Hellion MTG Card
2010-04-23 - Number 3
2012-07-13 - Number 7
2015-08-28 - Number 79
2016-11-25 - Number 12
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Type | Token Creature — Hellion |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Cards like Hellion
The allure of the Hellion creature type in Magic: The Gathering is unmistakable with its emphasis on raw power and impactful entrances onto the battlefield. One can draw parallels with the likes of the card Thundering Mightmare. Both cards offer aggressive stats and make for excellent mid-game plays for players looking to dominate the battlefield. However, Thundering Mightmare doesn’t offer the same continuous growth potential that a card like Hellion does through various synergistic interactions common in red-centric decks.
Comparatively, Tuktuk the Returned provides a similar flavor of increasing power, yet it’s the outcome of a transformation, not a standalone card, which provides a different strategic angle for deck builders. The Hellion’s synergy with sacrifice mechanics allows players to extract value even as the game transitions into longer, drawn-out battles, something Tuktuk the Returned falls short of. Then there’s Volcano Hellion, which can be devastating under the right circumstances with a damage output that ties directly to its power, a volatile and risky move that can turn the tides of a match.
In analyzing the unique benefits and gameplay strategies these Hellion cards offer, it’s clear that this creature type boasts remarkable and dynamic roles for players looking to exert pressure and adapt to an ever-changing game state.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Hellion MTG card often presents itself as a powerhouse in terms of board presence, allowing savvy players to capitalize on its potential. While not directly affecting the hand, the creature’s entry or abilities can lead to advantageous board states that translate into virtual card superiority.
Resource Acceleration: Some Hellion cards are designed to ramp up your mana resources. They may enable players to sacrifice other permanents, such as lands or creatures, often in exchange for additional mana or to unlock powerful effects that can change the tide of the game.
Instant Speed: The ability of certain Hellion cards to be unleashed at instant speed provides an edge by allowing strategic players to respond to opponents’ actions or to end-step summon a threat. This flexibility can result in powerful surprise tactics and turn the momentum of a match.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Many Hellion creatures in MTG come with an upfront cost or a heavy drawback, such as having to discard a card to play them. This can be problematic when your hand is already running thin on options and you need every card to count.
Specific Mana Cost: Hellions often require a substantial amount of red mana which can restrict them predominantly to mono-red or two-color decks, potentially limiting their versatility in a multi-colored strategy where mana flexibility is crucial.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Some Hellions carry a high mana cost for their power and abilities compared to other creatures in MTG. This can lead to slower gameplay, as you may be spending your valuable early turns accumulating the necessary mana, which could put you at a disadvantage against more tempo-driven decks.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Hellions provide a wide range of strategic options for any player. They can serve as core attackers in a red-centric deck, or they can complement other strategies that rely on creatures with significant power. Their flexibility makes them a worthwhile addition to multiple deck types.
Combo Potential: Many Hellion cards have abilities that synergize with land destruction, sacrifice tactics, or power-boosting spells. Including a Hellion in your deck opens up opportunities for powerful plays that can turn the tide of the game in your favor.
Meta-Relevance: Depending on the current state of play, Hellions can be a formidable force. They’re especially effective in metagames where large, impactful creatures are pivotal. Their presence on the board can challenge opponents and force them to deal with a substantial threat, making them relevant in numerous scenarios.
How to beat
The Hellion tribe in MTG presents an aggressive playstyle that can be challenging to counteract. Typically, these creatures are known for their sizable attack power and often require specific strategies to manage effectively on the battlefield. To stand a chance against Hellions, players should consider utilizing removal spells, which directly target and eliminate these threats before they can deal significant damage. Cards like Doom Blade or Path to Exile are prime examples of efficient removals that can handle Hellion creatures.
Another key approach is to implement control elements such as counterspells or board wipes. These can disrupt a Hellion-based strategy by denying the opponent’s key plays or clearing the board of multiple creatures at once, respectively. Board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation are particularly potent against Hellion swarms. Shielding oneself from incoming attacks with a robust defensive line-up can also stymie Hellions, allowing for a more favorable position from which to navigate the game. A mix of these tactics, combined with a vigilant awareness of the opponent’s moves, can flip the board state in your favor against the ferocity of Hellion creatures.
Facing a relentless tide of Hellion cards can be daunting, but with the right mix of preparation and response, their flames can be doused promptly. Incorporating a balance of these methods within your deck can greatly enhance your resilience against such aggressive strategies.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Hellion MTG card by a specific set like Rise of the Eldrazi and Magic 2013, 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 Hellion and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Printings
The Hellion Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2010-04-23 and 2016-11-25. Illustrated by Anthony Francisco.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2010-04-23 | Rise of the Eldrazi | ROE | 3 | 2003 | Token | Black | Anthony Francisco | |
| 2 | 2012-07-13 | Magic 2013 | M13 | 7 | 2003 | Token | Black | Anthony Francisco | |
| 3 | 2015-08-28 | Duel Decks: Zendikar vs. Eldrazi | DDP | 79 | 2015 | Token | Black | Anthony Francisco | |
| 4 | 2016-11-25 | Planechase Anthology | PCA | 12 | 2015 | Token | Black | Anthony Francisco |