Skirk OutriderHow it works & interactions with other cards

Continuous Bonuses

Skirk Outrider features a static ability that creates a continuous effect. Unlike triggered abilities that use the stack, this bonus is 'always on' as long as the condition—controlling a Beast—is met. The moment you control a creature with the Beast subtype, Skirk Outrider immediately becomes a 4/4 creature with trample. If you lose control of all Beasts, the bonus is lost instantly.

Trampling Through

The addition of trample allows Skirk Outrider to deal excess combat damage to the player or planeswalker it is attacking. Because this depends on the presence of a Beast, be mindful of your opponent's removal spells. If they destroy your only Beast during the declare blockers step, Skirk Outrider will shrink back to a 2/2 and lose trample before combat damage is dealt.

Common Mistakes

One common mistake is thinking Skirk Outrider needs to see a Beast enter the battlefield to trigger. Because it is a static ability, the bonus applies even if the Beast was already on the battlefield when Skirk Outrider was cast, or if a creature currently on the battlefield becomes a Beast through an effect. Additionally, remember that Skirk Outrider itself is a Goblin, not a Beast, so it cannot fulfill its own condition.

Interaction examples

Boosting with the Throne

Roaming Throne

When Roaming Throne enters the battlefield, you choose the creature type 'Beast'. Because Roaming Throne is now a Beast in addition to its other types, Skirk Outrider's condition is satisfied. Skirk Outrider immediately gains +2/+2 and trample.

Curving Out

Solemn Simulacrum

If you control Skirk Outrider and cast Solemn Simulacrum, Skirk Outrider remains a 2/2. Since Solemn Simulacrum is a Golem and not a Beast, it does not provide the necessary bonus to the Outrider, even though it helps you accelerate your mana.