Hibernation Sliver MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 2 |
Rarity | Uncommon |
Type | Creature — Sliver |
Power | 2 |
Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Each Sliver gains "Pay 2 life: Return this creature to owner's hand."
Mogglings have been known to play ball with hibernating slivers, completely unaware of their true nature.
Cards like Hibernation Sliver
Hibernation Sliver provides MTG players with a unique defensive capability among Sliver creatures. In the broader context of MTG’s creature offerings, it holds a similar place to Spike Weaver, which can also prevent damage by removing +1/+1 counters. However, Hibernation Sliver allows any Sliver the option to return to its owner’s hand at the cost of just 2 life points, an ability Spike Weaver does not share.
Another Sliver with a defensive edge is Crystalline Sliver, which gives all Slivers shroud, protecting them from being targeted. Although this doesn’t prevent damage, it offers long-term resilience against targeted spells and abilities. Unlike Hibernation Sliver, it doesn’t allow Slivers to dodge mass removal effects. Conversely, Hibernation Sliver effectively acts as an emergency bounce mechanism for Slivers to evade such threats. Finally, comparing Hibernation Sliver to another tribal classic, Selfless Spirit, which can sacrifice itself for one-turn indestructibility for your creatures, Hibernation Sliver stands out for its repeatability and ability to affect the Sliver tribe directly.
Evaluating these cards, Hibernation Sliver is particularly appreciated in MTG decks that focus on Sliver synergy. Its ability to protect and preserve the Sliver strategy makes it an esteemed choice for players crafting a deck around these unique creatures.
Cards similar to Hibernation Sliver by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Hibernation Sliver. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
# | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
---|---|---|---|---|
Slivers | Legacy | Slivers | Legacy League 2024-01-23 | |
Rogue Decklists | Legacy | Slivers | Legacy League Pavia 23/24 - Tappa 35 | |
Five-color Aggro | Legacy | Slivers | Charlotte Legacy League Season 4 Week 7 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: With Hibernation Sliver, players can effectively protect their key creatures from removals or unfavorable blocks by bouncing them back to hand. This creates a dynamic where the player can re-utilize Sliver synergies every time they are replayed, maintaining hand presence while the battlefield evolves.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly accelerating resources in terms of mana, Hibernation Sliver allows for a different form of acceleration by saving mana in the long-term. Instead of casting new creatures, players can bounce and replay the same Slivers, effectively mitigating casting costs over multiple turns.
Instant Speed: Hibernation Sliver’s ability can be activated at instant speed, providing tremendous flexibility. This not only allows players to respond to threats on the fly but also permits strategic plays during the end step of an opponent’s turn, thus optimizing turn progression and maintaining the element of surprise.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Hibernation Sliver requires players to pay 2 life whenever they choose to return it to their hand, making it a potentially costly card to maintain control over in a game where life points are precious.
Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost to summon Hibernation Sliver is one blue and two other mana, which necessitates a commitment to blue mana sources and could restrict its integration in multi-colored decks that may not focus on blue mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although its ability to dodge removal is advantageous, the three total mana cost for a 2/2 creature might be seen as steep compared to other slivers or creatures that might offer more immediate board presence or come with other beneficial abilities for the same or lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include Hibernation Sliver in Your Collection
Versatility: Hibernation Sliver offers flexibility in deckbuilding, seamlessly integrating into Sliver tribal decks or strategies that require self-bouncing mechanics. Its ability to return to your hand ensures your key pieces are protected from removal.
Combo Potential: This card creates combo opportunities with cards that thrive on creatures entering and leaving the battlefield. The two-mana activation cost is modest, allowing for rapid-fire plays and synergy with effects that trigger upon a creature’s return to hand.
Meta-Relevance: In a landscape filled with targeted removal and board wipes, Hibernation Sliver’s self-preservation makes it a resilient choice. It’s particularly relevant against control decks that rely heavily on eliminating threats one by one.
How to beat
Hibernation Sliver adds a unique twist to the battlefield in MTG, allowing any Sliver creature the ability to return to its owner’s hand at the cost of two life. This resilience against removal can make Hibernation Sliver a daunting card to play against. To effectively counteract this advantage, a strategic approach involves applying pressure on the opponent’s life total, making the ability’s life payment a risky proposition. Utilizing cards that restrict or punish creature bouncing, such as Torpor Orb or Hushwing Gryff, can also nullify this card’s pesky ability.
In addition, it’s beneficial to attack the mana base to keep your opponent from easily replaying their creatures, employing land destruction or counterspells to interfere with their plays. Cards that can exile creatures or grant untargetable status to your important permanents might also be handy in circumnavigating the Sliver’s recursive potential. While dealing with Hibernation Sliver, it’s important to remember that control and disruption are your allies—keeping Slivers off the board is key to maintaining dominance in the game.
Overall, understanding your opponent’s strategy and carefully choosing your responses allows you to turn the tide of battle and maintain a competitive edge over Hibernation Sliver and its synergistic Sliver companions.
BurnMana Recommendations
Grasping the strategic value of Hibernation Sliver can mean the difference between victory and defeat in your MTG matches. This card’s capacity to safeguard your Sliver forces and retrigger entry effects shouldn’t be underestimated. Whether you’re an aficionado of tribal decks or seeking to craft a strategy that capitalizes on the tenacity of your creatures, Hibernation Sliver is an asset worth considering. Dive deeper into the world of Slivers with us, learn how to harness their collective power, and imbue your deck with an adaptable defense mechanism that can perplex your opponents. Enhance your MTG prowess—come explore more insights and tactics with Hibernation Sliver.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Hibernation Sliver MTG card by a specific set like Stronghold and Premium Deck Series: Slivers, 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 Hibernation Sliver and other MTG cards:
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- 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
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Printings
The Hibernation Sliver Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 1998-03-02 and 2023-08-04. Illustrated by Scott Kirschner.
# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1998-03-02 | Stronghold | STH | 128 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Scott Kirschner | |
2 | 2009-11-20 | Premium Deck Series: Slivers | H09 | 12 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Scott Kirschner | |
3 | 2015-05-06 | Tempest Remastered | TPR | 209 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Scott Kirschner | |
4 | Secret Lair Drop | SLD | 664 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Scott Kirschner | ||
5 | 2023-08-04 | Commander Masters | CMM | 925 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Scott Kirschner |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Hibernation Sliver has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Commander | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Paupercommander | Restricted |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Premodern | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Hibernation Sliver card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
Date | Text |
---|---|
2013-07-01 | Abilities that Slivers grant, as well as power/toughness boosts, are cumulative. However, for some abilities, like flying, having more than one instance of the ability doesn’t provide any additional benefit. |
2013-07-01 | If the creature type of a Sliver changes so it’s no longer a Sliver, it will no longer be affected by its own ability. Its ability will continue to affect other Sliver creatures. |