Hydra MTG Card
2014-05-02 - Number 4
2020-04-17 - Number 12
2020-09-25 - Number 9
2021-04-23 - Number 16
2022-09-09 - Number 10
2024-06-14 - Number 20
2019-12-02 - Number 1334
| Card sets | Released in 7 setsSee all |
| Type | Token Creature — Hydra |
| Power | * |
| Toughness | * |
Cards like Hydra
In the realm of Magic: The Gathering, the Hydra uniquely encapsulates the feeling of growth and raw power. If we consider other powerhouses like Primordial Hydra, it shares the Hydra’s penchant for exponential growth, doubling its might each turn. Conversely, Gargos, Vicious Watcher is also a Hydra but with a twist, accentuating the tribal theme by reducing the cost of your Hydra spells and acting as a powerful enforcer by fighting other creatures whenever a Hydra is targeted.
Then there’s Kalonian Hydra, entering the fray with the same doubling ability but also reaching out to other creatures you control, bolstering their strength alongside its own expansive growth. Hydra Broodmaster, too, finds kinship here by not only growing itself but creating a legion of miniature Hydras to swarm the opponent. Each card captures the essence of Hydra but with distinctive synergies and playstyles, influencing deck building and strategic decisions in their own right.
Deciphering the strengths of Hydras in play, it is evident they are formidable creatures in MTG, designed for players who cherish the thrill of escalating power and commanding the board with behemoths that can dominate games if left unchecked.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: A Hydra card often comes with built-in growth mechanics, increasing its size and impact turn after turn. This can translate into overwhelming presence and value, outpacing the card resources of an opponent.
Resource Acceleration: Many Hydra creatures tap into the Mana pool, with X cost in their casting cost, tapping into abundant resources and becoming bigger threats faster. This effectively shortcuts the time it takes to build a board presence that can dominate the game.
Instant Speed: While Hydras themselves may not boast instant speed, their synergies with instant-speed spells and abilities in the MTG arsenal allow you to protect these colossal creatures or remove obstacles to their dominance with cunning precision and perfect timing.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Hydra cards often require a substantial investment of cards from the hand, which can be a setback if you are already in a challenging board state or facing hand disruption tactics from your opponent.
Specific Mana Cost: Hydras typically require a large amount of green mana, making them less flexible. This can pose a challenge in multicolored decks where mana consistency is key to casting spells on curve.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The impressive abilities of Hydra creatures come at a price, generally demanding a higher mana cost. This can lead to difficulties in the early game, where speed is vital, and having a high-cost creature in your opening hand can slow down your overall pace of play.
Reasons to Include Hydra Cards in Your Collection
Versatility: Hydra cards are known for their flexible mana costs and often possess the X cost variable, allowing you to scale their power with the game’s progression. This adaptability makes them a dynamic force in a variety of deck types, particularly those that leverage ramp or mana generation strategies.
Combo Potential: Many Hydra cards synergize with +1/+1 counter strategies and can quickly become powerhouses on the battlefield. Their natural synergy with cards that double counters or provide benefits for creatures with counters can create devastating combos for your opponents to deal with.
Meta-Relevance: As the metagame ebbs and flows, Hydra cards remain relevant due to their inherent scalability and potential for explosive turns. They can be particularly effective in metas where large creatures can dominate, and they offer a substantial presence on the board that can sway the tide of battle in your favor.
How to Beat Hydra Cards in Magic: The Gathering
Encountering a Hydra card across the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering can often feel daunting, as these creatures are known for their colossal size and tendency to grow stronger over the course of the game. Whether you’re facing down a Mistcutter Hydra that’s resistant to being countered and has haste, or a Voracious Hydra that can double its counters and fight another creature, overcoming them requires a strategic approach.
To triumph over Hydra cards, it’s critical to remove them swiftly before they can accumulate an overwhelming number of +1/+1 counters. Using instant-speed removal spells such as Path to Exile or Rapid Hybridization can be effective, as they prevent your opponent from making use of the mana and turns they invested into the Hydra. Board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation can also reset the battlefield and nullify the threat of a growing Hydra. For a more proactive measure, employing cards that prevent counters, like Solemnity, can stifle a Hydra’s growth right from the start.
Another effective tactic is to limit the amount of mana your opponent has access to, as Hydras often depend on large amounts of mana to become formidable. Therefore, cards that disrupt your opponent’s mana base or reduce the effectiveness of their ramp spells can also indirectly weaken the power of their Hydras. Employing these strategies will put you in a strong position to render even the mightiest of Hydras a non-issue.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Hydra MTG card by a specific set like Journey into Nyx and Secret Lair Drop, 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 Hydra 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 Hydra Magic the Gathering card was released in 7 different sets between 2014-05-02 and 2024-06-14. Illustrated by 4 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2014-05-02 | Journey into Nyx | JOU | 4 | 2003 | Token | Black | Steve Prescott | |
| 2 | Secret Lair Drop | SLD | 1334 | 2015 | Token | Borderless | CatDirty | ||
| 3 | 2020-04-17 | Commander 2020 | C20 | 12 | 2015 | Token | Black | Simon Dominic | |
| 4 | 2020-09-25 | Zendikar Rising | ZNR | 9 | 2015 | Token | Black | Filip Burburan | |
| 5 | 2021-04-23 | Commander 2021 | C21 | 16 | 2015 | Token | Black | Steve Prescott | |
| 6 | 2022-09-09 | Dominaria United Commander | DMC | 10 | 2015 | Token | Black | Simon Dominic | |
| 7 | 2024-06-14 | Modern Horizons 3 Commander | M3C | 20 | 2015 | Token | Black | Simon Dominic |