Hitchclaw Recluse MTG Card
2015-07-17 - Number 181
2018-10-05 - Number 133
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Spider |
| Abilities | Reach |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
Reach (This creature can block creatures with flying.)
Not all spiders need webs to catch their prey.
Cards like Hitchclaw Recluse
Hitchclaw Recluse stands out in the roster of green creature spells within Magic: The Gathering. Its intrinsic attribute of reach allows it to defend the skies, akin to Giant Spider, a classic green creature with both reach and a similar power/toughness ratio. However, Hitchclaw Recluse edges out with one less power for a more affordable mana cost.
Canopy Spider is another relative in the reach spider family, offering a cheaper casting cost but with reduced power and toughness. This makes Hitchclaw Recluse a more robust blocker in the late game. Then there’s Snapping Drake, a creature outside the spider lineage that also takes to the skies with flying. Though they share the same mana cost, Hitchclaw Recluse possesses the capability to neutralize creatures like Snapping Drake thanks to its reach ability, without having flying itself.
Assessing the green creatures with defensive capabilities, Hitchclaw Recluse proves to be a reliable inclusion in decks focused on stalling the board and deterring aerial assaults, balancing cost and utility on the battlefield.
Cards similar to Hitchclaw Recluse by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Hitchclaw Recluse provides a defensive advantage with its reach attribute, allowing it to block flying creatures which can indirectly preserve your life total and maintain board presence.
Resource Acceleration: Although Hitchclaw Recluse doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its low casting cost facilitates a quicker development of your board state, making it easier to deploy other spells sooner.
Instant Speed: The ability to act during your opponent’s turn isn’t an inherent trait of Hitchclaw Recluse itself, but it pairs well with spells of instant speed, offering a surprise blocker they may not anticipate after their attack is declared.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Hitchclaw Recluse does not have a discard requirement, it’s important for players to be conscious of their hand size when playing creatures. Each card played diminishes your hand, making you more vulnerable to opponent strategies that capitalize on your lack of options.
Specific Mana Cost: This spider requires two green mana to cast. The requirement for specific mana can restrict deck-building options, especially if you’re looking to create a multicolor deck with a smooth mana curve.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With Hitchclaw Recluse’s casting cost sitting at three mana for a 1/4 creature with reach, there are alternatives that could provide either a stronger offensive presence or additional abilities for a similar or lower cost. Ensuring that the mana you invest provides the best possible advantage on the battlefield is critical.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Hitchclaw Recluse is a card that offers flexibility in various deck builds. As a creature with reach, it can be a defensive asset in green decks that need protection against flying threats.
Combo Potential: This spider works well with cards that capitalize on creatures with defensive abilities. Its stats make it a decent choice in strategies that revolve around tapping or untapping creatures for benefits or that use creatures to bolster your defenses while setting up for a powerful late-game.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where flyers are prevalent, Hitchclaw Recluse shines by providing a low-cost deterrent. Its presence can help stabilize the board, buying time for you to deploy your game-winning strategy against aerial assaults.
How to beat
Hitchclaw Recluse is a modest yet reliable defender in the world of Magic: The Gathering. It’s known for being a tough barrier to overcome, especially for those who rely heavily on flying creatures. The spider’s main strength lies in its reach ability, allowing it to block creatures that would otherwise soar over most defenses unimpeded.
To effectively get past this arachnid nuisance, consider using removal spells that can bypass its web of defense. Spells like Murder or Doom Blade can take it out before it becomes a problem on the battlefield. Alternatively, enchantments like Pacifism or Arrest can neutralize it without having to resort to destruction, keeping your opponent’s board clear for aerial attacks.
Playing around Hitchclaw Recluse also involves strategic planning and creature selection. Deploying non-flying creatures with trample or those that can dictate how blocking occurs, such as Prized Unicorn, can also prove to be effective. Through careful considerations and the right card choices, outmaneuvering Hitchclaw Recluse becomes an achievable task within the intricate dance of Magic: The Gathering.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Hitchclaw Recluse MTG card by a specific set like Magic Origins and Guilds of Ravnica, 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 Hitchclaw Recluse 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 Hitchclaw Recluse Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2015-07-17 and 2018-10-05. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2015-07-17 | Magic Origins | ORI | 181 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jeff Simpson | |
| 2 | 2018-10-05 | Guilds of Ravnica | GRN | 133 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mike Bierek |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Hitchclaw Recluse has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |