Hunger of the Howlpack MTG Card
2012-02-03 - Number 119
2014-06-06 - Number 168
2022-12-02 - Number 674
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
| Abilities | Morbid |
Text of card
Put a +1/+1 counter on target creature. Morbid — Put three +1/+1 counters on that creature instead if a creature died this turn.
"Werewolves are an unholy mix of a predator's instinct and a human's hatred." —Alena, trapper of Kessig
Cards like Hunger of the Howlpack
Hunger of the Howlpack carves its niche within the vast assortment of green card buffs in Magic: The Gathering. It offers a significant boost by placing three +1/+1 counters on a target creature for only one mana if a creature died this turn. A comparable card in terms of boosting is Giant Growth, which also costs a single green mana. However, Giant Growth grants an instant boost of +3/+3 until end of turn, without the conditionality or permanence of counters.
Similarly, we can look at Rancor. This enchantment grants a creature +2/+0 and trample for the same mana cost. While Rancor’s effect repeatedly applies thanks to its return-to-hand ability upon going to the graveyard, it doesn’t offer the permanent effect of counter accumulation. Another one mana green stalwart is Vines of Vastwood, which can be kicked to not only boost a creature by +4/+4 but also provide protection from spells or abilities your opponents control, albeit just for a single turn.
When considering the options available for low-cost green creature enhancements, Hunger of the Howlpack holds a distinctive position. Its potential for a lasting impact on creature strength, especially in scenarios involving creature sacrifices or death triggers, makes it a valuable card among its peers.
Cards similar to Hunger of the Howlpack by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Hunger of the Howlpack. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Mono-Green Aggro | Pauper | Mono-Green Aggro | Pauper Challenge 32 2023-11-12 |
 | Mono-Green Stompy | Pauper | Mono-Green Aggro | Sprint Wheel Event - Geddon Series 2^ tappa MILANO 2024 |
| Gruul Aggro | Pauper | Mono-Green Aggro | BLUE - SAT - 1PM - Chicago Pauper Cup |
| Rogue Decklists | Pauper | Mono-Green Aggro | Nacional Pauper 2023 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Hunger of the Howlpack can significantly bolster one of your creatures following a successful combat or creature death, potentially turning it into a formidable threat. This boost in power and toughness for a single green mana can help you maintain a creature advantage on the board, making each of your creatures more valuable.
Resource Acceleration: Although not directly a resource accelerator, the ability to enhance a creature permanently means your board develops faster and with greater impact. This can lead to accelerated wins by strengthening your creatures far above the curve.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Hunger of the Howlpack at instant speed provides significant flexibility. You can adapt to the dynamic game state, using it in response to blockers being declared, at the end of your opponent’s turn, or when a creature you control dies, to make the most of the Morbid trigger for an additional +2/+2 counters.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Although Hunger of the Howlpack does not require you to discard a card, it does mean missing out on playing a creature or other spell during your turn to hold mana open for its Morbid ability, which can be quite limiting.
Specific Mana Cost: This card necessitates having access to green mana, which restricts its integration into multicolored decks that may not prioritize green mana or have a reliable mana base to consistently cast it.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although costing only one green mana might seem efficient, the condition to activate its Morbid ability for an additional +2/+2 counters depends on a creature dying that turn, which might not always align with your gameplay strategy, potentially making it a less appealing option when planning other mana expenditures.
Reasons to Include Hunger of the Howlpack in Your Collection
Versatility: Hunger of the Howlpack excels in its flexibility. It can seamlessly integrate into various deck archetypes. For decks that thrive on counters, this card intensifies their potency, while in others, it can serve as a standalone enhancer to turn a simple creature into a formidable threat.
Combo Potential: This card’s true strength lies in its synergy with creatures that possess undying or persist abilities. Enabling these creatures to return even stronger, it becomes a key component in several combo strategies. Additionally, it pairs well with cards that benefit from counters being placed on creatures.
Meta-Relevance: This card has found its place in metas that favor aggressive and counter-centric strategies. Its one-mana cost makes Hunger of the Howlpack highly efficient in fast-paced games, aligning perfectly with decks aiming to outpace opponents through quick enhancement of their creatures.
How to beat
Hunger of the Howlpack is a potent green instant in MTG that can be a real game-changer by bolstering a creature with three +1/+1 counters, particularly after a creature you control dies. This inexpensive trick can quickly spiral out of control, leaving opponents scrambling if not checked early. To effectively counter this card, strategic removal of creatures prior to the morbid trigger is essential.
Instant speed removal spells such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile can disrupt the synergy before Hunger of the Howlpack has an opportunity to maximize its potential. Additionally, graveyard interaction through cards like Scavenging Ooze can help by consuming creatures from the graveyard, ensuring that the morbid condition for Hunger of the Howlpack remains unmet. Always be aware of your opponent’s open mana and potential to play this card; preemptive plays can stop a small threat from evolving into a massive obstacle.
Overall, with anticipation and the right counters in hand, overcoming the Hunger of the Howlpack boost is achievable, maintaining balance and preventing your opponent’s creatures from becoming an unstoppable force on the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Hunger of the Howlpack MTG card by a specific set like Dark Ascension and Conspiracy, 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 Hunger of the Howlpack 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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Printings
The Hunger of the Howlpack Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2012-02-03 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Nils Hamm.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2012-02-03 | Dark Ascension | DKA | 119 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Nils Hamm | |
| 2 | 2014-06-06 | Conspiracy | CNS | 168 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Nils Hamm | |
| 3 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 674 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Nils Hamm |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Hunger of the Howlpack has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |