Hulking Bugbear MTG Card
2021-07-23 - Number 319
2021-07-23 - Number 149
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Goblin |
| Abilities | Haste |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Haste
Cards like Hulking Bugbear
Hulking Bugbear slots itself into the realm of aggressive creatures in MTG, bearing resemblance to creatures like Goblin Heelcutter. Both creatures wield the potential to disrupt opponents’ strategies, with Hulking Bugbear bringing haste to the battlefield and the Heelcutter denying a blocker when it attacks. What sets the Bugbear apart is its permanent status, offering relentless pressure without further mana investment, unlike the Heelcutter’s dash ability requiring repeated costs.
Another creature vying for the aggressive slot is Ember Hauler. While not as bulky, the Hauler offers utility with its ability to deal damage directly to any target. So, while Hulking Bugbear excels in combat damage, Ember Hauler provides increased flexibility. The Bugbear’s higher health also makes it a more durable threat compared to the Hauler’s susceptibility to common removal spells.
Sizing these options up, Hulking Bugbear stands out among its peers, particularly due to its haste advantage and staying power on the board, making it a solid choice for players looking to apply immediate and consistent pressure in their MTG matches.
Cards similar to Hulking Bugbear by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Hulking Bugbear. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Gruul Aggro | Pioneer | Gruul Goblins | Peasant Pioneer Showdown - A Josh and Pat's MTG Bazaar Sponsored Event |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Hulking Bugbear offers intrinsic card advantage by being a threat that demands an answer. While it doesn’t draw cards outright, its presence can pressure opponents into using resources to deal with it, potentially giving you a lead in card economy over the course of a match.
Resource Acceleration: Although not providing direct ramp or treasure tokens, Hulking Bugbear’s aggressive nature can help close games quickly, which is its own form of resource acceleration. By shortening the length of the game, it reduces the time opponents have to draw into their answers or set up their strategy.
Instant Speed: While Hulking Bugbear itself isn’t an instant, it fits well in decks that operate at instant speed. It benefits from the efficiency that instant speed interaction provides, allowing you to deploy threats in a flexible manner around your other reactive plays, keeping opponents on their toes.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Some players may find the discard component of Hulking Bugbear taxing, especially in situations where maintaining card advantage is crucial to their strategy. This feature can be quite punishing if you are not ready to part with other valuable cards in your hand.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost for Hulking Bugbear can be a bit restrictive. Requiring two red mana means it is primarily fitting for mono-red or heavily red-influenced decks, potentially limiting its flexibility across various deck builds.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Hulking Bugbear carries considerable power and toughness, the investment of three mana, specifically with an intensive red requirement, may be considered high. Players might weigh its cost against other three-mana creatures that provide additional abilities or synergies, potentially overshadowing the Bugbear’s raw stats.
Reasons to Include Hulking Bugbear in Your Collection
Versatility: Hulking Bugbear offers a level of agility for various deck builds, performing well in aggressive strategies due to its decent power and haste, which allows for immediate impact on the game board.
Combo Potential: Beyond its standalone value, Hulking Bugbear works well with effects that capitalize on dealing combat damage or red deck staples that benefit from creatures entering the battlefield, bolstering its synergy within certain combos.
Meta-Relevance: As metagames evolve, the presence of a three-mana, 3/3 creature with haste like Hulking Bugbear can play a key role against slower decks, providing a solid option for players aiming to stay competitive by applying early pressure to opponents.
How to beat
The Hulking Bugbear towers as an intimidating force in the game of Magic: The Gathering, delivering an impactful presence on the battlefield. With the ability to hit hard and fast due to its haste attribute, it accelerates the pace of the game, bringing a swift challenge to opponents. Despite its strength, there are strategies to effectively counter this formidable creature.
Weaving spells that incapacitate or remove creatures, such as Murder or Lightning Bolt, are beyond useful when dealing with the Hulking Bugbear. These efficient removal options can clear the path before the Bugbear even gets a chance to flex its powerful attacks. In addition, enchantments that restrict attacking like Pacifism or creatures that could outclass it in combat serve well to mitigate the Bugbear’s threat. Keeping in mind its 3/3 stats, any creature with a toughness greater than three could be strategically placed to block and eliminate the Hulking Bugbear without succumbing to the confrontation.
Ultimately, the approach involves preparedness and response speed, ensuring you have the right answers when the Hulking Bugbear charges onto the scene. Through quick removal or strategic blocking, you can reclaim control of the game and send this creature back to the sidelines where it can no longer pose a danger to your victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Hulking Bugbear MTG card by a specific set like Adventures in the Forgotten Realms and Adventures in the Forgotten Realms, 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 Hulking Bugbear 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Hulking Bugbear Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2021-07-23 and 2021-07-23. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2021-07-23 | Adventures in the Forgotten Realms | AFR | 319 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Pedro Potier | |
| 2 | 2021-07-23 | Adventures in the Forgotten Realms | AFR | 149 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Filip Burburan |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Hulking Bugbear has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |