Hostile Takeover MTG Card


Gaining control of creatures at instant speed can decisively shift board dynamics in your favor. Mana cost specificity and discard requirements may limit deck integration and hand flexibility. The card’s ability to command multiple creatures makes it a formidable tool in control strategies.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Up to one target creature has base power and toughness 1/1 until end of turn. Up to one other target creature has base power and toughness 4/4 until end of turn. Then Hostile Takeover deals 3 damage to each creature.

Ob Nixilis smiled. It had been over one thousand years since his last conquest.


Cards like Hostile Takeover

Hostile Takeover stands out in MTG as a card with the power to redistribute the battlefield’s power dynamics. While other cards like Control Magic allow players to take command of a single creature, Hostile Takeover scales this concept up, affecting all creatures with the lowest power. This sweep of control can dramatically shift the tide of a game, similar to how Insurrection can, by granting temporary control over every creature on the battlefield.

Card comparison extends to Mass Manipulation, which, while at a higher cost, provides selective rather than random control, allowing for strategic choices in creature acquisition. Hostile Takeover’s indiscriminate approach can be both a boon and a risk, depending on the board state. Card evaluation is not complete without considering Mob Rule, whose flexible cost for controlling creatures with power 4 or less, or 3 or greater, provides a more controlled but narrow option compared to Hostile Takeover’s broader but less predictable effect. In the right situation, Hostile Takeover’s sweeping ability to command the field can give it that edge which makes it a unique and formidable spell in a player’s arsenal.

Control Magic - MTG Card versions
Insurrection - MTG Card versions
Mass Manipulation - MTG Card versions
Mob Rule - MTG Card versions
Control Magic - MTG Card versions
Insurrection - MTG Card versions
Mass Manipulation - MTG Card versions
Mob Rule - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Hostile Takeover offers a strategic edge by allowing you to potentially gain control of your opponent’s creatures, turning their assets into your advantage and shifting the game’s momentum in your favor. This can lead to considerable card advantage as you utilize your opponent’s resources against them.

Resource Acceleration: This powerful spell’s ability to grant you control over additional creatures can function as an indirect form of resource acceleration. By commandeering your opponent’s threats, you essentially increase your battlefield presence without expending additional mana on your turns.

Instant Speed: The versatility of Hostile Takeover is further enhanced by its instant speed, giving you the flexibility to disrupt your opponent’s strategy at the most opportune moment. Whether it’s during their combat phase or at the end of their turn, the surprise factor of this card can be a game-changer.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Hostile Takeover demands a card be discarded upon casting. This can lead to a tangible loss in hand advantage, especially if your strategy relies on maintaining a wide array of options.

Specific Mana Cost: This card comes with a mana cost that includes black mana. Such a specific requirement can potentially restrict its integration in decks not running black mana sources, diminishing its overall flexibility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost that’s on the higher end for its potential impact on the game, Hostile Takeover might be less appealing compared to other control options. Players could find this trade-off not worth the slot in a tightly curated deck.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Hostile Takeover is a dynamic addition as it can adapt to numerous deck strategies that prioritize control over opponents’ resources.

Combo Potential: This card can seamlessly integrate with tactics designed to dismantle opponents’ board presence, potentially pairing with cards that thrive on controlling or acquiring opponents’ assets.

Meta-Relevance: In a gameplay environment where maintaining board dominance is crucial, Hostile Takeover’s capacity to shift the balance of power can be a game-changer, making it a strategic card against a variety of deck archetypes.


How to beat Hostile Takeover

Hostile Takeover is a nuanced ability in Magic: The Gathering, providing players with a potential swing in board state and control. Navigating around Hostile Takeover’s effects requires strategic planning. One approach includes minimizing the card’s impact by keeping a lean assortment of creatures on the battlefield. This reduces the appeal of using the card against you, as the benefit for your opponent diminishes.

Another tactic is to deploy creatures that are less susceptible to Hostile Takeover’s consequences through indestructibility or having enter-the-battlefield effects that still grant value even if control is lost. Cards with hexproof or shroud can also maintain your board presence since they are not valid targets for such control-swaying spells.

Lastly, having instant-speed removal or creature-bounce spells handy can disrupt Hostile Takeover’s intended effect, allowing you to reclaim your key creatures or at least lessen the adversary’s gains. By understanding these strategic counters, you can better safeguard your position against a Hostile Takeover and maintain dominance over the game’s flow.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG involves both recognition of card strengths and navigating potential weaknesses. Hostile Takeover, as described, can pivot a game’s dynamics dramatically, offering both board control and surprise elements at instant speed. However, smart play counters like minimal creature deployment or having indestructible assets can mitigate its impact. Interested in expanding your strategic depth and discovering how Hostile Takeover fits into your arsenal? Dive deeper with us into the world of MTG, where each card’s potential is just waiting to be unlocked. Enhance your gameplay and collection by learning more about this potent card.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Hostile Takeover MTG card by a specific set like Streets of New Capenna and Streets of New Capenna, 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 Hostile Takeover and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Hostile Takeover Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2022-04-29 and 2022-04-29. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12022-04-29Streets of New CapennaSNC 1912015NormalBlackVincent Proce
22022-04-29Streets of New CapennaSNC 3752015NormalBlackIsis
32022-04-29Streets of New Capenna PromosPSNC 191p2015NormalBlackVincent Proce
42022-04-29Streets of New CapennaSNC 3102015NormalBlackIsis
52022-04-29Streets of New Capenna PromosPSNC 191s2015NormalBlackVincent Proce

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Hostile Takeover has restrictions

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