact token and a Treasure token, Gimbal counts two differently named artifact tokens.
When to Unleash the Chaos
Gremlins are most effective when paired with mass haste or power buffs. Midnight Mayhem is the perfect finisher, as it grants your existing Gremlin army menace and lifelink. Because these tokens are usually red, they benefit from traditional aggressive strategies that punish players who cannot provide multiple blockers.
Interaction examples
Walking BallistaYou cast Release the Gremlins with X=1, targeting an opponent's Walking Ballista. First, the Walking Ballista is destroyed and put into the graveyard. Immediately after, you create one 2/2 red Gremlin creature token. If the target becomes illegal before resolution, no token is created.
Gimbal, Gremlin Prodigy
Ragavan, Nimble PilfererYou control Gimbal, Gremlin Prodigy and a Treasure token created by Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer. At your end step, Gimbal triggers. It checks your artifact tokens and sees one named 'Treasure.' It creates a 0/0 Gremlin artifact creature token and puts one +1/+1 counter on it. In future turns, if you control both a 'Treasure' and a 'Gremlin' artifact token, Gimbal will add two counters to the next token.
You cast Scurry of Gremlins, creating two 1/1 tokens and gaining energy. Next, you attack with Razorkin Hordecaller, which creates another 1/1 Gremlin token. While the new token is tapped and attacking, you can spend four energy to activate the ability of Scurry of Gremlins, giving all your creatures (including the three new Gremlins) +1/+0 until end of turn.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Gremlin
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
No additional ruling has been published for this card.
Interactions with other cards
These cards' text mentions Gremlin.
Eerie — Whenever an enchantment you control enters and whenever you fully unlock a Room, create a 1/1 red Gremlin creature token.
When this enchantment enters, create two 1/1 red Gremlin creature tokens. Then you get an amount of {E} (energy counters) equal to the number of creatures you control. Pay {E}{E}{E}{E}: Creatures you control get +1/+0 and gain haste until end of turn.
Destroy X target artifacts. Create X 2/2 red Gremlin creature tokens.
Create three 1/1 red Gremlin creature tokens. Gremlins you control gain menace, lifelink, and haste until end of turn. (A creature with menace can't be blocked except by two or more creatures.)
Artifact creatures you control have trample. At the beginning of your end step, create a 0/0 red Gremlin artifact creature token. Put X +1/+1 counters on it, where X is the number of differently named artifact tokens you control.
Haste Whenever you attack, create a 1/1 red Gremlin creature token.
Rulebreaker — A deck with this commander can have Aura cards of any color identity and any basic land cards. +1: Add one mana of any color. When you spend this mana to cast an Aura spell this turn, create a 1/1 red Gremlin creature token. −3: Discard your hand, then draw cards equal to twice the number of Auras you control. For each Aura attached to you, attach it to an opponent of your choice. The Unluckiest Planeswalker can be your commander.
Enchant artifact At the beginning of your end step, this Aura deals 2 damage to enchanted artifact's controller. When enchanted artifact is put into a graveyard, create a 2/2 red Gremlin creature token.
Related cards and tokens
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Meta decks with Gremlin
No archived Top 8 deck with this card yet.