Borrowed Hostility MTG Card
2016-07-22 - Number 121
2019-11-07 - Number 869
2023-03-21 - Number 146
2020-09-26 - Number EMN-121
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
| Abilities | Escalate |
Text of card
Escalate (Pay this cost for each mode chosen beyond the first.) Choose one or both — • Target creature gets +3/+0 until end of turn. • Target creature gains first strike until end of turn.
Cards like Borrowed Hostility
Borrowed Hostility is an intriguing combat trick in the realm of Magic: The Gathering, providing a powerful boost with its pump-up ability. It finds its peers in cards like Brute Strength, which also grants a creature a hearty increase to its power and toughness. Brute Strength, however, brings something extra to the table with its inclusion of trample, potentially turning a blocked attack into substantial damage against the opponent.
Another comparable option is Titan’s Strength, which offers a smaller power boost but sweetens the deal with scry 1, allowing for better control over upcoming draws. Titan’s Strength poses an interesting choice as it balances raw power with strategic depth. Then we have Rush of Adrenaline, which is on par with Borrowed Hostility’s cost and power increase, but like Brute Strength, it includes the sometimes game-changing trample ability.
Choosing the right card often comes down to player strategy and deck synergy. While Borrowed Hostility lacks the trample or scry of its cousins, its flexibility with the Escalate mechanic permits users to opt for power, toughness, or both, adhering to the needs of the moment. Its versatility can make it a preferred pick for players looking to fine-tune their in-game tactics.
Cards similar to Borrowed Hostility by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Borrowed Hostility. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Izzet Obosh | Pioneer | Izzet Obosh | Pioneer League 2023-12-02 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Borrowed Hostility offers a flexible edge on the battlefield by providing the option to either pump a creature significantly or empower multiple creatures modestly. This adaptability can lead to gaining card advantage as it might force the opponent to use more cards to deal with enhanced threats.
Resource Acceleration: While the card itself doesn’t directly provide resource acceleration, its low mana cost facilitates aggressive strategies without a steep investment. This allows players to deploy other resources or hold mana for strategic plays, keeping pressure on opponents efficiently.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Borrowed Hostility at instant speed adds a layer of surprise and strategy. Players can use it to turn the tide during combat unexpectedly, potentially leading to advantageous trades or direct damage to close out a game. This enhances decision-making and can cause opponents to hesitate, safeguarding the player’s resources.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Borrowed Hostility requires no discard, allowing you to maintain card advantage while enhancing your creatures’ abilities.
Specific Mana Cost: This instant demands a precise red mana cost, which can restrict its incorporation in decks that aren’t heavy on red mana sources or those that prefer a versatile mana base to accommodate a broader range of spells.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While its initial cost might seem affordable, when you factor the additional cost to escalate, Borrowed Hostility’s total expense could be seen as steep for the boost it provides. Players might opt for more cost-effective alternatives for creature aggression or protection.
Reasons to Include Borrowed Hostility in Your Collection
Versatility: Borrowed Hostility is a spell with the flexibility to adapt to various situations on the battlefield. Its ability to either boost a creature’s power or give it first strike allows for dynamic combat phases and surprise plays, making it valuable in aggressive and tempo-based red decks.
Combo Potential: In combination with cards that benefit from cast triggers or spells that target creatures, Borrowed Hostility can be a key piece in unlocking powerful synergies. It pairs well with prowess creatures or those with heroic abilities, maximizing the impact of a single card played.
Meta-Relevance: With a landscape that often values decisive turns, Borrowed Hostility offers an inexpensive way to tip combat in your favor or finish off an opponent. In a meta where combat tricks can alter the tide of battle, having such a versatile card can be a subtle but significant advantage.
How to beat
Borrowed Hostility packs a punch in MTG with its flexibility to either give a creature +3/+0 or grant it the first strike ability. This instant spell can turn the tide of battle unexpectedly, leading to a significant shift in damage calculation. However, it does come with its own set of challenges when facing it on the battlefield.
To effectively counter Borrowed Hostility, consider holding onto instant-speed removal spells until after your opponent has played it, thereby wasting their resources. Including cards with hexproof or shroud in your deck ensures resistance against targeted spells like Borrowed Hostility. Also, utilizing counterspells when your opponent is low on mana can disrupt their combat tricks and leave their creatures vulnerable. Lastly, playing cards that prevent damage or redirect it can nullify the combat enhancements provided by Borrowed Hostility and maintain control over the battle’s outcome. Understanding the timing and strategizing around your opponent’s potential combat tricks are essential to ensuring that borrowed power won’t lead to your defeat.
In essence, countering Borrowed Hostility comes down to careful play, strategic deck building, and timely responses, which can negate the advantages that this instant spell offers to your adversary.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Borrowed Hostility MTG card by a specific set like Eldritch Moon and Mystery Booster, 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 Borrowed Hostility and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Printings
The Borrowed Hostility Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2016-07-22 and 2023-03-21. Illustrated by Volkan Baǵa.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2016-07-22 | Eldritch Moon | EMN | 121 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Volkan Baǵa | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 869 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Volkan Baǵa | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | EMN-121 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Volkan Baǵa | ||
| 4 | 2023-03-21 | Shadows over Innistrad Remastered | SIR | 146 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Volkan Baǵa |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Borrowed Hostility has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Borrowed Hostility card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2016-07-13 | Additional costs don’t affect a spell’s mana value. |
| 2016-07-13 | Effects that reduce the cost of spells reduce the total cost, including any escalate costs added. |
| 2016-07-13 | If an effect allows you to cast a spell that has escalate without paying its mana cost, you pay escalate costs for that spell if you choose more than one mode. |
| 2016-07-13 | If one target of an escalate spell becomes illegal, the other targets will still be affected. If all of the targets become illegal, the spell won’t resolve. |
| 2016-07-13 | If two of the chosen modes of an escalate spell target a creature, you may choose the same creature for each mode’s target, or choose different creatures. The same is true if the chosen modes target a player (or opponent). |
| 2016-07-13 | You can’t choose any one mode multiple times. |
| 2016-07-13 | You choose all of your modes at once. You can’t wait to perform one mode’s actions and then decide to choose more modes. |