Hunter's Blowgun MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Artifact — Equipment |
| Abilities | Equip |
| Released | 2023-11-17 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | The Lost Caverns of Ixalan |
| Set code | LCI |
| Number | 255 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Hector Ortiz |
Text of card
Equipped creature gets +1/+1. Equipped creature has deathtouch as long as it's your turn. Otherwise, it has reach. Equip (: Attach to target creature you control. Equip only as a sorcery.)
"Ow! I think a wasp just stung me, cap'n." —Nirk Doobin, last words
Cards like Hunter's Blowgun
Hunter’s Blowgun is an intriguing piece in the arsenal of Magic: The Gathering players looking to control the board state subtly. A card similar in function is Viridian Longbow, allowing creatures to ping opponents or creatures one damage at a time. The Longbow, however, is more flexible as it doesn’t require a tap to equip, differentiating it from Hunter’s Blowgun. This can be crucial in games that hinge on the speed and responsiveness of your plays.
Another pertinent card to mention is the classic Thornbite Staff, which gives equipped creatures the theatrical flair of dealing damage while stealing the spotlight with its untap ability when a creature dies. This can create a feedback loop of damage that Hunter’s Blowgun lacks. While Hunter’s Blowgun offers a sleeker mana investment at first glance, it doesn’t boast the repeatable potential of Thornbite Staff.
Assessing the strategic depth of similar equipment in MTG reveals the quiet strength of Hunter’s Blowgun. While it may not have the impact of the Thornbite Staff or the flexibility of the Viridian Longbow, it’s a cost-effective way to keep key threats at bay or slowly chip away at an opponent’s life total. It’s the perfect addition for those who favor a gradual yet inexorable path to victory.
Cards similar to Hunter's Blowgun by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Hunter’s Blowgun grants players the ability to potentially remove a threat on the board and replace it with another card from their library, subtly shifting the balance in their favor.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing mana or tokens, Hunter’s Blowgun can help thin the deck, allowing for a more consistent draw that can lead to quicker access to the resources needed.
Instant Speed: The power of Hunter’s Blowgun lies in its deployment at instant speed, providing the flexibility to disrupt an opponent’s strategy at the most opportune moment, often right before they launch their assault.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Hunter’s Blowgun demands discarding a card to activate its ability. This could deplete your hand, leaving you vulnerable to your opponent’s strategies.
Specific Mana Cost: This card requires green mana for its cost, making it less flexible and perhaps not the best fit in a multicolored deck without sufficient green mana sources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Considering the utility it provides, Hunter’s Blowgun comes with a high mana cost. Other cards might present lower cost alternatives for a similar or even stronger effect within your deck’s strategy.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Hunter’s Blowgun is a flexible inclusion for decks aimed at controlling enemy creatures or manipulating the pace of the game. This card can complement a variety of strategies, fitting seamlessly into both aggressive and control-oriented decks.
Combo Potential: With Hunter’s Blowgun, players can unlock synergies with cards that capitalize on dealing damage or that benefit from tapped creatures. Its ability to clear opponents’ blockers or weaken threats can serve as a catalyst for powerful combo plays.
Meta-Relevance: This card may shine in a meta where small creatures and tokens are prevalent, allowing for efficient board control. In an environment crowded with utility creatures, Hunter’s Blowgun’s ability to tip the combat balance can be a game-changer.
How to beat
Hunter’s Blowgun brings a unique edge to the game of Magic: The Gathering with its ability to pick off smaller creatures at a low cost. Its effectiveness, however, can be mitigated. When preparing to face this card, consider playing creatures with higher toughness to withstand its damage-dealing capability. Additionally, deploying hexproof or indestructible creatures can negate the threat posed by Hunter’s Blowgun, effectively rendering it moot.
Moreover, outracing the ping strategy is a viable tactic. By emphasizing a faster-paced deck that pressures your opponent, you force them to use Hunter’s Blowgun defensively, which can upset the card’s typical game plan. Also, be cautious to not overextend with too many vulnerable creatures on the board. Lastly, enchantment removal spells are particularly useful for dealing with Hunter’s Blowgun, as it’s vital to eliminate before it can generate card advantage or control the board through its repeatable effect.
Understanding these strategies ensures that whenever Hunter’s Blowgun appears on the other side of the field, you’re well-equipped with multiple avenues to handle this deceptively simple yet potentially potent artifact card.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Hunter's Blowgun MTG card by a specific set like The Lost Caverns of Ixalan, 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 Hunter's Blowgun 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Hunter's Blowgun has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |