Hero of the Games MTG Card

Hero of the Games can lead to card advantage, increasing hand size and available play options. Despite its strengths, the card’s discard requirement may deplete valuable hand resources if not used wisely. Hero’s ability to boost others during combat makes it a formidable tool in creature-heavy decks.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Human Soldier
Power 3
Toughness 2

Text of card

Whenever you cast a spell that targets Hero of the Games, creatures you control get +1/+0 until end of turn.

Winners of the Iroan Games are forever remembered as heroes of their people.

Cards like Hero of the Games

Hero of the Games is an inspiring creature within the pantheon of Magic: The Gathering. It slides in next to cards like Akroan Crusader, which similarly rewards players for targeting it with spells. However, Hero of the Games brings a different tactical advantage by empowering your whole board, a potential game-changer in the heat of battle.

Another card worth comparing is Fabled Hero, which also flourishes when targeted with spells. Fabled Hero doubles its power with each spell due to its double strike ability, as opposed to giving other creatures you control a temporary boost. Then, there’s the renowned Tenth District Legionnaire, which also grows stronger each time it’s targeted with a spell, and likewise, permits a scry to refine your strategy. Though Tenth District Legionnaire and Fabled Hero focus on individual strength, Hero of the Games emphasizes team synergy, which can suit different strategies.

To sum up, each of these warriors holds their ground in the arena, but Hero of the Games stands out for its role in empowering multiple allies on the battlefield, potentially swaying the skirmish in favor of a wide-reaching assault.

Akroan Crusader - MTG Card versions
Fabled Hero - MTG Card versions
Tenth District Legionnaire - MTG Card versions
Akroan Crusader - MTG Card versions
Fabled Hero - MTG Card versions
Tenth District Legionnaire - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Playing Hero of the Games can lead to card advantage by enabling you to draw extra cards under certain conditions, keeping your hand full and options wide open.

Resource Acceleration: This card can accelerate your resources by potentially lowering the cost of your other spells, allowing you to deploy more threats or answers efficiently.

Instant Speed: While Hero of the Games itself isn’t instant-speed, it can synergize with other instant-speed cards in your arsenal, making it a versatile piece in setups that benefit from quick, reactionary play.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Hero of the Games necessitates discarding a card as part of its activation cost. While this can help cycle through your deck, it’s not always the best move when your hand is already running thin.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s specific mana requirement includes both generic and colored mana, making it less flexible and potentially difficult to cast in multicolor decks that aren’t tuned to accommodate its cost.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that’s high compared to other cards with similar abilities, Hero of the Games may not be the most mana-efficient option in your arsenal, especially in fast-paced games where efficiency is key.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Hero of the Games is an adaptable card that can slide into various deck builds. It’s a solid addition in decks that are tuned for aggressive strategies, but also benefits those aiming for a go-wide approach with creatures.

Combo Potential: With its ability to boost other creatures when you target it with spells, Hero of the Games works wonders in synergizing with heroic or spell-slinger decks, amplifying the value of every instant and sorcery cast.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where creatures often clash head-to-head, Hero of the Games gains importance for its capability to tilt combats in your favor, making it a noteworthy inclusion in decks that focus on maintaining a dominant battlefield presence.

How to beat

Hero of the Games presents a unique challenge on the battlefield, poised to energize any creature-heavy strategy in MTG. The card shines when it’s among other creatures, especially during the combat phase when its ability to boost others comes into play. Overcoming this card relies on preemptive tactics and board control.

Targeted removal spells are your go-to solution. Efficiently trading one of your direct damage spells or a destroy creature card for Hero of the Games can disrupt your opponent’s momentum. Look for instant-speed removal that can respond to the creature’s ability activation before it bolsters its fellow creatures. If you’re facing it in draft or sealed formats, prioritize removal or effects that neutralize abilities when building your deck.

Another angle is to limit Hero of the Games’ impact by controlling the number of creatures your opponent has. Board wipe spells that clear multiple creatures at once can negate the advantage they gain from Hero of the Games’ triggered ability. Keeping the board state manageable ensures this card doesn’t run away with the game. By utilizing these strategies, Hero of the Games becomes far less daunting and manageable.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Hero of the Games MTG card by a specific set like Theros Beyond Death and Double Masters 2022, 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 Hero of the Games and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Hero of the Games Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2020-01-24 and 2022-07-08. Illustrated by Josh Hass.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12020-01-24Theros Beyond DeathTHB 1372015NormalBlackJosh Hass
22022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 1122015NormalBlackJosh Hass

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Hero of the Games has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2020-01-24 An ability that triggers when you cast a spell resolves before the spell that caused it to trigger. It resolves even if that spell is countered.
2020-01-24 If you cast a spell that targets this creature multiple times, this ability triggers just once.
2020-01-24 This ability doesn’t trigger if you copy a spell that targets it, or if a spell’s targets are changed to target it.
2020-01-24 This effect affects only creatures you control at the time the ability resolves. Creatures you begin to control later in the turn won’t get +1/+0.