Crater Hellion MTG Card
1998-10-12 - Number 179
2013-09-06 - Number 56
2013-11-01 - Number 104
2014-06-16 - Number 157
2016-06-10 - Number 124
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Hellion Beast |
| Abilities | Echo |
| Power | 6 |
| Toughness | 6 |
Text of card
Echo (During your next upkeep after this permanent comes under your control, pay its casting cost or sacrifice it.) When Crater Hellion comes into play, it deals 4 damage to each other creature.
Cards like Crater Hellion
Crater Hellion is a creature card that leaves a significant impact on the battlefield in MTG. Its similarity to other board-clearing creatures such as Sweltering Suns is quite evident, with both aiming to reset the board. Sweltering Suns, however, does so at a lower cost and impacts the field immediately, without leaving a creature behind. What sets Crater Hellion apart is its substantial body that sticks around after its devastating entrance effect.
Firemaw Kavu is another creature card that shares the echo mechanic with Crater Hellion, but with a less dramatic effect upon leaving the board. While Firemaw Kavu has the potential to pick off smaller threats twice, Crater Hellion provides a one-time widespread sweep capable of taking down larger targets. Another creature worth comparing is Inferno Titan, which although does not clear the board upon entry, its repeated damage output can be more controlled and targeted over multiple turns.
Crater Hellion thus carves out a niche for itself among red creature cards with mass damage effects. It combines the immediate impact of a board wipe with the staying power of a creature, a fusion that lends itself to unique strategic considerations for players weaving together their MTG decks.
Cards similar to Crater Hellion by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Crater Hellion. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Jund Control | Legacy | Charlotte Legacy League Season 1 Week 2 | |
 | Decklist | Free form | Middle School World Championships |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When Crater Hellion enters the battlefield, its ability to deal 4 damage to all other creatures can generate significant card advantage, effectively acting as a board wipe to remove multiple threats at once while you maintain a presence on the battlefield.
Resource Acceleration: Crater Hellion’s 6/6 body for six mana is on curve, and its echo cost can be a strategic play to manage your resources smartly. A single investment allows you to hold off paying until your next turn, potentially freeing up mana for crucial plays when the board state allows it.
Instant Speed: While Crater Hellion itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, its sweeping effect can have an immediate impact on the game’s state, akin to instant-speed board clears. This timing can disrupt opponent strategies relying on a populated board, granting you the upper hand during your turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Crater Hellion demands that you let go of valued cards from your hand upon entering the battlefield, which might put you at a disadvantage, especially when your hand is stocked with key plays.
Specific Mana Cost: Tailored for red mana heavy decks, Crater Hellion requires a significant amount of red mana which might not always align with multicolored or diverse mana base strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Sitting at a steep six mana to cast, this card might lag behind in summoning speed compared to other creatures, potentially slowing your momentum in critical game phases.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Crater Hellion provides an impactful board sweep upon entering the battlefield, making it highly adaptable for various decks that need a reset against aggressive strategies.
Combo Potential: Pairing Crater Hellion with ways to repeatedly bounce and recast it can repeatedly clear the board, creating opportunities for controlling the tempo of the game.
Meta-Relevance: In metagames crowded with creature-based decks, Crater Hellion shines as a formidable reset button, capable of shifting the momentum in your favor by dealing with multiple threats at once.
How to beat
Crater Hellion is a potent creature card that can turn the tides of a Magic: The Gathering game with its formidable entering the battlefield effect. Upon arrival, it deals 4 damage to each other creature, which can clear a crowded board and leave opponents vulnerable. The key to overcoming this cataclysmic beast lies in swift and proactive strategies.
To counter Crater Hellion’s impact, cards that grant indestructibility or regenerate your creatures become invaluable, ensuring your forces survive the onslaught. Tapping into instant-speed removal spells that can deal with the Hellion the moment it hits the board is also a clever tactic. This limits its destructive entry effect and maintains your board presence. Additionally, leveraging counter spells to prevent Crater Hellion from ever entering the battlefield can nip the problem in the bud and preserve your creature lineup. There are also certain cards with effects that punish or restrict the casting of big spells, making Crater Hellion less appealing to play for your opponent.
Ultimately, precise timing and smart deck-building choices are your best defense against Crater Hellion. By planning for the encounter and utilizing MTG’s array of protective spells and tactics, you can ensure that this fiery giant’s reign is short-lived.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Crater Hellion MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Saga and Duel Decks: Heroes vs. Monsters, 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 Crater Hellion 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 Crater Hellion Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 1998-10-12 and 2016-06-10. Illustrated by Daren Bader.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1998-10-12 | Urza's Saga | USG | 179 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Daren Bader | |
| 2 | 2013-09-06 | Duel Decks: Heroes vs. Monsters | DDL | 56 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Daren Bader | |
| 3 | 2013-11-01 | Commander 2013 | C13 | 104 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Daren Bader | |
| 4 | 2014-06-16 | Vintage Masters | VMA | 157 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Daren Bader | |
| 5 | 2016-06-10 | Eternal Masters | EMA | 124 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Daren Bader |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Crater Hellion has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |