Helm of the Host MTG Card
2018-04-27 - Number 217
2018-04-27 - Number 217s
2018-04-27 - Number 217p
2022-11-18 - Number 82z
2022-11-18 - Number 19
2022-11-18 - Number 82
2020-09-26 - Number DOM-217
2022-11-18 - Number 61
| Card sets | Released in 8 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Legendary Artifact — Equipment |
| Abilities | Equip |
Text of card
At the beginning of combat on your turn, create a token that's a copy of equipped creature, except the token isn't legendary if equipped creature is legendary. That token gains haste. Equip
Forged out of flowstone for the queen of Vesuva.
Cards like Helm of the Host
Helm of the Host stands out in the pool of Magic: The Gathering equipment cards with its unique ability to create token copies of equipped creatures. When examining cards with similar capabilities, one can’t overlook the likes of Blade of Selves. This card also creates tokens, but they are myriad tokens and only during combat, offering a narrower window of duplication. Helm of the Host allows for token creation at the beginning of each combat, regardless of phase, making it more versatile.
Similarly, Mimic Vat should be mentioned—it imprints a creature card when it dies and, later, can create a token copy of that creature. While Mimic Vat is temporarily useful, Helm of the Host provides a more lasting presence by placing no restriction on the duration of the token’s existence. Moreover, Mirrorworks produces tokens of any artifact entering the battlefield under your control, but requires a mana payment, whereas Helm of the Host automatically copies without additional cost once equipped.
In essence, while there are other cards in Magic: The Gathering that mimic or generate tokens, Helm of the Host’s lack of restrictions on token generation frequency and duration offer a unique advantage in strategic gameplay.
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Helm of the Host. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Four-color Zoo | Gladiator | Sword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 08 2024 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Helm of the Host excels at card advantage by creating token copies of your creatures. Each token represents another permanent on the field, potentially doubling the effects and threats you have in play without using additional cards from your hand.
Resource Acceleration: By duplicating mana-producing creatures, the Helm provides an exponential increase in resource acceleration. These additional tokens can ramp your mana capabilities every turn, allowing for earlier and larger plays than would otherwise be possible. It essentially breaks the one land per turn rule over time without expending extra resources from your deck.
Instant Speed: Although not an instant itself, the tokens created by Helm of the Host are effectively free creatures that don’t cost you a card, thus leaving your hand free to hold other instant-speed interactions. The power of creating a formidable board presence while keeping your options open can’t be overstated, as it allows you to adapt to an ever-changing game state.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Helm of the Host doesn’t directly require discarding, it demands a heavy commitment of resources. The need for both the initial casting and the equip cost can leave your hand empty faster than you’d like, particularly in fast-paced games where managing your resources is crucial.
Specific Mana Cost: Featuring a generic mana cost might seem advantageous, but it’s a double-edged sword. Helm of the Host’s cost of four generic mana for casting and five to equip means it requires significant mana resources, which can be challenging in decks that operate on a more restrictive mana curve.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Its combined mana investment stands at nine, which is steep in many game situations. When evaluating the power level of cards, Helm of the Host competes with other high-impact artifacts and enchantments that might offer immediate effect or provide recurring advantages with a lower mana requirement, rendering Helm less appealing in decks that prioritize speed and efficiency.
Reasons to Include Helm of the Host in Your Collection
Versatility: Helm of the Host stands out for its ability to mesh with a multitude of deck archetypes. Its unique cloning ability can amplify any creature-driven strategy, from ramping up the power of a commander to expanding an army in a token-based deck.
Combo Potential: This artifact has immense synergy capabilities, particularly with creatures that have powerful enter-the-battlefield or attack triggers. By creating non-legendary copies of a legendary creature, it opens the door to combos and interactions that can swing the game in your favor.
Meta-Relevance: In various metas where value and board presence are crucial, Helm of the Host can significantly tilt the scales. By consistently providing additional creature copies without the need for casting, it offers sustained advantage that can outpace removal and control strategies.
How to beat
Helm of the Host is a unique artifact in Magic: The Gathering that can dramatically alter the board state by creating copies of creatures. With its ability to sidestep the legendary rule, it grants players an army of powerful creatures turn after turn. The key to countering this card lies in disrupting the equip process or dealing with the token copies it creates.
Artifact removal spells are the first line of defense; cards like Nature’s Claim or Disenchant can remove Helm of the Host from the game before its ability becomes active. Another strategy includes targeting the creature it’s equipped to with removal spells such as Doom Blade or Path to Exile, preventing the token cascade from ever starting. Moreover, countering the spell with Negate or similar counterspells ensures Helm of the Host never touches the battlefield in the first place. Lastly, board wipes like Wrath of God can reset the board, even after the helm has created multiple tokens.
In essence, quick removal, strategic countering, and an awareness of your opponent’s capability to utilize Helm of the Host are crucial tactics. By staying one step ahead, you can effectively neutralize one of Magic: The Gathering’s most potentially game-changing cards.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Helm of the Host MTG card by a specific set like Dominaria and Dominaria Promos, 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 Helm of the Host 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 Helm of the Host Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2018-04-27 and 2022-11-18. Illustrated by Igor Kieryluk.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2018-04-27 | Dominaria | DOM | 217 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Igor Kieryluk | |
| 2 | 2018-04-27 | Dominaria Promos | PDOM | 217s | 2015 | Normal | Black | Igor Kieryluk | |
| 3 | 2018-04-27 | Dominaria Promos | PDOM | 217p | 2015 | Normal | Black | Igor Kieryluk | |
| 4 | The List | PLST | DOM-217 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Igor Kieryluk | ||
| 5 | 2022-11-18 | The Brothers' War Retro Artifacts | BRR | 82z | 1997 | Normal | Black | Igor Kieryluk | |
| 6 | 2022-11-18 | The Brothers' War Retro Artifacts | BRR | 19 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Igor Kieryluk | |
| 7 | 2022-11-18 | The Brothers' War Retro Artifacts | BRR | 82 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Igor Kieryluk | |
| 8 | The Brothers' War Art Series | ABRO | 61 | 2015 | Art series | Borderless | Igor Kieryluk |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Helm of the Host 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 Helm of the Host card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2018-04-27 | Any enters-the-battlefield abilities of the copied creature will trigger when the token enters the battlefield. Any "as -his creature] enters the battlefield" or " -his creature] enters the battlefield with" abilities of the chosen creature will also work. |
| 2018-04-27 | If the copied creature has in its mana cost, X is considered to be 0. |
| 2018-04-27 | If the copied creature is a token, the token that's created copies the original characteristics of that token as stated by the effect that created that token. |
| 2018-04-27 | If the copied creature is copying something else (for example, if the copied creature is a Clone), then the token enters the battlefield as whatever that creature copied. |
| 2018-04-27 | If the equipped creature leaves the battlefield before the triggered ability of Helm of the Host resolves, or if there is no equipped creature, no token is created. However, if Helm of the Host leaves the battlefield while its triggered ability is on the stack, a token will be created of the creature it last equipped. If that creature has also left the battlefield, its last known information is used to determine what the token looks like. |
| 2018-04-27 | The token copies exactly what was printed on the original creature and nothing else (unless that creature is copying something else or is a token; see below). It doesn't copy whether that creature is tapped or untapped, whether it has any counters on it or Auras and Equipment attached to it, or any non-copy effects that have changed its power, toughness, types, color, and so on. |
| 2018-04-27 | The token gains haste indefinitely, and this effect isn't copiable. If something else copies the token later, that copy won't have haste. |
| 2018-04-27 | The token isn't legendary, and this exception is copiable. If something else copies the token later, that copy also won't be legendary. If you control two or more permanents with the same name but only one is legendary, the "legend rule" doesn't apply. |