Harbinger of the Hunt MTG Card


Provides board control, clearing small creatures and ensuring your larger threats dominate the battlefield. Demands precise mana and careful hand management, potentially limiting its play in diverse decks. Its unique abilities offer strategic value and combo synergies, making it a relevant choice for many decks.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Dragon
Abilities Flying
Power 5
Toughness 3

Text of card

Flying : Harbinger of the Hunt deals 1 damage to each creature without flying. : Harbinger of the Hunt deals 1 damage to each other creature with flying.

An Atarka dragon's exhale cooks what its inhale consumes.


Cards like Harbinger of the Hunt

Harbinger of the Hunt stands out as a unique creature card in Magic: The Gathering, offering versatile board control options. Comparable in function, the creature card Squall Line also provides a way to deal damage to each creature with flying and each player. Squall Line, however, is an instant and allows players to adjust their damage output based on available mana, whereas Harbinger of the Hunt’s ability requires it to tap, providing a similar effect repeatedly at a fixed cost.

Another card with akin abilities is Pyrohemia, which enables players to deal damage to each creature and each player at the cost of just one red mana per activation. Though Pyrohemia can be used multiple times in a turn, it lacks the creature aspect of Harbinger of the Hunt, and it requires the player to have a creature on the board at the end of each turn to remain in play. Additionally, Silklash Spider can be pitted against Harbinger for its ability to deal damage specifically to creatures with flying, but Harbinger allows for broader impact by also targeting ground-based threats.

Comparing these cards, Harbinger of the Hunt promises consistent performance over turns, especially in dragon-themed decks, where its potential as a repetitive board sweeper for both flyers and land creatures becomes a strategic asset in MTG.

Squall Line - MTG Card versions
Pyrohemia - MTG Card versions
Silklash Spider - MTG Card versions
Squall Line - MTG Card versions
Pyrohemia - MTG Card versions
Silklash Spider - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Harbinger of the Hunt by color, type and mana cost

Sunastian Falconer - MTG Card versions
Sawback Manticore - MTG Card versions
Segmented Wurm - MTG Card versions
Serpentine Kavu - MTG Card versions
Shivan Wurm - MTG Card versions
Quartzwood Crasher - MTG Card versions
Streetbreaker Wurm - MTG Card versions
Steam Spitter - MTG Card versions
Stonebrow, Krosan Hero - MTG Card versions
Scuzzback Marauders - MTG Card versions
Deus of Calamity - MTG Card versions
Blitz Hellion - MTG Card versions
Gorger Wurm - MTG Card versions
Deadshot Minotaur - MTG Card versions
Thromok the Insatiable - MTG Card versions
Zhur-Taa Swine - MTG Card versions
Zhur-Taa Ancient - MTG Card versions
Ulrich of the Krallenhorde // Ulrich, Uncontested Alpha - MTG Card versions
Raging Swordtooth - MTG Card versions
Regisaur Alpha - MTG Card versions
Sunastian Falconer - MTG Card versions
Sawback Manticore - MTG Card versions
Segmented Wurm - MTG Card versions
Serpentine Kavu - MTG Card versions
Shivan Wurm - MTG Card versions
Quartzwood Crasher - MTG Card versions
Streetbreaker Wurm - MTG Card versions
Steam Spitter - MTG Card versions
Stonebrow, Krosan Hero - MTG Card versions
Scuzzback Marauders - MTG Card versions
Deus of Calamity - MTG Card versions
Blitz Hellion - MTG Card versions
Gorger Wurm - MTG Card versions
Deadshot Minotaur - MTG Card versions
Thromok the Insatiable - MTG Card versions
Zhur-Taa Swine - MTG Card versions
Zhur-Taa Ancient - MTG Card versions
Ulrich of the Krallenhorde // Ulrich, Uncontested Alpha - MTG Card versions
Raging Swordtooth - MTG Card versions
Regisaur Alpha - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Harbinger of the Hunt can clear the board of small creatures, potentially leaving you with more creatures than your opponent. This flying Dragon can tip the scales in your favor by allowing your other creatures to attack safely or defend without obstruction.

Resource Acceleration: While not a direct source of mana or acceleration, Harbinger of the Hunt can pave the way for your bigger threats to land on the board and attack without facing a cluttered battlefield. This, in turn, can lead to a quicker victory, effectively accelerating your win condition.

Instant Speed: While Harbinger of the Hunt’s abilities are activated abilities and not at instant speed, its flexibility in use can be comparable. You can activate its ability at the end of your opponent’s turn to clear the board, or during your turn just before launching an attack, making it a versatile threat at any stage of the game.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Harbinger of the Hunt doesn’t necessitate a card discard upon cast, but it’s worth noting that managing its activated abilities requires a careful consideration of your hand since it can’t be activated without available options for play. This means if your hand is emptied, the utility of this creature diminishes significantly.

Specific Mana Cost: This creature commands a specific mana cost that includes both red and green, which may not seamlessly integrate into all deck types. Players running multicolored decks or those with a mana base that can’t reliably produce both colors may find it challenging to summon Harbinger of the Hunt onto the battlefield.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of 5 mana, including three that are generic, Harbinger of the Hunt may be considered costly for its 5/3 stat line. When evaluating creatures in this mana range, players often expect a more impactful immediate presence or resilient staying power, casting doubt on the efficiency of this card in aggressive or highly competitive formats.


Reasons to Include Harbinger of the Hunt in Your Collection

Versatility: Harbinger of the Hunt is a flexible card that can be slotted into various deck types. Its ability to control the board with flying and non-flying creature damage makes it a valuable asset across different game scenarios.

Combo Potential: With the ability to deal damage to multiple creatures at once, Harbinger of the Hunt can synergize well with strategies that benefit from creatures dying, such as those that utilize death triggers or graveyard mechanics.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where small creatures are prevalent, the sweeping ability of Harbinger of the Hunt to deal damage can be a game-changer, clearing the board of pesky threats efficiently and repeatedly.


How to beat

Harbinger of the Hunt offers an intriguing twist on the battlefield dynamics of MTG. With its ability to deal damage to each flying creature and each non-flying creature, this card can tip the scales of play. Recognizing that Harbinger operates at a creature’s speed is key to countering it. Instant-speed removal spells can efficiently dispatch this winged threat before its controller gets the chance to clear the skies or scorch the ground. Additionally, by bolstering your deck with creatures that have hexproof or indestructible, you protect your board from Harbinger’s havoc.

Enchantment-based strategies with cards like ‘Pacifism’ or ‘Bound by Moonsilver’ can also neutralize Harbinger’s impact without resorting to a creature trade. It’s essential to evaluate the mana investment that comes with activating Harbinger’s abilities, considering the card’s 5-mana cost. Thus, managing your resources effectively can outpace and potentially strand Harbinger in the opponent’s hand or on the battlefield, rendered ineffective. While powerful, Harbinger of the Hunt can be consistently outmaneuvered with the right tactics and timely responses.


BurnMana Recommendations

The Harbinger of the Hunt card introduces a dynamic approach to board control in MTG, tailored for enthusiasts who relish the tactical ebb and flow of the game. Its board sweeping abilities offer strategic depth that can fundamentally alter the state of play. Whether it’s sculpting the battleground to your advantage or integrating the Harbinger into dragon-centric decks, the potential for establishing dominance is significant. Mastering its use and weaving it into your strategies can pay dividends. Explore the full spectrum of possibilities with Harbinger of the Hunt and other impactful cards as you continue to refine your deck and enhance your MTG experience. Learn more to maximize your gameplay and craft a fearsome board presence that opponents will find daunting.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Harbinger of the Hunt MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Dragons of Tarkir, 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 Harbinger of the Hunt and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Harbinger of the Hunt Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2015-03-27 and 2015-03-28. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 570042015NormalBlackChris Rahn
22015-03-27Dragons of TarkirDTK 2232015NormalBlackAaron Miller
32015-03-28Dragons of Tarkir PromosPDTK 2232015NormalBlackChris Rahn
42015-03-28Dragons of Tarkir PromosPDTK 223s2015NormalBlackAaron Miller

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Harbinger of the Hunt has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2015-02-25 If Harbinger of the Hunt loses flying, its first activated ability will cause it to deal damage to itself.