Haruspex MTG Card


Haruspex excels at granting card advantage by turning creature deaths into more resources. It enables resource acceleration and instant card draw, making it a tactical asset. The card’s demand for specific mana and higher cost can challenge deck-building.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Tyranid
Abilities Devouring Monster,Rapacious Hunger
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

Rapacious Hunger — Whenever another creature dies, put a +1/+1 counter on Haruspex. Devouring Monster — , Remove X +1/+1 counters from Haruspex: Add X mana of any one color.


Cards like Haruspex

The Haruspex card offers a unique advantage to Magic: The Gathering players with its blend of creature utility and card draw ability. It’s often compared to the likes of Midnight Reaper which also provides card draw upon the death of non-token creatures. However, where Haruspex gains an edge is through its ability to trigger each time another creature you control dies, without the life loss you experience with Midnight Reaper.

Then we have Grim Haruspex from the same family tree, bearing the same moniker. While both compel you to keep a watchful eye on the battlefield for any creatures dying, Grim Haruspex specifically applies to non-token creatures you control, thus drawing a line between the two when it comes to deck synergy and situational advantage.

In the grand tableau of MTG cards with death-triggered abilities, Haruspex finds its strength in consistent card draw and rewarding smart sacrificial play. Each of them has their deck-building considerations, but Haruspex’s immediate draw effect without detrimental caveats places it as a noteworthy contender in creature-based strategies.

Midnight Reaper - MTG Card versions
Grim Haruspex - MTG Card versions
Midnight Reaper - MTG Card versions
Grim Haruspex - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Haruspex by color, type and mana cost

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Anaconda - MTG Card versions
Giant Spider - MTG Card versions
Marsh Viper - MTG Card versions
Scarwood Bandits - MTG Card versions
Carnivorous Plant - MTG Card versions
Erhnam Djinn - MTG Card versions
War Mammoth - MTG Card versions
Aurochs - MTG Card versions
Lhurgoyf - MTG Card versions
Jackalope Herd - MTG Card versions
Golden Bear - MTG Card versions
Argothian Swine - MTG Card versions
Elvish Piper - MTG Card versions
Erithizon - MTG Card versions
Skyshroud Cutter - MTG Card versions
Ulvenwald Oddity // Ulvenwald Behemoth - MTG Card versions
Fungusaur - MTG Card versions
Monkey Monkey Monkey - MTG Card versions
Matsu-Tribe Birdstalker - MTG Card versions
Order of the Sacred Bell - MTG Card versions
Anaconda - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Haruspex card is recognized for its strong ability to provide card advantage. When it’s on the battlefield, it potentially turns each creature’s death into a new card in your hand, keeping your resources plentiful and your options open.

Resource Acceleration: This card’s inherent synergy with sacrifice mechanics can lead to indirect resource acceleration. By drawing cards off creature deaths, you’re more likely to hit land drops and spell synergies, fueling your game plan faster.

Instant Speed: This creature’s ability to grant card draw at instant speed can be a critical advantage. Whenever you lose a creature on your opponent’s turn, Haruspex ensures that your hand remains stocked, providing you with more answers and threats when it comes back to your turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: With Haruspex requiring a card discard, players may find themselves at a disadvantage, particularly in tight situations where every card in hand counts.

Specific Mana Cost: Haruspex demands a precise mix of mana, which may not always align with the fluid mana bases required in multi-color or splash decks, potentially limiting its playability.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Given that Haruspex sits at a higher mana threshold, players might opt for alternative creatures or spells that offer more immediate impact or value on the game state at a lower cost.


Reasons to Include Haruspex in Your Collection

Versatility: Haruspex offers a great deal of flexibility, easily fitting into decks that capitalize on creature-based strategies. Its ability to potentially draw you a card whenever another creature you control dies makes it a resilient choice against board wipes or removal-heavy decks.

Combo Potential: This card yields significant combo potential since it meshes well with sacrificial tactics. Pairing it with cards that let you sacrifice creatures for an advantage ensures you’re rewarded with card draw, fueling your engine and maintaining card advantage.

Meta-Relevance: Due to its card draw mechanism triggered by creature deaths, Haruspex is particularly relevant in metas dominated by creature-heavy decks. Its presence ensures that you stay ahead in resources, especially in attrition battles, making it a prudent pick for your collection.


How to Beat

Confronting the Haruspex card within a game can pose a unique challenge. This particular card stands out for its ability to provide its controller with valuable card advantage, notably when creatures they control die. Deftly managing this mechanic is key to neutralizing the benefit it confers to your opponent.

To counter the Haruspex effect, players should look towards removals that exile or transform the creature rather than sending it to the graveyard. This ensures the death-triggered ability won’t activate. Additionally, incorporating cards that can silence or neutralize abilities, or employing counterspells when the Haruspex is cast, can effectively stifle your adversary’s strategy before it gains momentum.

Strategic consideration and deck construction, focusing on minimizing the impact of the death triggers and creature presence, can keep you one step ahead. Denying your opponent the chance to capitalize on the Haruspex’s strengths could very well tilt the scales in your favor, securing you the upper hand in the match.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the intricacies of MTG can turn a simple match into a showcase of strategic prowess, and the Haruspex card epitomizes this depth. As we dissect its pros and notice its nuanced impact on game dynamics, we can appreciate its value. From enhancing card advantage to engaging in combo-enabling plays, Haruspex is not just another creature—it’s a game changer in decks crafted around its strengths. We encourage you to deepen your insights and perhaps integrate Haruspex into your game plan. Ready to expand your strategic horizons? Visit us for more in-depth analysis and tips to refine your MTG experience.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Haruspex MTG card by a specific set like Warhammer 40,000 Commander and Warhammer 40,000 Commander, 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 Haruspex and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Haruspex Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2022-10-07 and 2022-10-07. Illustrated by Helge C. Balzer.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 912015NormalBlackHelge C. Balzer
22022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 91★2015NormalBlackHelge C. Balzer

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Haruspex has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal