Bloodcrazed Hoplite MTG Card

Improves its power by leveraging opponent’s strategies with +1/+1 counters. Instant-speed heroic ability allows for unpredictability and combat tricks. Dual mana cost and targeted spell reliance may limit deck flexibility.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Human Soldier
Abilities	Heroic
Released	2014-05-02
Set symbol
Set name	Journey into Nyx
Set code	JOU
Power	2
Toughness	1
Number	61
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Jeff Simpson

Text of card

Heroic — Whenever you cast a spell that targets Bloodcrazed Hoplite, put a +1/+1 counter on it. Whenever a +1/+1 counter is placed on Bloodcrazed Hoplite, remove a +1/+1 counter from target creature an opponent controls.

Cards like Bloodcrazed Hoplite

Bloodcrazed Hoplite is an intriguing card in the pantheon of heroic creatures in Magic: The Gathering. It stands shoulder to shoulder with other combat-centric creatures like Fabled Hero. Both benefit from spells that target them, with Bloodcrazed Hoplite gaining +1/+1 counters and preventing the opposition from building their own forces. Whereas Fabled Hero doubles down on this mechanic with double strike, the Hoplite exerts a more controlling edge.

In a similar category, Phalanx Leader also shines among heroic cards. While not accruing power for itself, it fortifies your battlefield by placing +1/+1 counters on all creatures you control with each targeting spell. Bloodcrazed Hoplite, in contrast, specifically boosts only itself, which points to a more solo-driven strategy. Elite Inquisitor presents another point of comparison – foregoing the heroic trait for a suite of protective keywords and vampire/zombie/werewolf combat bonuses, which give it a distinct edge in creature matchups without the need for additional spells.

When we evaluate the capabilities and strategic advantages of these cards, it’s clear that Bloodcrazed Hoplite finds its place amongst MTG’s heroic creatures as a formidable contender, especially in decks designed to deny and suppress the growth of an opponent’s forces.

Cards similar to Bloodcrazed Hoplite by color, type and mana cost

Order of the Ebon Hand - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Bloodcrazed Hoplite can potentially create card advantage by disrupting opponent strategies that rely on +1/+1 counters. As it removes these counters, it also grows stronger, effectively providing a two-fold advantage from a single card.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly contributing to resource acceleration in terms of mana, Bloodcrazed Hoplite can accelerate your board presence by consistently strengthening itself each time a counter is removed. This can lead to accelerated pressure on your opponent and a quicker path to victory.

Instant Speed: Although the Bloodcrazed Hoplite itself isn’t an instant, its heroic ability can be triggered at instant speed during combat or in response to spells, giving it a flexible edge in battle sequences and allowing for surprise interactions that can shift the tide of a game.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Bloodcrazed Hoplite has the potential to become a considerable threat, its ability to capitalize on +1/+1 counters is dependent on playing other spells that target not only the Hoplite but other creatures you control. This means you may have to continuously spend resources, which can leave you at a disadvantage if you don’t maintain a sufficient hand size.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both black and white mana, Bloodcrazed Hoplite demands a commitment to a dual-colored deck, which can occasionally cause mana issues, especially in limited formats like drafting where mana bases are less consistent.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of two mana, one being colored, for a 2/1 creature, Bloodcrazed Hoplite’s stats are not outstanding. There are other creatures at similar cost that could offer more immediate impact on the game or come with intrinsic abilities that are beneficial right away, without the need for additional setup. In competitive play where mana efficiency is key, this can be a significant drawback.

Reasons to Include Bloodcrazed Hoplite in Your Collection

Versatility: Bloodcrazed Hoplite stands out for its capacity to fit into various deck builds, especially those revolving around +1/+1 counter mechanics. Its hero-triggered ability to move a counter from target creature to itself makes it formidable in both aggressive and synergy-based strategies.

Combo Potential: This card shines when combined with other cards that proliferate or manipulate +1/+1 counters. Its ability to hinder your opponents’ strategies by decreasing the power and toughness of their creatures, while bolstering itself, opens the door for offensive and defensive plays.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-based strategies predominate, Bloodcrazed Hoplite can be an efficient tool for disrupting the board state, giving it relevance in certain match-ups. It’s a solid addition to decks that aim to outpace opponents through incremental advantages.

How to beat

Bloodcrazed Hoplite steps into the arena as a potentially formidable force in Magic the Gathering. Outfitting a deck with ways to manage or bypass this card is essential for a well-prepared strategy. A solid approach is to target its key mechanic, preventing it from amassing +1/+1 counters which can rapidly escalate its threat level. Use removal spells that don’t target, like board wipes, which can subdue the Hoplite before it becomes too powerful.

Employing creatures with deathtouch can serve as another effective countermeasure. Deathtouch ensures that even if the Hoplite is bolstered with counters, it can still be eliminated in combat regardless of its size. Remember, the Bloodcrazed Hoplite thrives in an environment where it can target and eliminate creatures, so maintaining board control and not overextending with your creatures can minimize its impact on the game.

Considering the Hoplite’s tendency to grow via targeting spells and abilities, using cards that protect your creatures or make them hexproof can derail an opponent’s strategy to empower the Hoplite. Strategic play and well-timed removals can keep this aggressive creature in check, ensuring your victory against a deck that relies heavily on the Bloodcrazed Hoplite’s abilities.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Bloodcrazed Hoplite MTG card by a specific set like Journey into Nyx, 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 Bloodcrazed Hoplite and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Bloodcrazed Hoplite has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Penny	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2014-04-26	Bloodcrazed Hoplite's last ability will trigger whenever any +1/+1 counter is placed on it, not just ones due to its heroic ability.
2014-04-26	Heroic abilities will resolve before the spell that caused them to trigger.
2014-04-26	Heroic abilities will trigger only once per spell, even if that spell targets the creature with the heroic ability multiple times.
2014-04-26	Heroic abilities won't trigger when a copy of a spell is created on the stack or when a spell's targets are changed to include a creature with a heroic ability.
2014-04-26	If Bloodcrazed Hoplite enters the battlefield with +1/+1 counters on it, its last ability will trigger once for each of those counters.
2014-04-26	If multiple +1/+1 counters are placed on Bloodcrazed Hoplite simultaneously, it last ability will trigger once for each of those counters.