Hornet Queen MTG Card


Generates four flying, deathtouch insects for defense and pressure, enhancing board state upon entry. Seven mana cost requires significant investment, potentially impacting hand management and strategy execution. Versatile in green-centric decks, offers combo potential, and can shape the gameplay in creature-heavy metas.
Card setsReleased in 10 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost7
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Insect
Abilities Deathtouch,Flying
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

Flying, deathtouch When Hornet Queen enters the battlefield, put four 1/1 green Insect creature tokens with flying and deathtouch onto the battlefield.


Cards like Hornet Queen

The Hornet Queen is a powerhouse in the MTG realm, offering a potent blend of defense and offensive capabilities. Cards like Avenger of Zendikar can be seen as a kindred spirit in terms of token generation. Where the Hornet Queen deploys deathtouch insects, Avenger of Zendikar brings a tide of plants that can grow to formidable sizes, both presenting imposing boards for your opponent.

Broodmate Dragon presents an alternative, providing flying dragon tokens with sheer power. Although it doesn’t offer the same tactical defensive advantage as Hornet Queen’s deathtouch insects, the dragon duo compensates with aggressive aerial assault options. Meanwhile, Siege-Gang Commander is a goblin-generating counterpart, trading flying and deathtouch for the ability to fling goblin tokens at enemies for direct damage.

Comparatively, Hornet Queen stands out for its unique provision of flying insects that can both deter attackers and apply pressure on the opponent. Its role in the game is quite distinct, giving players multiple strategic angles to explore whether they are defending their life total or pressuring their rival’s.

Avenger of Zendikar - MTG Card versions
Broodmate Dragon - MTG Card versions
Siege-Gang Commander - MTG Card versions
Avenger of Zendikar - MTG Card versions
Broodmate Dragon - MTG Card versions
Siege-Gang Commander - MTG Card versions

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

Thorn Elemental - MTG Card versions
Penumbra Wurm - MTG Card versions
Stone-Tongue Basilisk - MTG Card versions
Thriss, Nantuko Primus - MTG Card versions
Beanstalk Giant // Fertile Footsteps - MTG Card versions
Somberwald Beastmaster - MTG Card versions
Cultivator Colossus - MTG Card versions
Garruk's Horde - MTG Card versions
Krosan Tusker - MTG Card versions
Avenger of Zendikar - MTG Card versions
Gladehart Cavalry - MTG Card versions
Hundroog - MTG Card versions
Enormous Baloth - MTG Card versions
Ancient Ooze - MTG Card versions
Cytospawn Shambler - MTG Card versions
Panglacial Wurm - MTG Card versions
Molimo, Maro-Sorcerer - MTG Card versions
Duskdale Wurm - MTG Card versions
Pelakka Wurm - MTG Card versions
Engulfing Slagwurm - MTG Card versions
Thorn Elemental - MTG Card versions
Penumbra Wurm - MTG Card versions
Stone-Tongue Basilisk - MTG Card versions
Thriss, Nantuko Primus - MTG Card versions
Beanstalk Giant // Fertile Footsteps - MTG Card versions
Somberwald Beastmaster - MTG Card versions
Cultivator Colossus - MTG Card versions
Garruk's Horde - MTG Card versions
Krosan Tusker - MTG Card versions
Avenger of Zendikar - MTG Card versions
Gladehart Cavalry - MTG Card versions
Hundroog - MTG Card versions
Enormous Baloth - MTG Card versions
Ancient Ooze - MTG Card versions
Cytospawn Shambler - MTG Card versions
Panglacial Wurm - MTG Card versions
Molimo, Maro-Sorcerer - MTG Card versions
Duskdale Wurm - MTG Card versions
Pelakka Wurm - MTG Card versions
Engulfing Slagwurm - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Hornet Queen. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
ZombiesZombies LegacyNic Fit*HALF PRICE FRIDAY* $1K - Legacy - SCG CON Atlanta - Friday - 1:30 pm
Mono-Green RampMono-Green Ramp ModernGreen DevotionDEN24 Sun 10:00 - Modern $5k Open 8-slot RCQ (Newly Added!)
Mono-Green DevotionMono-Green Devotion PioneerNykthos Ramp#05 Last Chance Qualifier: Pioneer
Five-color Fires IncarnationFive-color Fires Incarnation Pioneer5c Enigmatic FiresSun. 10AM Pioneer 10k Open 8-Slot RCQ - DreamHack Atlanta 2023
Enigmatic FiresEnigmatic Fires Pioneer5c Enigmatic FiresSat. 9:30 AM U.S. Regional Championship - Dreamhack Atlanta 2023
Gruul RampGruul Ramp PioneerGruul Midrange#13 Last Chance Qualifier: Pioneer

Card Pros

Card Advantage: When Hornet Queen enters the battlefield, it creates four 1/1 green Insect creature tokens with flying and deathtouch, giving players a significant increase in board presence and potential card advantage against opponents.

