Hornet Nest MTG Card


Hornet Nest transforms damage received into an army of lethal deathtouch insects, enhancing player defenses. The generated insects can accelerate gameplay by assisting in convoke spells or empowering creature-based effects. Utilizing instant damage spells on Hornet Nest morphs defense into offense, unexpectedly bolstering your board presence.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Insect
Abilities Defender
Power 0
Toughness 2

Text of card

Defender (This creature can't attack.) Whenever Hornet Nest is dealt damage, put that many 1/1 green Insect creature tokens with flying and deathtouch onto the battlefield. (Any amount of damage a creature with deathtouch deals to a creature is enough to destroy it.)


Cards like Hornet Nest

Within the realm of Magic: The Gathering, Hornet Nest is an exceptional creature card with a unique ability to generate a swarm of token creatures. Its closest relative in functionality is perhaps Broodhatch Nantuko, another insect-themed card which similarly yields insect tokens upon being dealt damage. Yet, Hornet Nest is distinctive for generating flying deathtouch tokens, providing both a formidable defense and a potential offensive threat.

Another comparable card is Dragon Broodmother. While it requires a more specific mana commitment and creates flying dragon tokens instead, the mechanics are akin in that it produces tokens. However, Dragon Broodmother generates tokens at the beginning of each upkeep, not necessitating damage to be taken, offering a steady token stream. Then we have Raptor Hatchling, which also spawns a token when damaged, but it’s limited to just one larger token, and without the evasive or deadly traits that Hornet Nest tokens carry.

In summary, while there are a few cards that share token-producing characteristics with Hornet Nest, its unique combination of insect tokens with flying and deathtouch capabilities makes it a noteworthy choice in decks aiming to deter attackers and retaliate with lethal force.

Broodhatch Nantuko - MTG Card versions
Dragon Broodmother - MTG Card versions
Raptor Hatchling - MTG Card versions
Broodhatch Nantuko - MTG Card versions
Dragon Broodmother - MTG Card versions
Raptor Hatchling - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Hornet Nest by color, type and mana cost

Cat Warriors - MTG Card versions
Lurker - MTG Card versions
Rysorian Badger - MTG Card versions
Sabertooth Cobra - MTG Card versions
Quirion Druid - MTG Card versions
Uktabi Orangutan - MTG Card versions
Spike Feeder - MTG Card versions
Hungry Hungry Heifer - MTG Card versions
Titania's Chosen - MTG Card versions
Taoist Mystic - MTG Card versions
Femeref Archers - MTG Card versions
Verduran Enchantress - MTG Card versions
Fyndhorn Elder - MTG Card versions
Lydari Druid - MTG Card versions
Steel Leaf Champion - MTG Card versions
Realmwalker - MTG Card versions
Topiary Stomper - MTG Card versions
Territorial Scythecat - MTG Card versions
Wirewood Savage - MTG Card versions
Shizuko, Caller of Autumn - MTG Card versions
Cat Warriors - MTG Card versions
Lurker - MTG Card versions
Rysorian Badger - MTG Card versions
Sabertooth Cobra - MTG Card versions
Quirion Druid - MTG Card versions
Uktabi Orangutan - MTG Card versions
Spike Feeder - MTG Card versions
Hungry Hungry Heifer - MTG Card versions
Titania's Chosen - MTG Card versions
Taoist Mystic - MTG Card versions
Femeref Archers - MTG Card versions
Verduran Enchantress - MTG Card versions
Fyndhorn Elder - MTG Card versions
Lydari Druid - MTG Card versions
Steel Leaf Champion - MTG Card versions
Realmwalker - MTG Card versions
Topiary Stomper - MTG Card versions
Territorial Scythecat - MTG Card versions
Wirewood Savage - MTG Card versions
Shizuko, Caller of Autumn - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: When Hornet Nest is dealt damage, it generates insect creature tokens for each point of damage, effectively turning a potential loss into a valuable swarm of deathtouch creatures.

Resource Acceleration: The insects created by Hornet Nest can serve as sacrificial elements for various strategies, acting as resources for convoke spells, powering up effects that count creatures you control or fueling sacrificial abilities to accelerate your game plan.

Instant Speed: Hornet Nest’s ability to deter attacks is enhanced as it can turn instant-speed damage spells you control into creature generators. By dealing damage to your own Hornet Nest during your opponent’s turn, you can instantly populate the board with threatening insects, effectively blurring the lines between defense and resource creation.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Hornet Nest card doesn’t necessitate a discard upon casting, but it does come with its own set of constraints. Without a method to deal damage to it internally within your own deck design, its effectiveness may be limited.

Specific Mana Cost: Hornet Nest requires both green mana and generic mana, which could potentially restrict its incorporation into multicolored or flexible mana base decks without the appropriate mana fixing.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At three mana, including a specific green, Hornet Nest’s cost can be deemed steep for a creature that doesn’t immediately affect the board state and requires additional setup to yield benefits.


Reasons to Include Hornet Nest in Your Collection

Versatility: Hornet Nest offers a unique defensive option for green decks. Its ability to generate insect tokens upon taking damage allows it to deter attackers and provides a substantial defensive presence on the board.

Combo Potential: This card becomes a powerful asset when combined with effects that deal damage to all creatures, turning it into a token-generating machine. The flying insects are perfect for both offense as blockers and to fuel various sacrifice-based strategies.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment with aggressive strategies, Hornet Nest can be a game-changer. It discourages opponents from attacking and can swiftly shift the balance of the game in your favor with a swarm of deathtouch tokens that pose a threat to even the mightiest of creatures.


How to Beat

Hornet Nest is an intriguing defensive card in Magic: The Gathering, known for deterring attacks with its ability to generate flying deathtouch tokens. The challenge with Hornet Nest lies in its potential to swarm an opponent with deadly insects, making direct attacks a risky endeavor. To effectively handle this card, removal spells that do not deal damage, such as Exile effects or bounce spells, become invaluable. Cards like Path to Exile or Unsummon allow you to neutralize the Nest without triggering its token-generating ability.

Alternatively, taking control of the board before Hornet Nest can impact the game is key. Using board wipes such as Supreme Verdict, which can clear the field without dealing damage, circumvents the card’s primary defense. It’s also effective to utilize enchantment-based removal like Oblivion Ring to bypass the Nest’s dangerous token creation completely. In the realm of gameplay strategy, attacking an opponent’s life total through non-combat means or overwhelming them with an accelerated rush before Hornet Nest can establish a defense are tactics worth considering.

As you navigate through your matches, remember that Hornet Nest’s strength can also be its downfall. By understanding the mechanics and having the right counters in your deck, you’ll find that mastering the path to victory against this card is a carefully calculated move in your MTG gameplay strategies.


BurnMana Recommendations

Exploring the strategic intricacies of Hornet Nest can transform your MTG gameplay, offering you dynamic defense and formidable creature generation. Whether it’s the clever utilization of insect tokens, harnessing the card’s combo potential, or understanding its place in the current meta, each match is an opportunity to showcase your adaptability and foresight on the battlefield. If you’re keen on enhancing your deck with Hornet Nest’s unique token mechanics or seeking effective counterplays, it’s time to delve deeper into this card’s possibilities. Discover advanced strategies and broaden your MTG expertise — your next game could be a testament to your tactical prowess. Embrace the challenge and learn more with us.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Hornet Nest MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2015 and Mystery Booster, 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 Hornet Nest and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Hornet Nest Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2014-07-18 and 2021-04-23. Illustrated by Adam Paquette.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12014-07-18Magic 2015M15 1772015NormalBlackAdam Paquette
22019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 12382015NormalBlackAdam Paquette
32020-09-26The ListPLST M15-1772015NormalBlackAdam Paquette
42021-04-23Commander 2021C21 1922015NormalBlackAdam Paquette

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Hornet Nest has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2014-07-18 Hornet Nest’s triggered ability will trigger even if it’s dealt lethal damage. For example, if it’s dealt 7 damage, its ability will trigger and you’ll put seven Insect creature tokens onto the battlefield.