Ghalta, Primal Hunger MTG Card
2018-01-19 - Number 130
2018-07-14 - Number 7
2018-11-16 - Number 44
2019-11-15 - Number 47
2020-07-17 - Number 399
2023-08-04 - Number 292
2023-08-04 - Number 561
2023-11-17 - Number 11
2002-06-24 - Number 66896
2020-09-26 - Number RIX-130
| Card sets | Released in 10 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 12 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Legendary Creature — Elder Dinosaur |
| Abilities | Trample |
| Power | 12 |
| Toughness | 12 |
Text of card
Ghalta, Primal Hunger costs less to cast, where X is the total power of creatures you control. Trample
The earth walks, strongest of all.
Understanding Ghalta, Primal Hunger
Ghalta, Primal Hunger takes its place in Magic the Gathering as a behemoth among creatures with its massive 12/12 stats for potentially two green mana. This formidable dinosaur distinguishes itself from others like it due to its unique cost reduction ability based on the total power of creatures you control. It’s a standout choice in decks that can quickly populate the board with powerful creatures to diminish Ghalta’s casting cost to mere peanuts.
Cards like Ghalta, Primal Hunger
Ghalta, Primal Hunger shares its colossal presence with other formidable creatures such as Mossbridge Troll, which can also become a massive threat. However, Ghalta shines brighter with its trample ability, ensuring that excess damage rolls over the blockers, a feature the Troll lacks. Ghalta’s affordability, set against the backdrop of your creature army’s might, is unparalleled.
Another peer in heavyweight territory is Impervious Greatwurm, sporting an impressive 16/16 body. Although the Greatwurm can boast about being indestructible, it lacks the trample ability and doesn’t benefit from the cost-reducing ability that makes Ghalta so explosive and surprising. When comparing both mana efficiency and offensive potential, Ghalta is frequently the more threatening board presence, especially in decks designed to exploit its cost reduction trait.
Evaluating these titans of Magic the Gathering, Ghalta, Primal Hunger often takes the lead, aligning perfectly with decks emphasizing swarm strategies and those looking to deploy heavy hitters early in the game.
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Ghalta, Primal Hunger. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Decklist | Free form | Canadian Highlander for Duals - Underground Sea Guaranteed - Proxies Allowed | |
 | All Other Decklists | Pioneer | BLUE - FRI - 3PM - Chicago Pioneer Cup | |
 | Sultai Aggro | Pioneer | Sultai Fight Rigging | ReCQ - Pioneer - SCG CON Hartford - Friday - 1:30 pm (Bronze) |
| Gruul Aggro | Modern | 2 Torneio - 10 Liga Arena Guardians | |
 | Jund Aggro | Pioneer | 4c Fight Rigging | #01 Last Chance Qualifier: Pioneer |
 | Nykthos Ramp | Pioneer | Nykthos Ramp | Pioneer Preliminary 2023-12-05 (1) |
 | Mono-Green Ramp | Gladiator | Gladiator Team Unified League |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Ghalta, Primal Hunger enables strategic advantage by potentially costing less mana the more powerful creatures you have on the battlefield. Swarming the board with creatures not only fortifies your defenses but also paves the way for Ghalta to be summoned at a significantly reduced cost. This synergy effectively turns each creature into a resource that diminishes the mana investment needed for your heavy-hitter, allowing you to utilize your cards to their fullest potential.
Resource Acceleration: In the realm of MTG, Ghalta, Primal Hunger stands out as a colossal creature that can be cast for much less than its actual mana cost thanks to its unique ability. It assesses the total power of creatures you control and slashes its price accordingly, thus embodying resource acceleration in creature form. This unique trait means that rapidly deploying creatures not only amps up your offensive capabilities but also acts as a catalyst to bring Ghalta into play sooner and at a discounted rate.
Instant Speed: While Ghalta itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, it harmonizes well with other cards that do. Being able to summon creatures or buff their power instantaneously before your turn allows you to surprise your opponent and reduce Ghalta’s cost in a flash. Whenever you manage to manipulate the board state at instant speed, Ghalta’s price tag may drop significantly, effectively enabling you to cast a 12/12 trampler as a follow-up to your instantaneous plays.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Ghalta, Primal Hunger demands a significant number of creatures on the battlefield to reduce its actual casting cost, potentially leading to a depleted hand if you’re striving to deploy creatures just to summon Ghalta earlier.
Specific Mana Cost: While Ghalta’s cost can be reduced, initially it requires two green mana which can be restrictive, especially in multi-colored decks that might struggle with mana-fixing.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite the possibility of reduction, Ghalta’s default mana cost is twelve, which is steep. In scenarios where you’re unable to maintain a board presence, Ghalta becomes a burdensome card to play.
Reasons to Include Ghalta, Primal Hunger in Your Collection
Versatility: Ghalta, Primal Hunger adapts to a variety of deck themes, due to its substantial power at potentially low cost. Green decks that harness numerous creatures or power-boosting effects can deploy Ghalta as a formidable threat early in the game.
Combo Potential: With its 12/12 stat line, Ghalta excels in synergizing with cards that capitalize on high power values, such as those enabling potent fight mechanics or sacrificing creatures for value.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where big creatures dominate, Ghalta stands tall. Its capacity to hit the board with a relatively minor mana investment makes it a game-changer, especially against decks that may struggle to handle such early, overwhelming power.
How to beat
Ghalta, Primal Hunger presents a colossal challenge on the battlefield with its 12/12 stats and the potential for a drastically reduced mana cost. That said, there are effective strategies to overpower this gargantuan. Key tactics involve preventing it from reaching the battlefield in the first place. Counterspells are your first line of defense; by disrupting the cast, Ghalta never gets a chance to flex its might. Removal spells that exile or force a sacrifice bypass its massive toughness, offering another avenue to neutralize the threat.
Another effective method is to limit the number of creatures your opponent controls. Ghalta’s cost decreases with the total power of creatures on their side, so keeping their board clear maintains a high mana cost for the dino. Ensnaring Bridge, a notable artifact, can keep Ghalta at bay by hindering creatures with high power from attacking as long as your hand size is low. Board wipes like Wrath of God can also reset the playing field.
Ultimately, understanding how to dismantle your opponent’s game plan and meticulously managing your resources will lead to your triumph over Ghalta, Primal Hunger. Swiftly handle the creatures that enable its summoning or deal with the beast directly through removals and constraints to keep this primal hunger from devouring your chances of victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ghalta, Primal Hunger MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Rivals of Ixalan, 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 Ghalta, Primal Hunger and other MTG cards:
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Printings
The Ghalta, Primal Hunger Magic the Gathering card was released in 9 different sets between 2018-01-19 and 2023-11-17. Illustrated by 3 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 66896 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Johann Bodin | ||
| 2 | 2018-01-19 | Rivals of Ixalan | RIX | 130 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chase Stone | |
| 3 | 2018-07-14 | MTG Arena Promos | PANA | 7 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Johann Bodin | |
| 4 | 2018-11-16 | Game Night | GNT | 44 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chase Stone | |
| 5 | 2019-11-15 | Game Night 2019 | GN2 | 47 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chase Stone | |
| 6 | 2020-07-17 | Jumpstart | JMP | 399 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chase Stone | |
| 7 | The List | PLST | RIX-130 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chase Stone | ||
| 8 | 2023-08-04 | Commander Masters | CMM | 292 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chase Stone | |
| 9 | 2023-08-04 | Commander Masters | CMM | 561 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chase Stone | |
| 10 | 2023-11-17 | Special Guests | SPG | 11 | 2015 | Normal | Borderless | Joshua Raphael |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Ghalta, Primal Hunger has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Ghalta, Primal Hunger card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2018-01-19 | Ghalta’s first ability can’t reduce its cost below . |
| 2018-01-19 | If a creature’s power is somehow less than 0, it subtracts from the total power of your other creatures. If the total power of your creatures is 0 or less, Ghalta’s cost remains . |
| 2018-01-19 | The total cost to cast Ghalta is locked in before you pay that cost. For example, if you control three 2/2 creatures, including one you can sacrifice to add to your mana pool, the total cost of Ghalta is . Then you can sacrifice the creature when you activate mana abilities just before paying the cost. |
| 2018-01-19 | To determine Ghalta’s total cost, start with the mana cost (or an alternative cost if another card’s effect allows you to pay one instead), add any cost increases, then apply any cost reductions. Ghalta’s converted mana cost remains unchanged, no matter what the total cost to cast it was. |