Horror of the Dim MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Horror |
| Released | 2013-02-01 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Gatecrash |
| Set code | GTC |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 4 |
| Number | 68 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Jack Wang |
Text of card
: Horror of the Dim gains hexproof until end of turn. (It can't be the target of spells or abilities your opponents control.)
"Lesser minds can scarcely imagine such a marriage of necromancy and mind magic." —Strava, Dimir mage
Cards like Horror of the Dim
Horror of the Dim holds a unique position within the creature arsenal of MTG. This card can be likened to other creatures with hexproof abilities, such as Invisible Stalker. While the Stalker boasts hexproof consistently, Horror of the Dim requires an activation cost to gain this elusive attribute till the end of turn, providing flexibility at the potential cost of resources.
Another creature to consider is the common Plated Seastrider. Both creatures share a similar mana cost, but the Seastrider lacks the dynamic protectiveness that the Horror can achieve. Unlike the implicit defensive stance of the Seastrider, the Horror of the Dim can actively respond to removals temporarily by sidestepping targeted spells or abilities.
From an adaptability standpoint, Sentinel Spider presents a contrast. Although it sits at a higher mana value, it packs vigilance and reach from the start without any activation costs. However, it doesn’t offer the same level of protection from targeted threats as the Horror’s activated ability enables.
When considering the strategic value and adaptability of creatures within MTG, Horror of the Dim emerges as a versatile choice for players looking to safeguard key monsters at critical moments in their matches.
Cards similar to Horror of the Dim by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Horror of the Dim offers a strategic upper hand by potentially returning a creature card back from your graveyard to your hand, giving you the edge by recycling valuable assets.
Resource Acceleration: Although Horror of the Dim itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its synergy with graveyard mechanics can indirectly contribute to resource acceleration by integrating with cards designed to utilize the graveyard for additional mana or effects.
Instant Speed: As an instant, Horror of the Dim provides flexibility, allowing you to react to the state of the game and make decisions at the most opportune moments. This means you can disrupt opponent strategies or save key creatures from removal on the fly.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Horror of the Dim necessitates that a player discards another card to activate its hexproof ability. This can place the player at a disadvantage, particularly in game scenarios where hand size is crucial, and resources are already stretched thin.
Specific Mana Cost: This creature card has a casting cost that includes both generic and blue mana. Players running multicolored or off-theme decks might find it challenging to consistently meet the specific mana requirement, thus potentially limiting the card’s versatility across various deck types.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost requiring three mana, including one blue, its cost is relatively high for its base stats and abilities. In the competitive landscape of the game, players could find more efficient creatures with a similar or lower mana investment, making Horror of the Dim a less favorable option in some deck builds.
Reasons to Include Horror of the Dim in Your Collection
Versatility: Horror of the Dim offers flexibility in gameplay, capable of fitting into a variety of deck builds. Its hexproof ability during your turn provides a safeguard against targeted removal spells, making it a resilient choice for both offensive and defensive strategies.
Combo Potential: As a creature that can easily protect itself from single-target spells, Horror of the Dim works well with cards that capitalize on creatures surviving each turn. It can be a key component in combinations looking to exploit untap mechanics or use creatures as consistent blockers.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where targeted removal is prevalent, Horror of the Dim stands out as a robust inclusion. Being able to dodge instants and sorceries that opponents cast during your turn can often mean the difference between maintaining a board presence or being wiped out, potentially making this card a meta-game staple for blue and black decks.
How to beat
When it comes to tackling Horror of the Dim in MTG, players should concentrate on its inherent weaknesses. This card’s potential is somewhat shackled by its lack of an immediate impact on the game upon being played. With no enter-the-battlefield effects, its value is purely dependent on its presence over time. Moreover, its hexproof ability is only active during your turn, leaving it vulnerable to your opponent’s spells or abilities on their turn.
Given these vulnerabilities, the most straightforward strategy is to take advantage of its susceptibility to sorcery-speed removal spells or board wipes when control of the battlefield shifts to you. Cards such as Doom Blade or Wrath of God offer clean solutions. Furthermore, because Horror of the Dim is blue and black, its color identity limits its protection against colorless or artifact-focused removal techniques, making it exposure to cards like Oblivion Stone or Ratchet Bomb.
The key to overpowering Horror of the Dim lies in timing and the strategic deployment of removal resources. Smart play and careful management can ensure that this creature’s reign on the battlefield is brief and contained, maintaining balance in favor of the well-prepared combatant.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Horror of the Dim MTG card by a specific set like Gatecrash, 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 Horror of the Dim 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Horror of the Dim has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |