Amzu, Swarm's Hunger MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Legendary Creature — Insect Shaman |
| Abilities | Flying,Menace |
| Released | 2024-02-23 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Ravnica: Clue Edition |
| Set code | CLU |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 24 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Slawomir Maniak |
Text of card
Flying, menace Other Insects you control have menace. Whenever one or more cards leave your graveyard, you may create a 1/1 black and green Insect creature token, then put a number of +1/+1 counters on it equal to the greatest mana value among those cards. Do this only once each turn.
Cards like Amzu, Swarm's Hunger
Amzu, Swarm’s Hunger introduces a unique twist to creature-based stratagems in Magic: The Gathering. It may remind seasoned players of Thelonite Hermit in the way both cards capitalize on creature tokens. Thelonite Hermit thrives in decks swarming with Saprolings, while Amzu prefers a board populated by any kind of tokens, expanding its versatility.
Another creature echoing this token synergy is Tana, the Bloodsower. Tana’s ability to create Saproling tokens on dealing combat damage offers a different token-generating avenue. However, Amzu, Swarm’s Hunger can potentially churn out tokens each turn without needing to connect with an opponent, giving it an edge in consistency. Where Tana requires an aggressive stance, Amzu can steadily bolster your creature presence in a more controlled manner.
When considering the impact of token-producing creatures, Amzu, Swarm’s Hunger stands out with its potential for immediate board presence and the ability to turn any token into a threat. Its design encourages a proactive, broader token strategy, setting it apart from contemporaries that often focus on specific token types or combat-dependent triggers.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Amzu, Swarm’s Hunger offers players significant card advantage by enabling the potential for repeated creature sacrifices, each leading to card draws. This creates a persistent ability to outpace opponents in gaining access to more resources and options as the match progresses.
Resource Acceleration: The card can indirectly contribute to resource acceleration through its ability to sacrifice creatures, which can be synergized with other cards that benefit from or trigger upon creatures dying. This can lead to ramp effects or additional token generation, keeping the mana resources flowing and enabling larger plays sooner.
Instant Speed: Amzu, Swarm’s Hunger functions at instant speed, providing players with the tactical flexibility to respond to opponents’ actions or maximize their own strategic plays without committing during their main phases. This adaptability can give a strategic edge, allowing players to act with the fullest possible information and the surprise factor on their side.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One of the more challenging elements of Amzu, Swarm’s Hunger is its requirement for you to discard a card in order to take advantage of its full potential. This condition could be particularly detrimental when your hand is already running low, forcing tough decisions about which resources to keep or sacrifice.
Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost for Amzu, Swarm’s Hunger necessitates a precise combination of colors, including black and green. This specificity inherently restricts deck-building flexibility, making it less optimal for players who prefer a more varied mana base or those running multicolor decks that may not always have the precise mana available.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its cost set at a somewhat steep threshold, Amzu, Swarm’s Hunger might not be the first pick for players looking for cost-efficient creature cards. Alternatives exist that could fulfill a similar role or provide more utility without the hefty mana investment, allowing for a quicker and possibly more strategic gameplay.
Reasons to Include Amzu, Swarm’s Hunger in Your Collection
Versatility: Amzu, Swarm’s Hunger offers adaptability across various deck types, thriving in environments that favor counters and token generation. Its ability to grow in power while bolstering your creature presence makes it a staple for both aggressive and synergistic strategies.
Combo Potential: The card’s innate capability to devour creatures not only augments its own strength but also pairs well with strategies that profit from the graveyard or death-triggered abilities. This opens up a plethora of combo opportunities within the game.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where creature-based tactics are predominant, Amzu, Swarm’s Hunger becomes an invaluable asset. Its presence on the battlefield can shift the momentum, making it a significant inclusion in the context of ever-evolving competitive play.
How to Beat Amzu, Swarm’s Hunger
Amzu, Swarm’s Hunger introduces a strategic dynamic to Magic: The Gathering gameplay, positioning itself as a force multiplier for decks capitalizing on creature tokens. Amzu thrives in environments rich with expendable creatures, allowing players to draw cards at a potentially rapid rate. To counteract Amzu’s advantage, consider employing strategies that neutralize token creatures before they can be sacrificed for card draw.
Removal spells that exile or sweep multiple creatures are particularly effective against Amzu’s token-generating strategy. Cards like Wrath of God or Leyline of the Void can disrupt the flow of creatures hitting the battlefield, thereby stemming the tide of card advantage that Amzu provides. Another method is to utilize cards that restrict your opponent’s ability to sacrifice creatures, such as Grafdigger’s Cage or containment effects like Rest in Peace.
Face to face with Amzu, Swarm’s Hunger, adapt your deck to minimize its impact. By anticipating the swarm and preparing your defenses accordingly, you can nullify Amzu’s influence and maintain control over the game state. Competent deck-building and tactical foresight are your best tools to prevail against the hunger of the swarm.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Amzu, Swarm's Hunger MTG card by a specific set like Ravnica: Clue Edition, 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 Amzu, Swarm's Hunger and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Amzu, Swarm's Hunger has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |