Favored Hoplite MTG Card

Favored Hoplite provides tempo with low casting cost and a growing presence via its heroic ability. Its adaptability with instant speed spells makes it a formidable and unpredictable threat. Strategic targeting through spells is key for maximizing Favored Hoplite’s potential on the battlefield.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Human Soldier
Abilities Heroic
Power 1
Toughness 2

Text of card

Heroic — Whenever you cast a spell that targets Favored Hoplite, put a +1/+1 counter on Favored Hoplite and prevent all damage that would be dealt to it this turn.

Cards like Favored Hoplite

Favored Hoplite holds a distinct spot in Magic: The Gathering as a robust one-drop creature. Comparable to Elite Vanguard, which also boasts a 2/1 stat line for one mana, Favored Hoplite offers the additional benefit of heroic – allowing it to grow stronger with each spell cast targeting it. Unlike Elite Vanguard, which is purely a vanilla creature, Favored Hoplite can become a formidable threat if strategically enhanced.

Lagonna-Band Trailblazer is another card that shares the heroic ability with Favored Hoplite, which can also accumulate +1/+1 counters. However, it starts with a defensive 0/4 stat line, catering to a different game strategy that emphasizes durability over offensive power. Trailblazer requires a different approach, as it becomes a sturdy wall with the potential for growth, unlike the aggressive stance that Favored Hoplite takes.

Assessing Favored Hoplite against other one-drop creatures, its strength lies in both its aggressive potential and the capacity to steadily increase its power and resilience. This distinct combination of traits enables Favored Hoplite to be a versatile choice within decks focused on fast offense and reactive spell-slinging.

Elite Vanguard - MTG Card versions
Lagonna-Band Trailblazer - MTG Card versions
Elite Vanguard - MTG Card versions
Lagonna-Band Trailblazer - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Favored Hoplite. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Boros HeroicBoros Heroic PioneerBoros HeroicPioneer Preliminary 2024-05-07 (1)
Mardu HeroicMardu Heroic PioneerMardu HeroicPioneer Challenge 32 2024-05-10 (1)
Boros AggroBoros Aggro PioneerBoros AggroPioneer League 2024-05-15

Card Pros

Card Advantage: With Favored Hoplite, you fortify your battlefield presence from the outset. When you target it with a spell, you not only get a +1/+1 counter on it but also prevent all damage that would be dealt to it for the turn, effectively creating a robust defense while maintaining your offensive edge. This can lead to gaining a crucial advantage as you develop a more considerable board state over your opponents.

Resource Acceleration: Though Favored Hoplite doesn’t directly produce mana or tokens, its low casting cost provides a strategic benefit. By using only a single white mana to summon, players can expedite their gameplay, keeping resources open for other pivotal plays. This is a form of tempo acceleration, placing you a step ahead while ensuring mana is available for critical spells at crucial moments.

Instant Speed: Favored Hoplite thrives on being targeted with instants. Casting spells at instant speed to bolster it not only enhances its power but can also surprise opponents with unexpected combat twists. This adaptability during the opponent’s turn or in response to their actions allows for strategic depth and can catch adversaries unprepared, potentially swinging the game in your favor.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Favored Hoplite doesn’t have a discard requirement itself, it’s important to note that keeping instants or sorceries in hand to trigger its heroic ability might force players to discard other valuable cards for hand size limitations at the end of the turn.

Specific Mana Cost: Favored Hoplite has a mana cost that requires white mana, which could restrict it to decks that run white or have a good mana base for multicolor play. Its reliance on white may deter players running decks without white from including this card in their builds.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although Favored Hoplite’s mana cost is low at one white mana, the true cost to fully utilize this card’s potential lies in the spells used to trigger its heroic ability. When accounting for the mana spent on both Favored Hoplite and the spells used to activate its ability, the total investment can be high in comparison to other creatures or spells with a similar impact on the game.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: As a one-drop with heroic, Favored Hoplite easily slots into aggressive white strategies and hero decks. Its ability to become a larger threat while protecting itself makes it a solid choice for players who appreciate adaptable creatures.

Combo Potential: With cards that target multiple creatures, Favored Hoplite can grow rapidly. It pairs remarkably well with cheap spells that can trigger its heroic ability, enabling explosive turns that can overwhelm opponents.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where fast, efficient creatures are key, Favored Hoplite shines. Its synergy with a wide array of auras and instants used for both defense and offense makes it a formidable presence in the right meta.

How to beat

Favored Hoplite can be quite the obstacle in Magic: The Gathering. This one-drop Heroic card from the Theros set has the capacity to grow stronger with each spell you cast targeting it, setting up the potential for a formidable early-game presence. Yet, there are strategies to dismantle this threat efficiently.

Removal spells that don’t target, such as “Wrath of God” or “Damnation,” can clear the board without triggering the Hoplite’s Heroic ability. Another tactic involves using spells that force your opponent to sacrifice a creature, which circumvents the targeting aspect altogether. You can also opt for countering spells that your opponent directs at their Favored Hoplite, this prevents the creature from getting the boost and possibly leaves your opponent overextended.

Remember, timing is everything. It’s often best to wait until your opponent has exhausted resources targeting their Favored Hoplite before implementing your removal strategy. By playing smart and keeping their Heroic triggers in check, you can tilt the battlefield in your favor against Favored Hoplite and maintain control of the game.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Favored Hoplite MTG card by a specific set like Theros and Explorer Anthology 1, 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 Favored Hoplite and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Favored Hoplite Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2013-09-27 and 2022-07-28. Illustrated by Winona Nelson.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12013-09-27TherosTHS 132003NormalBlackWinona Nelson
22022-07-28Explorer Anthology 1EA1 12015NormalBlackWinona Nelson

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Favored Hoplite has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Favored Hoplite card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2013-09-15 Heroic abilities will resolve before the spell that caused them to trigger.
2013-09-15 Heroic abilities will trigger only once per spell, even if that spell targets the creature with the heroic ability multiple times.
2013-09-15 Heroic abilities won't trigger when a copy of a spell is created on the stack or when a spell's targets are changed to include a creature with a heroic ability.