Changeling Hero MTG Card
2007-10-12 - Number 9
2020-03-08 - Number 4
2020-09-26 - Number LRW-9
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Shapeshifter |
| Abilities | Champion,Changeling,Lifelink |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
Changeling (This card is every creature type at all times.) Champion a creature (When this comes into play, sacrifice it unless you remove another creature you control from the game. When this leaves play, that card returns to play.) Lifelink (Whenever this creature deals damage, you gain that much life.)
Cards like Changeling Hero
Changeling Hero stands out in the vast array of tribal support cards in Magic: The Gathering. Being a creature with the changeling ability, it shares similarities with cards like Chameleon Colossus and Taurean Mauler, which both possess the trait that allows them to blend into any creature type. However, Changeling Hero has a unique twist with its champion mechanic, requiring players to exile another creature they control until it leaves the battlefield.
Changeling Hero’s champion ability closely resembles that of Loyal Sentry, a card that also demands another creature’s sacrifice for a greater effect. Yet, the key difference lies in Changeling Hero’s versatile nature, serving as a dynamic addition to any tribal deck. In contrast, Mistmeadow Skulk, though not a changeling, offers a resemblance with its protection attribute, making it valuable in specific situations where safeguarding against higher power creatures is necessary.
To sum up, each card has its own role in the versatile landscape of magic, but Changeling Hero offers both an adaptive quality unique to changelings and an engaging sacrifice dynamic that can turn the tides of tribal synergy and board presence.
Cards similar to Changeling Hero by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Changeling Hero offers a unique advantage by potentially removing one of your opponent’s threats when it enters the battlefield thanks to its champion ability. This can lead to a favorable shift in card balance as you essentially exchange one card for a more significant threat.
Resource Acceleration: As a versatile creature type, the Changeling trait means it can be included in various tribal decks, effectively serving as an accelerator by synergizing with cards that search for specific creature types or those that harness tribe-centric benefits.
Instant Speed: While Changeling Hero itself isn’t an instant, it benefits from any tribal spell or effect that can be cast at instant speed. This means in a deck that supports instant-speed interactions, Changeling Hero can often enter the battlefield unexpectedly, disrupting your opponent’s strategy at a critical moment.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One downside of Changeling Hero is the necessity to exile another creature you control as it enters the battlefield. This condition might force players to sacrifice essential creatures, which could be detrimental to their game strategy and board presence.
Specific Mana Cost: Changeling Hero’s casting cost includes two white mana symbols, making it a card that requires a dedicated mana base. Consequently, it may not fit seamlessly into multicolored decks that spread their mana resources across diverse color needs.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost totaling five mana, Changeling Hero is on the upper end of the mana curve for creatures with similar effects. This cost can make the card less desirable, especially when faster or more mana-efficient options are available in the competitive landscape of MTG.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Changeling Hero’s inherent adaptability allows it to seamlessly integrate into a plethora of deck archetypes. As a creature with the changeling ability, it is every creature type at all times, making it a perfect fit for tribal strategies that rely on creature type synergy.
Combo Potential: This card can partner well with various other cards to enable powerful interactions or infinite loops. For example, thanks to its champion mechanic, it can repeatedly exile and return creatures to the battlefield, triggering enter-the-battlefield effects multiple times within a single game.
Meta-Relevance: In formats where tribal decks are prevalent, Changeling Hero can become a key player. It not only boosts tribal counts but also serves as a sizable creature that can contend with many common threats found in the current competitive landscape.
How to beat
Changeling Hero presents a unique twist in gameplay challenging enthusiasts to devise strategies to overcome its versatile nature in MTG. This card towers over others with its ability to exile another creature you control as it enters the battlefield, allowing you to return it to play when Changeling Hero leaves the battlefield. The reintroduction of the exiled creature can lead to repeated enter-the-battlefield effects, a potential game-changer.
To counter Changeling Hero, players should anticipate its lifelink trait which can offer opponents a sustaining lifeline during matches. Removal spells that can bypass Changeling Hero’s champion effect are effective here, as they prevent the recurring creature interactions. Counterspells also play a critical role when facing this shapeshifter, disrupting your opponent’s plans before the threat hits the board. It’s imperative to adapt and have these options available in your deck, maintaining the upper hand against the Changeling Hero’s dynamic play style.
Another strategy involves manipulating graveyards, with cards that exile or shuffle the opponent’s graveyard back into their library, preventing further exploitation of creature synergy. With the right approach and preparedness, Changeling Hero’s formidable presence on the battlefield can indeed be neutralized, preserving your path to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Changeling Hero MTG card by a specific set like Lorwyn and Mystery Booster Retail Edition Foils, 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 Changeling Hero 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 Changeling Hero Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2007-10-12 and 2020-03-08. Illustrated by Jeff Miracola.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2007-10-12 | Lorwyn | LRW | 9 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Jeff Miracola | |
| 2 | 2020-03-08 | Mystery Booster Retail Edition Foils | FMB1 | 4 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Jeff Miracola | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | LRW-9 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Jeff Miracola |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Changeling Hero has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |