Hipparion MTG Card

Ice Age (ICE)
1995-06-03 - Number 31

Fifth Edition (5ED)
1997-03-24 - Number 34

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Horse
Power	1
Toughness	3

Key Takeaways

Hipparion can cycle for card selection, aiding in maintaining hand quality and card advantage during play.
Early board presence is achievable with Hipparion’s low cost, setting up stronger plays in later turns.
Instant-speed cycling allows Hipparion to provide surprise and tactical flexibility within a match.

Text of card

Cannot be assigned to block a creature with power 3 or greater unless you pay an additional o1.

"Someone once said that Hipparions are to Warriors what Aesthir are to Skyknights. Don't believe it." —General Jarkeld, the Arctic Fox

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Hipparion card offers players the opportunity to cycle, which grants selective card replacement to help sift through your deck and maintain a smooth flow of gameplay. This effectively can result in improved hand quality and potential card advantage over the course of a match.

Resource Acceleration: As a low-cost creature, Hipparion lets players establish a board presence early on. While it may not produce additional resources directly, it’s a cost-effective creature that accelerates the development of your battlefield without a heavy investment, paving the way for more robust plays in subsequent turns.

Instant Speed: Hipparion’s cycling ability can be activated at instant speed, affording players the flexibility to adapt during either player’s turn. This feature allows players to retain the element of surprise and make decisions with more information, potentially responding to an opponent’s actions or end-of-turn events with increased tactical advantages.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Hipparion demands that you discard another card to engage its ability. This can deplete your hand quickly, especially if you’re relying on card advantage to outpace your opponent.

Specific Mana Cost: It necessitates a particular combination of mana to cast, which can restrict the types of decks it fits into, particularly if you’re playing a multicolor strategy and resources are spread thin.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Considering its casting and upkeep costs, Hipparion can be relatively pricey. In a game where speed and efficiency matter, investing in this card might not always align with optimal mana curve strategies.

Reasons to Include Hipparion in Your Collection

Versatility: The adaptability of Hipparion resonates well with a multitude of deck themes, granting players the flexibility to leverage its cavalry approach regardless of the overarching deck strategy.

Combo Potential: Given its unique interaction with other cards, Hipparion seamlessly helps construct powerful combos that could significantly impact the game’s momentum in your favor.

Meta-Relevance: Hipparion’s particular set of abilities makes it a timely inclusion in a format where swift and efficient threats or responses are essential to navigating the competitive landscape effectively.

How to beat

The Hipparion card has made a noticeable entry into the MTG arena, intriguing many players. Its unique blend of abilities makes it a challenging adversary on the battlefield. To effectively counter it, understanding the dynamics of this card is key. A successful strategy often involves suppressing the card’s activation or swiftly removing it from play.

Since Hipparion thrives in decks built around it, disrupting synergy becomes a pivotal part of your game plan. Halt its synergistic elements or employ removal spells that can bypass its protections, if any. Fast-paced aggro decks can outpace the setup time Hipparion requires, while control decks might utilize counterspells or targeted removal to neutralize it before it gains momentum. Always be wary of its potential combos and be ready to adapt your strategy accordingly.

A solid game plan considers the various ways Hipparion can influence a match. By staying one step ahead and preemptively managing its threat, you not only contain its power but also maintain control over the game’s flow, increasing your chances of victory against decks that feature this notable card.

Cards like Hipparion

Hipparion enters the realm of versatile creature cards, situating itself among other notable entries in the Magic universe. Comparable to Squadron Hawk, Hipparion offers players the ability to draw multiple copies, spreading its influence across the game board. Unlike Squadron Hawk, however, Hipparion doesn’t allow for an immediate hand replenishment but brings the mechanic of evoking the action from the library. This distinction challenges players to weigh the advantages of immediate versus potential future gains.

Seeking similarities with Escape Protocol, players will note the synergy these cards have with cycling. Escape Protocol provides an avenue for reusing enter the battlefield effects, whereas Hipparion grants a continuous threat by potentially drawing more of its own kind. Yet, Hipparion does not directly interact with the exile zone, setting it apart from Escape Protocol’s utility in that department.

Assessing the intricacies of these cards unveils the unique standing that Hipparion holds. Its inherent ability to multiply forces over time aligns it with cards that are incremental in nature, offering a strategy that evolves with the progression of the match, distinguishing Hipparion as a subtly powerful choice in creature decks.

Cards similar to Hipparion by color, type and mana cost

Voice of the Blessed - MTG Card versions

Silverflame Squire // On Alert - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Hipparion MTG card by a specific set like Ice Age and Fifth Edition, 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 Hipparion and other MTG cards: