Foundry Hornet MTG Card

Foundry Hornet can significantly alter the battlefield, synergizing well with -1/-1 counter strategies. Its restrictive casting cost and prerequisites for optimal play may limit deck compatibility. Strategic use of Foundry Hornet enhances counter-centric decks, cementing its meta relevance.

Aether Revolt (AER)
2017-01-20 - Number 59

Foundry Hornet - Kaladesh Remastered (KLR)

Kaladesh Remastered (KLR)
2020-11-12 - Number 87

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Insect
Abilities	Flying
Power	2
Toughness	3

Text of card

Flying When Foundry Hornet enters the battlefield, if you control a creature with a +1/+1 counter on it, creatures your opponents control get -1/-1 until end of turn.

Its buzzing is easily mistaken for the hum of a thopter's wings.

Cards like Foundry Hornet

Foundry Hornet stands out in the realm of creature cards with death-triggered abilities in Magic: The Gathering. Much like the Deadly Recluse, Foundry Hornet offers a form of board control with its ability to deal damage in a unique way. The defining difference lies in Foundry Hornet’s synergistic potential with +1/+1 counters, a clear divergence from the Recluse’s reach and deathtouch attributes.

Moving along to Fume Spitter, we find a creature that also leverages death for an effect. Fume Spitter allows you to place a -1/-1 counter on a creature when it dies. While it can be activated at will, it lacks the area effect that Foundry Hornet promises. Similar to Foundry Hornet is the powerful Obelisk Spider, which not only deals -1/-1 counters but also grants you life for each counter placed, blending defense with a subtle offense.

While considering the utility and thematic resonance of Foundry Hornet, it is evident that this card can wonderfully complement strategies that revolve around counters, positioning it as a strategic inclusion for players looking to exploit those synergies in their decks.

Cards similar to Foundry Hornet by color, type and mana cost

Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed - MTG Card versions

Demon of Catastrophes - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Foundry Hornet provides a powerful board impact when entering the battlefield, especially if used in tandem with other -1/-1 counter strategies. This can lead to eliminating multiple opposing creatures, thus securing card advantage through its potent static ability.

Resource Acceleration: While Foundry Hornet itself does not directly accelerate resources, its very presence can be instrumental in slowing down your adversary’s development. By removing their key creatures, you effectively set back their resource accumulation and game plan, providing indirect acceleration for your strategy.

Instant Speed: Despite Foundry Hornet being a creature card, its interaction with instant-speed mechanics can result in surprise battlefield shifts. When combined with instant-speed -1/-1 counter distribution, Foundry Hornet can turn the tides of combat unexpectedly in your favor, leveraging the timing to your strategic advantage.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Foundry Hornet demands you to manage other creatures on the field before it can fully capitalize on its abilities. This prerequisite can be challenging if your board presence is weak or if you’re unable to synchronize the Hornet’s entry with the necessary conditions.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Foundry Hornet includes both generic and black mana, which can be restrictive. Decks that don’t run black mana exclusively or as a major component may find it hard to consistently play the card on curve.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that asks for three mana, Foundry Hornet can be considered a bit steep for its stat line and effect. In aggressive decks, players might look for lower-cost creatures to maintain tempo, while control decks may have more impactful plays at this point in the mana curve.

Reasons to Include Foundry Hornet in Your Collection

Versatility: Foundry Hornet’s ability to give -1/-1 to each creature your opponents control when it enters the battlefield makes it a multifaceted tool. It can act as a board stabilizer against token decks or serve as a surprise combat trick.

Combo Potential: This card thrives in decks that emphasize counters, meshing well with strategies that utilize +1/+1 counters. When combined with other counter-centric cards, Foundry Hornet can be a game changer by weakening an opponent’s creature force considerably.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment rich with creature-heavy decks, Foundry Hornet can act as a powerful deterrent. Its impact is significant in a meta where weakening a slate of opponents’ creatures could turn the tide in your favor, showcasing its relevance in ongoing deck-building strategies.

How to beat

The Foundry Hornet brings its own sting to the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering, specialized in weakening your opponent’s creatures. It’s a card that primarily shines in decks with a +1/+1 counter theme and can be particularly effective when paired with other creatures that also proliferate or distribute counters. To counteract this prowess, focusing on removal spells that can take out the Hornet before its enter-the-battlefield ability triggers is key.

Consider incorporating instant-speed spells like Fatal Push or Shock that can swiftly deal with the Hornet, ideally when it’s on the stack and before it can spread its effect. Additionally, having counterspells ready, like Essence Scatter or Negate, can be equally effective strategies to prevent the Hornet from ever touching the board. If the Hornet does land, be ready with board wipes such as Wrath of God or cards like The Scarab God that can exile it from your opponent’s graveyard to minimize any recurrence.

By preparing your deck with these answers, you’ll be ready to neutralize the threat of Foundry Hornet and maintain control of the game. Adaptability and preemptive planning are crucial in ensuring this buzzing menace doesn’t disrupt your carefully laid battle plans.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Foundry Hornet MTG card by a specific set like Aether Revolt and Kaladesh Remastered, 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 Foundry Hornet and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Foundry Hornet Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2017-01-20 and 2020-11-12. Illustrated by Christopher Moeller.

#	Released	Name	Code	Symbol	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2017-01-20	Aether Revolt	AER		59	2015	Normal	Black	Christopher Moeller
2	2020-11-12	Kaladesh Remastered	KLR		87	2015	Normal	Black	Christopher Moeller

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Foundry Hornet has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Restricted
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Timeless	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2017-02-09	If an effect causes Foundry Hornet to enter the battlefield with a +1/+1 counter on it, it satisfies its own triggered ability.
2017-02-09	If you don’t control a creature with a +1/+1 counter as Foundry Hornet enters the battlefield, its ability doesn’t trigger, even if you can give a +1/+1 counter to a creature right away. If you control no creatures with a +1/+1 counter as the ability resolves, nothing happens.
2017-02-09	The set of creatures affected by Foundry Hornet’s triggered ability is determined as the ability resolves. Creatures opponents begin to control later in the turn and permanents opponents control that become creatures later in the turn won’t get -1/-1. The effect continues until end of turn even if you stop controlling a creature with a +1/+1 counter on it.