Hedron Matrix MTG Card

Increases creature power significantly, balancing the battlefield to your advantage with just one equipped creature. Despite high casting and equip costs, it offers versatility and combo potential in creature-centric decks. Artifact removal, burn spells, and board wipes are effective strategies for mitigating Hedron Matrix’s formidable effect.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeArtifact — Equipment
Abilities Equip

Text of card

Equipped creature gets +X/+X, where X is its converted mana cost. Equip

The hedrons awoke along with the Eldrazi, forming superstructures that radiated overwhelming magic.

Cards like Hedron Matrix

The Hedron Matrix is a unique artifact in MTG that provides an intriguing power boost based on the creature’s mana cost. This card echoes the functionality of artifacts like Nightmare Lash and Loxodon Warhammer, both augmenting a creature’s offensive capabilities. Nightmare Lash, however, leverages a player’s swamps to increase a creature’s power and toughness, whereas the Warhammer offers lifelink and a smaller, fixed power increase.

Comparing it further to Grafted Exoskeleton, which imbues a creature with infect, the Hedron Matrix doesn’t alter the nature of the damage dealt but rather amplifies a creature’s existing power. Meanwhile, the exoskeleton is capable of turning any damage lethal with poison counters. Quicksilver Amulet is another artifact that can be juxtaposed with Hedron Matrix, although the latter doesn’t cheat creatures onto the battlefield but supercharges them once they’re in play.

Ultimately, Hedron Matrix finds its niche in MTG commander and ramp decks that seek to make the most of individual, high-cost creatures, distinguishing itself with its singular focus on scaling power to formidable heights.

Nightmare Lash - MTG Card versions
Loxodon Warhammer - MTG Card versions
Grafted Exoskeleton - MTG Card versions
Quicksilver Amulet - MTG Card versions
Nightmare Lash - MTG Card versions
Loxodon Warhammer - MTG Card versions
Grafted Exoskeleton - MTG Card versions
Quicksilver Amulet - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Hedron Matrix can be a key piece in building a formidable board presence by magnifying the impact of a single creature. In games where creature size is pivotal, the Matrix can tip the scales to your favor, effectively turning any creature into a major threat.

Resource Acceleration: Though not directly a resource acceleration tool, Hedron Matrix can be considered as reducing the need for multiple spells to build a sizable threat. By equipping a smaller, less expensive creature, players can save mana and cards that would otherwise be spent on casting larger creatures.

Instant Speed: While Hedron Matrix itself does not operate at instant speed, it can instantly alter the dynamics of the battlefield once equipped. If players manage their mana wisely, they can keep opponents guessing by holding mana open for other instant-speed interactions before making a game-changing move with the Matrix on their turn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Hedron Matrix doesn’t ask for cards to be discarded, it necessitates a solid board presence to fully exploit its power-boosting ability. Without a creature to equip, it can be a dead draw.

Specific Mana Cost: Hedron Matrix requires a substantial investment of four generic mana, which can be a heavy lift in the early game, potentially disrupting your tempo and delaying other plays.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The equip cost for Hedron Matrix is also considerable at four mana. In a fast-paced game, using a total of eight mana to both cast and equip may set you back considerably, especially when facing strategies that deploy threats at a lower cost.

Reasons to Include Hedron Matrix in Your Collection

Versatility: Hedron Matrix seamlessly integrates into a wide array of deck builds, particularly those that rely on powerful creatures. Its ability to scale with the power of your creatures makes it a flexible addition to both aggressive and late-game focused strategies.

Combo Potential: This artifact thrives in the company of massive creatures. Pairing Hedron Matrix with high-power creatures can quickly turn the tide of a game, enabling dynamic and game-ending combinations that capitalize on the significant power boost.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where large creatures are a cornerstone, Hedron Matrix becomes an essential tool for emphasizing creature dominance. Its relevance becomes pronounced in matches where out-muscling opponents with superior creature force is the path to victory.

How to beat

Hedron Matrix is a unique artifact card that can turn any creature into a formidable threat in Magic: The Gathering. This card equips for just four mana, boosting a creature’s power and toughness to match its converted mana cost. One efficient way to counteract the impact of Hedron Matrix is by using artifact removal spells like Naturalize or Disenchant which can swiftly dispose of the equipment before the creature’s power becomes overwhelming.

Direct damage spells or “burn” spells that can target creatures or players, such as Lightning Bolt or Abrade, are also effective. They can either remove the equipped creature from the battlefield or destroy the Hedron Matrix itself when it’s on the stack or before the equipment becomes active. Additionally, counter magic can prevent Hedron Matrix from ever hitting the board, with spells like Counterspell or Negate. Since Hedron Matrix heavily depends on the synergy with a creature’s converted mana cost, reducing your opponent’s creature count can also minimize its impact, making board wipes another effective strategy.

Ultimately, understanding when to react and disrupt your opponent’s strategy is key. When it comes down to dealing with Hedron Matrix, keeping control of the board and maintaining an answer to artifacts in your deck will keep you one step ahead.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Hedron Matrix MTG card by a specific set like Rise of the Eldrazi and Conspiracy: Take the Crown, 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 Hedron Matrix and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Hedron Matrix Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2010-04-23 and 2016-08-26. Illustrated by Jaime Jones.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12010-04-23Rise of the EldraziROE 2182003NormalBlackJaime Jones
22016-08-26Conspiracy: Take the CrownCN2 2092015NormalBlackJaime Jones

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Hedron Matrix has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal