Breaching Hippocamp MTG Card
Text of card
Flash (You may cast this spell any time you could cast an instant.) When Breaching Hippocamp enters the battlefield, untap another target creature you control.
Don't try to ride this steed unless you've got gills too.
Cards like Breaching Hippocamp
Breaching Hippocamp stands as a unique creature in Magic: The Gathering, offering a blend of abilities that highlights its tactical versatility. This card can be likened to other creatures with similar “untap target creature” effects, such as Pestermite or Deceiver Exarch. Both cards share the instant impact on the battlefield by freeing up a creature for an unexpected block or extra attack. Pestermite features a lower casting cost, but it doesn’t match the raw power of Breaching Hippocamp.
Adverse to Pestermite, Breaching Hippocamp doesn’t offer flash, which means it can’t be played at instant speed, reducing its potential for surprise plays. Galvanic Alchemist is another card that exhibits untap ability, though it requires mana to activate. Unlike these alternatives, Breaching Hippocamp’s untap ability is a one-time trigger on casting, which can often be just enough to shift the momentum of the game in your favor.
Each of these creatures provides strategic depth to MTG gameplay, allowing savvy players to unlock combinations and interactions that can turn the tide of a match. In terms of power and immediate board presence, Breaching Hippocamp certainly makes waves within its own niche of untap utility creatures.
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Breaching Hippocamp. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Eldritch Kiki Chord | Modern | Kiki Chord | ANZ Super Series Cycle 5 Sunday 5K |
| Vannifar Combo | Pioneer | Sultai Vannifar | Pro Tour Murders at Karlov Manor |
 | Four-color Combo | Gladiator | Gladiator Games: We're Back |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Breaching Hippocamp offers the potential to untap another creature upon entering the battlefield, often allowing for double usage of that creature’s abilities within a single turn cycle, which can translate into both tactical advantage and card efficiency.
Resource Acceleration: While the Breaching Hippocamp itself does not directly generate mana or tokens, its untap ability can be synergized with creatures that have tap abilities to produce mana or other resources, effectively providing a form of indirect resource acceleration.
Instant Speed: The flash ability of Breaching Hippocamp allows it to be played at instant speed, providing flexibility and the potential for surprise interactions during an opponent’s turn. This can disrupt an opponent’s plans and offers the element of surprise, which is a valuable asset in many games.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One notable downside to the Breaching Hippocamp is that it doesn’t offer a card advantage. Unlike other creatures in its mana range, it lacks an ability to draw or retrieve cards from the graveyard, potentially impacting your long game.
Specific Mana Cost: As a card requiring both blue mana and colorless mana, this sea horse may not always fit smoothly into multi-color decks. The need for a specific blue might restrict its playability, particularly in three or more colors decks that are less centered around blue.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana for a 3/2 creature, the Breaching Hippocamp could be considered a less economical choice. Given its stats and effect, other creatures or spells might provide a greater impact or versatility for a similar or lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Breaching Hippocamp offers the flexibility to fit into decks that aim to surprise opponents with instant-speed interactions. Its ability to untap another creature upon entering the battlefield makes it a fine addition for decks that capitalize on tapping and untapping mechanics.
Combo Potential: This card holds the potential to create powerful interactions in decks that include creatures with impactful tap abilities. By setting off an unexpected combo or enabling a creature to act twice in a turn, Breaching Hippocamp can shift the game in your favor at crucial moments.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state where creature-based strategies are prominent, being able to untap your creatures to either attack or use their abilities again provides significant tactical advantage. Breaching Hippocamp may not be at the forefront of the current meta, but its inclusion could give you an edge in specific strategic setups.
How to Beat Breaching Hippocamp
Breaching Hippocamp steps into the Magic: The Gathering scene as a creature with a knack for surprise. Players often deploy it for its flash ability, which allows for strategic blocking or the untapping of a key creature at the end of an opponent’s turn. The Hippocamp adds a layer of depth to the blue decks it’s a part of, emphasizing timing and unpredictability.
Conquering the tactical advantage Breaching Hippocamp provides requires planning. One method is by utilizing instant-speed removal when it’s cast, nullifying its effect and maintaining board control. It’s also vulnerable to counterspells as it attempts to hit the battlefield, challenging the opponent’s tempo. Additionally, declining to overextend into a board that could be refreshed by the Hippocamp’s untap ability is wise, thereby limiting its impact. Cards with the “can’t be countered” trait or providing hexproof to your creatures are also useful, as they diminish the Hippocamp’s surprise factor.
Ultimately, while Breaching Hippocamp can catch players off guard, a well-considered strategy that anticipates its arrival can defuse its potency. Respect its capabilities, but prepare your deck with answers to ensure it doesn’t tip the scales in your opponent’s favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Breaching Hippocamp MTG card by a specific set like Theros and Jumpstart: Historic Horizons, 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 Breaching Hippocamp 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
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Printings
The Breaching Hippocamp Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2013-09-27 and 2021-08-26. Illustrated by Christopher Burdett.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2013-09-27 | Theros | THS | 43 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Christopher Burdett | |
| 2 | 2021-08-26 | Jumpstart: Historic Horizons | J21 | 170 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Christopher Burdett |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Breaching Hippocamp 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 |
Guide to Flash card ability
Explore the dynamic Flash ability in Magic: The Gathering (MTG), a feature that allows you to cast spells at lightning speed, often leaving your opponents reeling and your strategy several steps ahead. This versatile ability can turn the tide of a game, providing the element of surprise and tactical advantage. It places a premium on timing and foresight, transforming an ordinary deck into a formidable arsenal of instant threats and responses.