Primordial Hydra MTG Card


Primordial Hydra grows each turn, becoming an increasingly daunting presence without additional card investment. Its limitless growth and instant speed potential make it a formidable one-card win condition. Despite its strength, early removal or specific mana needs could limit its battlefield dominance.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityMythic
TypeCreature — Hydra
Power 0
Toughness 0

Text of card

Primordial Hydra enters the battlefield with X +1/+1 counters on it. At the beginning of your upkeep, double the number of +1/+1 counters on Primordial Hydra. Primordial Hydra has trample as long as it has ten or more +1/+1 counters on it.


Cards like Primordial Hydra

Primordial Hydra stands out as a formidable force in Magic: The Gathering due to its exponential growth ability. Drawing a parallel, we have Managorger Hydra, which also grows with each spell cast, but unlike Primordial Hydra, it increments by a single +1/+1 counter, not doubling its size during each of your upkeeps. Another peer in this category is Kalonian Hydra, which doubles the number of +1/+1 counters on each creature you control when it attacks, impacting the whole board immediately, exemplifying different strategic advantages.

Furthermore, Vorel of the Hull Clade emerges as a noteworthy comparison; it can double the number of counters on a target creature or artifact each turn. This Hydra synergizes well with others by magnifying their power but requires an active decision each time, unlike the autonomous nature of Primordial Hydra. Mistcutter Hydra also deserves mention for its haste quality and protection from blue, which is a different angle of utility; however, it lacks the progressive growth feature that makes Primordial Hydra a relentless threat over time.

Assessing the unique qualities of these similar creatures, Primordial Hydra certainly carves a niche for itself as a powerhouse in MTG, autonomously reaching intimidating sizes that require immediate answers from opponents.

Managorger Hydra - MTG Card versions
Kalonian Hydra - MTG Card versions
Vorel of the Hull Clade - MTG Card versions
Mistcutter Hydra - MTG Card versions
Managorger Hydra - MTG Card versions
Kalonian Hydra - MTG Card versions
Vorel of the Hull Clade - MTG Card versions
Mistcutter Hydra - MTG Card versions

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Heir of the Wilds - MTG Card versions
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Muscle Sliver - MTG Card versions
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Bloodline Shaman - MTG Card versions
Sakura-Tribe Elder - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: As Primordial Hydra grows over time, it presents an ongoing threat that demands an answer. If left unanswered, it can single-handedly overtake games by becoming a massive creature. Each turn, it doubles its counters, effectively drawing you closer to victory without the need to commit further cards from your hand.

Resource Acceleration: With no cap on how large the Primordial Hydra can become, it acts as a one-card army, allowing you to invest mana into it early and watch it expand each turn. This frees up your resources to control the board or develop additional strategies, knowing you’ve got a win-condition already on the field.

Instant Speed: While Primordial Hydra itself is not an instant, its exponential growth can be a surprise for opponents not keeping a vigilant watch. If played with flash through various MTG card combinations, it can appear unexpectedly before your turn begins, ready to double in size and apply pressure right away.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Primordial Hydra doesn’t carry the burden of a discard requirement itself, it does compel you to maintain a card-rich hand to respond to threats that could easily remove it from the battlefield before it grows sufficiently threatening.

Specific Mana Cost: The Hydra’s casting cost comes with double green mana symbols, which means it’s primarily viable in monogreen or green-heavy decks, potentially limiting its flexibility across the wide spectrum of MTG’s multicolored strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although Primordial Hydra starts as a potential powerhouse, its initial mana investment is significant—two green and X additional mana. When considering this cost, players must weigh it against other creatures or spells that can make an immediate impact on the game state versus the Hydra’s more gradual, yet substantial, growth.


Reasons to Include Primordial Hydra in Your Collection

Versatility: Primordial Hydra is a dynamic card that continues to grow and adapt, making it a powerful addition to any green deck. Its ability to double its counters each turn allows it to fit seamlessly into various strategies that focus on +1/+1 counter interactions or want a constantly escalating threat on the board.

Combo Potential: With a myriad of synergies within the MTG universe, Primordial Hydra can be the cornerstone of many powerful combos. It works exceptionally well with cards that multiply counters, such as Doubling Season, or with mechanics like proliferate, which enhance its growth exponentially, leading to a devastating board presence.

Meta-Relevance: Despite the constant evolution of the MTG meta, Primordial Hydra remains pertinent due to its sheer scaling potential and resilience to single-target removal once it has amassed enough counters. In green decks that emphasize long-game victories and board dominance, including Primordial Hydra could give players a decisive edge over their opponents.


How to beat

Primordial Hydra is a dynamic force in the battlefield environs of MTG. When facing this rapidly growing creature, it’s essential to employ strategies that can mitigate its exponential growth. As Primordial Hydra doubles its +1/+1 counters during each of your upkeeps, swift action is crucial. Utilizing removal spells that can bypass its might, such as Path to Exile or Doom Blade, allows you to handle it before it becomes too robust.

Alternatively, countermagic is an excellent option. Preemptive spells like Mana Leak or Essence Scatter can prevent the hydra from hitting the field altogether. If the hydra has already settled in, take advantage of its lack of trample in its initial form. Chump blocking with small creatures can buy you time to find a more permanent solution. Moreover, board wipes like Wrath of God clear the field regardless of how formidable the hydra has become, effectively resetting the playing field.

In essence, acting expeditiously to either prevent the summoning or promptly dealing with the Primordial Hydra upon its arrival is key. Leveraging the right spells and tactics ensures that you maintain control over the game and prevent the hydra from reaching a size where it becomes unbeatable.


BurnMana Recommendations

Primordial Hydra is a force to be reckoned with, its strength manifesting in an ever-increasing threat that can define game outcomes. This MTG card, if unchecked, is like a ticking time bomb, set to explode with overwhelming power. Whether it’s the card’s affinity for green, its scaling ability, or the investment in a one-creature strategy, Primordial Hydra demands attention in both deck construction and play strategy. For those ready to harness such might or seeking alternatives with similar impact, the world of MTG is rich with possibilities. Embrace the growth, channel the power of green, and let Primordial Hydra be the seed to your victory. Join us to unlock the secrets to maximizing your deck’s potential with this evolving giant.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Primordial Hydra MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2012 and Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013 Promos, 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 Primordial Hydra and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Primordial Hydra Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2011-07-15 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12011-07-15Magic 2012M12 1892003NormalBlackAleksi Briclot
22012-01-01Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013 PromosPDP13 12003NormalBlackChase Stone
32012-07-13Magic 2013M13 1832003NormalBlackAleksi Briclot
42019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 13302015NormalBorderlessCatDirty
52022-12-02Jumpstart 2022J22 7122015NormalBlackAleksi Briclot

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Primordial Hydra has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2011-09-22 Consider only the number of +1/+1 counters on Primordial Hydra when determining if it has trample, not its power and toughness. For example, a Primordial Hydra with six +1/+1 counters on it that’s been the target of Titanic Growth (giving it +4/+4) would not have trample.