Resource Acceleration: Although Hornet Queen itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, the tokens it produces can be potent blockers or attackers that help maintain or gain board control, indirectly leading to resource advantage.

Instant Speed: While Hornet Queen doesn’t have flash, its impact on the board is immediate and can change the tide of the game, especially if played through instant speed enablers like Vivien or Leyline of Anticipation, making its arrival during an opponent’s turn a potential game-changer.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Hornet Queen’s presence in your hand does not intrinsically ask for a card to be discarded, but its seven-mana cost may force players into tough decisions. Maintaining this card in your hand for many turns might result in discarding others to keep pace with faster opponents.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring three green mana in its cost, Hornet Queen demands a substantial commitment to green mana sources. This can be challenging in multicolor decks where mana flexibility is crucial, potentially making the card less desirable for more diverse deck strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a total mana cost of seven, the Hornet Queen can be a substantial investment. In faster-paced games, summoning it can lag behind cheaper creatures offering quicker board presence or immediate impact, potentially putting you at a disadvantage in the race against time.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Hornet Queen offers a unique angle of defense with her deathtouch insect tokens, making her a fit for green-based control or token strategies.

Combo Potential: The seven insects she brings to the battlefield can be leveraged in numerous ways, from enhancing sacrifice-based synergies to multiplying +1/+1 counters in a grow-wide tactic.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta that’s heavy on creature-based strategies, Hornet Queen can be a game-changer, providing a substantial board presence and deterring attacks with her deathtouch minions.


How to beat

Hornet Queen is a formidable foe on the battlefield, renowned for its ability to deploy a swarm of flying insect tokens with deathtouch. Overcoming this card often requires strategic planning and the right resources. A direct approach is to use board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation, which can clear the entire field of creatures, Hornet Queen and its insect tokens included. Another effective strategy is to employ cards that prevent token generation, like Hushbringer, as this immediately neutralizes the Hornet Queen’s most dangerous aspect.

Spot removal spells are less effective against Hornet Queen due to the multiple insect tokens it creates. These tokens can block and trade with much larger creatures, making them a substantial defensive barrier. However, evasive abilities such as flying or trample can also be a way to circumvent Hornet Queen’s defensive line. Flying creatures can soar over the ground-bound tokens, and trample allows your creatures to deal excess damage to the player or planeswalker they are attacking, even if blocked by a token.

All things considered, decks with strong control elements and creature removal capabilities stand the best chance when facing the resilience of Hornet Queen. Careful planning and execution are key to claiming victory against this green powerhouse.


BurnMana Recommendations

Discovering the full potential of Hornet Queen in your MTG deck opens up numerous avenues to dominate the green battlefield. Enhance your collection with this card’s exceptional abilities to alter the landscape of any match. Its power to create flying insect minions offers both an offensive threat and a robust defensive formation. Navigating the intricate MTG meta demands not only superior cards but also the strategic wisdom to deploy them effectively. Embrace the strengths of Hornet Queen and similar impactful creatures to outmaneuver opponents. Wish to delve deeper into winning strategies? Step into a world of advanced plays and expert insights by joining our community.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Hornet Queen MTG card by a specific set like Commander 2011 and Magic 2015, 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 Queen and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Hornet Queen Magic the Gathering card was released in 9 different sets between 2011-06-17 and 2024-03-08. Illustrated by 4 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12011-06-17Commander 2011CMD 1592003NormalBlackMartina Pilcerova
22014-07-18Magic 2015M15 1782015NormalBlackMartina Pilcerova
32020-04-17Commander 2020C20 1762015NormalBlackMartina Pilcerova
42020-08-13Amonkhet RemasteredAKR 1962015NormalBlackJonathan Kuo
52021-04-23Commander 2021C21 1932015NormalBlackMartina Pilcerova
62022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 8252015NormalBlackJonathan Kuo
72023-06-23Tales of Middle-earth CommanderLTC 2502015NormalBlackOleg Bulakh
82024-02-09Murders at Karlov Manor CommanderMKC 1722015NormalBlackMartina Pilcerova
92024-03-08FalloutPIP 3502015NormalBlackRobin Olausson
102024-03-08FalloutPIP 8782015NormalBlackRobin Olausson

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Hornet Queen has restrictions

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