Dark Hatchling MTG Card
1998-10-12 - Number 126
2011-06-17 - Number 76
2012-06-01 - Number 32
2014-06-16 - Number 112
2016-11-25 - Number 32
2018-06-08 - Number 61
2022-06-10 - Number 747
| Card sets | Released in 7 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Horror |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Flying When Dark Hatchling comes into play, destroy target nonblack creature. That creature cannot be regenerated this turn.
Cards like Dark Hatchling
Delving into the world of Magic: The Gathering, it’s intriguing to compare creatures that can shift the board’s dynamic, such as Dark Hatchling. This card offers both a creature and a removal perk, similar to the functionality of Nekrataal. While both cards destroy another creature upon entering the battlefield, Dark Hatchling’s ability to target nonblack creatures without the classic “cannot be regenerated” clause gives it a slightly broader range of targets than Nekrataal’s more restrictive targeting limitations.
Another close relative in the realm of ETB (enter the battlefield) effects is Shriekmaw. Both cards provide creature removal upon hitting the battlefield, with Shriekmaw being a more cost-effective option but limiting its removal power to nonartifact, nonblack creatures. Furthermore, with its evoke mechanic, Shriekmaw can be used as a quick removal spell, while Dark Hatchling serves as a more substantial presence on the board. Finally, Ravenous Chupacabra stands out as a straightforward and definitive creature removal tool, offering no targeting restrictions and boasting the same utility as Dark Hatchling, however, sans flying.
Evaluating the effectiveness of Dark Hatchling in comparison with its counterparts in MTG, it’s clear that it holds a particular niche combining flying mobility and spot removal—valuable assets for players crafting control strategies or seeking versatile tools in their black-driven decks.
Cards similar to Dark Hatchling by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Dark Hatchling offers a double benefit upon entering the battlefield. Not only do you get a sizable creature, but its ability to destroy a target nonblack creature ensures that you’re effectively dealing with an opponent’s threat, which can shift the balance in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: While Dark Hatchling itself doesn’t directly generate additional mana, its presence can lead to indirect resource acceleration. By removing a key creature blocking your attack path, you can more freely attack and potentially trigger abilities or effects that can ramp up your resources.
Instant Speed: Although Dark Hatchling is not an instant itself, the impact it has when it lands can be quite disruptive at instant speed. If combined with cards that allow you to flash it in outside your main phases, its removal ability can be a surprise tactic against an opponent’s key creature, potentially on their turn when they least expect it.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing Dark Hatchling requires careful planning as it does not have a discard effect, but it does demand specific tools in your deck to handle its single-use nature upon entering the battlefield, potentially leading to card disadvantage if you cannot leverage its death trigger.
Specific Mana Cost: Dark Hatchling’s mana cost is heavily weighted towards black mana, which makes it less flexible in multicolored decks that might struggle to consistently provide the necessary black mana sources when needed.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of six mana, this card competes with other high-impact creatures and spells. Its mana efficiency is a concern, especially when compared to newer creatures that offer similar or better effects at a lower cost.
Reasons to Include Dark Hatchling in Your Collection
Versatility: Dark Hatchling offers a unique flexibility by serving both as creature removal and a flying threat on the battlefield. Its ability to destroy a nonblack creature upon entering the battlefield makes it a valuable addition to decks that require both defense and offense.
Combo Potential: The card pairs well with reanimation strategies and graveyard shenanigans. Repeatedly bringing back Dark Hatchling can continuously clear opponents’ threats, proving invaluable in persistent control or combo-focused decks.
Meta-Relevance: It operates effectively against decks that rely on key creatures for their game plan. Given that creature-based decks are often in the meta, this card can become quite an asset in disrupting your opponents’ strategies and maintaining board control.
How to beat
Dark Hatchling presents a unique challenge as a menace on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering, with its ability to destroy target nonblack creature when it comes into play. To effectively counter this flying nightmare, strategic deployment of removal spells can be key. Consider utilizing instant-speed spells like Disenchant or Naturalize, which can swiftly deal with Dark Hatchling before its destructive effect takes place. Additionally, spells that counter creature spells, such as Counterspell or Mana Leak, are highly effective means of neutralizing it before it can assert its presence.
Adeptly anticipating your opponent’s moves can also tilt the scales in your favor. Timing is crucial, knowing when to hold back creatures that could be potential targets or when to apply pressure that forces the opponent to deploy Dark Hatchling defensively. In terms of board presence, creatures with protection from black or indestructible attributes, such as Adanto Vanguard in its indestructible state, are immune to Dark Hatchling’s ability and can serve as potent buffers against it.
Facing off against Dark Hatchling requires careful consideration and precise execution of tactics, but with the right preparation and response, its looming threat can be mitigated, leaving you in control of the game’s outcome.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Dark Hatchling MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Saga and Commander 2011, 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 Dark Hatchling 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 Dark Hatchling Magic the Gathering card was released in 7 different sets between 1998-10-12 and 2022-06-10. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1998-10-12 | Urza's Saga | USG | 126 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Mark A. Nelson | |
| 2 | 2011-06-17 | Commander 2011 | CMD | 76 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Mark A. Nelson | |
| 3 | 2012-06-01 | Planechase 2012 | PC2 | 32 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Brad Rigney | |
| 4 | 2014-06-16 | Vintage Masters | VMA | 112 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Brad Rigney | |
| 5 | 2016-11-25 | Planechase Anthology | PCA | 32 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Brad Rigney | |
| 6 | 2018-06-08 | Commander Anthology Volume II | CM2 | 61 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mark A. Nelson | |
| 7 | 2022-06-10 | Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate | CLB | 747 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Brad Rigney |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Dark Hatchling has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |