Hidden Dragonslayer MTG Card
2015-03-27 - Number 23
2015-03-28 - Number 23s
2024-02-09 - Number 69
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Human Warrior |
| Abilities | Lifelink,Megamorph |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Lifelink Megamorph (You may cast this card face down as a 2/2 creature for . Turn it face up any time for its megamorph cost and put a +1/+1 counter on it.) When Hidden Dragonslayer is turned face up, destroy target creature with power 4 or greater an opponent controls.
Cards like Hidden Dragonslayer
Hidden Dragonslayer is an intriguing warrior with lifelink in the vast universe of creature cards. Comparable to cards like Seeker of the Way, which also provides a prowess bonus and lifelink, Hidden Dragonslayer offers something more. Its morph ability allows it to surprise opponents by turning up for a powerful removal effect, something Seeker of the Way lacks.
Much like the Dragonslayer, Glory-Bound Initiate is another lifelink warrior that can pack a punch. Although it doesn’t have the morph ability, it compensates with the exert mechanic, enabling it to become a 4/4 creature with lifelink until your next turn. Then there’s Fairgrounds Warden, entering the battlefield exiling another tapped creature—an ability somewhat reminiscing Dragonslayer’s removal prowess—but without the lifelink or the surprise factor afforded by morphing.
Therefore, in a realm where strategy and surprise can turn the tides, Hidden Dragonslayer may not only serve as a lifelink combatant but also as an unexpected threat remover, placing itself distinctively among its lifelink brethren.
Cards similar to Hidden Dragonslayer by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Hidden Dragonslayer. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Decklist | Free form | MO89#CS | |
| Selesnya Aggro | Legacy | MO82#CS |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Hidden Dragonslayer stands out with its Lifelink ability, providing not just board presence but also helping you stay in the game by gaining life with each attack. Once it’s revealed as a Morph creature, destroying a sizable threat from opponents can indirectly save your other creatures or even win you the game by removing a blocker.
Resource Acceleration: While not accelerating resources in the traditional sense, its Megamorph cost can be seen as a resource investment with a high payoff, as it flips to a 3/2, destroys an opponent’s large creature, and sets up favorable trades or direct player damage, optimizing your in-game resources.
Instant Speed: The ability to morph Hidden Dragonslayer at instant speed offers a strategic edge, allowing you to surprise your opponent by revealing the Lifelink creature and bolstering your defenses or counterattacking when least expected. Additionally, the swift creature removal can disrupt opponent’s combat strategies during their turn, making it a versatile choice for your deck.
Card Cons
Specific Mana Cost: Hidden Dragonslayer demands a precise blend of mana to cast, specifically white mana, which might not align with more diverse or color-intensive decks looking for flexibility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When compared to other creatures with similar abilities, Hidden Dragonslayer’s mana cost for its Megamorph feature may be seen as steep, impacting the tempo of the game for the player.
Discard Requirement: While not a direct concern for Hidden Dragonslayer, any additional requirement such as discarding a card for other abilities or effects in your deck can be a drawback if it becomes necessary to hold onto the Dragonslayer instead of playing it for its lifelink benefit.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Hidden Dragonslayer offers flexibility in deck construction, being both a lifelink creature earlier in the game and a removal tool once its megamorph ability is activated. This adaptability allows it to fit seamlessly into a range of white or lifegain-themed decks.
Combo Potential: This card can synergize with strategies revolving around +1/+1 counters. Additionally, its megamorph ability pairs well with cards that benefit from non-creature spells being cast, or from creatures turning face up.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where large creatures dominate the battlefield, Hidden Dragonslayer can be a cost-effective solution to deal with major threats. Its ability to dismantle those key creatures while contributing to your life total makes it a noteworthy inclusion in many deck archetypes.
How to beat
Confronting a Hidden Dragonslayer on the battlefield presents a distinct challenge due to its unique characteristics within the realm of Magic: The Gathering. This formidable Lifelink creature becomes a bigger threat upon reaching the requisite mana to activate its Megamorph ability, revealing itself as a force capable of eliminating even the most imposing of creatures with its formidable power/toughness boost and destructive enter-the-battlefield effect.
To efficiently handle the Hidden Dragonslayer, strategy is key. Efficient removal spells that don’t rely on damage but rather exile or force sacrifices, such as Path to Exile or Diabolic Edict, can preemptively deal with the creature before the Megamorph ability becomes a factor. Playing around its Lifelink by maintaining a higher life total or employing effects that disrupt life gain, like Tainted Remedy, can also diminish its impact on the game. Additionally, keeping robust counter magic at the ready to negate the Megamorph trigger can leave your opponent with a mere 2/1 creature, substantially weakening their offensive capabilities.
Understanding the ins and outs of such a complex card is crucial, and ensuring your deck has answers to the Hidden Dragonslayer will solidify your defenses against this sneaky adversary.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Hidden Dragonslayer MTG card by a specific set like Dragons of Tarkir and Dragons of Tarkir 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 Hidden Dragonslayer 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 Hidden Dragonslayer Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2015-03-27 and 2024-02-09. Illustrated by Anastasia Ovchinnikova.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2015-03-27 | Dragons of Tarkir | DTK | 23 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Anastasia Ovchinnikova | |
| 2 | 2015-03-28 | Dragons of Tarkir Promos | PDTK | 23s | 2015 | Normal | Black | Anastasia Ovchinnikova | |
| 3 | 2024-02-09 | Murders at Karlov Manor Commander | MKC | 69 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Anastasia Ovchinnikova |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Hidden Dragonslayer has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Hidden Dragonslayer card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2015-02-25 | If a face-down creature with megamorph is turned face up some other way (for example, if you manifest a card with megamorph and then pay its mana cost to turn it face up), you won’t put a +1/+1 counter on it. |
| 2015-02-25 | Megamorph is a variant of the morph ability. You can find more information on morph on cards with morph from the Khans of Tarkir set. |
| 2015-02-25 | Turning a face-down creature with megamorph face up and putting a +1/+1 counter on it is a special action. It doesn’t use the stack and can’t be responded to. |