Hydra Omnivore MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 6 |
Rarity | Rare |
Type | Creature — Hydra |
Power | 8 |
Toughness | 8 |
Text of card
Whenever Hydra Omnivore deals combat damage to an opponent, it deals that much damage to each other opponent.
"We should learn from the hydra. It never plays favorites; it devours everyone equally." —Thrass, elder druid
Cards like Hydra Omnivore
The Hydra Omnivore card presents a distinct threat in MTG, standing out with its ability to deal damage to all opponents when connecting with just one. Cards like Lhurgoyf and Ghalta, Primal Hunger also boast potent attacking capabilities, yet lack the widespread impact of Hydra Omnivore. Lhurgoyf’s power and toughness scale with the graveyard, a trait not shared by Hydra Omnivore, whose force is uniformly distributed across opponents’ life totals.
In the realm of widespread damage, Craterhoof Behemoth is a creature that also amplifies board presence but relies on the number of creatures you control to boost its impact. Unlike Hydra Omnivore, it affects other creatures rather than dealing direct opponent damage. Similarly, Comet Storm offers a customizable approach to multi-target damage, but as a spell, it lacks the recurring presence and potential for repeated damage that Hydra Omnivore brings to the battlefield if it remains unchecked.
Considering the unique angle of its distributed damage, Hydra Omnivore has a specific edge over similar MTG creatures and spells, particularly in multiplayer settings, where its ability can swiftly alter the balance of power and direct the flow of the game in the player’s favor.
Cards similar to Hydra Omnivore by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: By dealing damage to one opponent, you’re effectively amplifying that impact across the entire table with Hydra Omnivore. This creature can quickly become overwhelming, offering a significant increase in card advantage as each hit translates into potential damage to multiple opponents.
Resource Acceleration: It may not directly generate mana or tokens, but its ability to pressure all your opponents at once can put you at a resource advantage. This is particularly beneficial in multiplayer formats where the Hydra can dictate the pace of the game and potentially keep opponents from stabilizing their board, indirectly accelerating your path to victory.
Instant Speed: While Hydra Omnivore itself isn’t an instant, its presence on the battlefield requires immediate response. This creates an environment where your opponents must hold mana up for removal, which can allow your instant speed spells to pass through with less resistance.
Card Cons
Specific Mana Cost: Hydra Omnivore commands a unique blend of mana, including two green mana symbols as part of its cost, potentially limiting it to green-centric decks or those with a robust mana base capable of meeting its color demands.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Carrying a cost of six mana, Hydra Omnivore’s ability to impact the battlefield is hindered by its late-game arrival, particularly when faster-paced aggro decks surmount significant pressure in early turns.
Discard Requirement: With no innate protection from discard effects or board wipes, if you are forced to discard Hydra Omnivore before you’re able to cast it, its impressive board impact potential is completely nullified, emphasizing the risk of including high-cost creatures in your deck.
Reasons to Include Hydra Omnivore in Your Collection
Versatility: Hydra Omnivore is a creature that offers flexibility in gameplay, fitting into a variety of green-centric or multi-colored decks. Its ability to deal damage to all opponents at once makes it particularly valuable in multiplayer games.
Combo Potential: This card can be the linchpin in devastating combos, especially when coupled with effects that double damage or increase its power. Imagine connecting with just one player and watching the domino effect on the rest of the table.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where games often pivot towards group slug or battlecruiser magic, Hydra Omnivore stands out. It’s an impactful card that can shift the dynamics of the game, making it a formidable choice against several popular strategies.
How to beat Hydra Omnivore
Confronted by the might of Hydra Omnivore in a game of Magic: The Gathering requires a tactical approach. This colossal creature can devour opponents when it swings, as damage dealt to one opponent is also inflicted on all others. While it might seem overwhelming, remember that controlling such a beast is achievable. Spot removals like Path to Exile or Murder are effective, instantly clearing the way for your strategy. Board wipes are also an excellent solution; cards like Wrath of God or Damnation reset the playing field irrespective of the Hydra’s size. Alternatively, countering the spell when cast can prevent the Omnivore from entering the battlefield altogether.
Ensnaring this creature with enchantments that negate its abilities, such as Pacifism or Lignify, also renders it harmless. In the realm of red, combat tricks like Unsummon can bounce Hydra Omnivore back to the hand, buying critical time or disrupting opponent tempo. Engage it in combat with deathtouch creatures to guarantee a one-on-one victory regardless of its size. Hydra Omnivore may be a formidable threat but with these strategies, it becomes a manageable challenge within your Magic: The Gathering duels.
BurnMana Recommendations
Hydra Omnivore offers a wild ride through the realm of MTG, stretching the boundaries of strategic combat across multiplayer battlefields. Harnessing its potential to pressure all opponents simultaneously requires finesse and tactical awareness. Deck synergy, strategic inclusivity, and knowledge of its unique strengths and vulnerabilities can elevate your gameplay. Whether you’re capitalizing on its distributed damage trait or integrating it into power-flaunting combos, Hydra Omnivore can define the pace of the game. Eager to witness this colossal creature dominate your MTG matches or curious about fine-tuning your deck? Dive deeper into our guides and discussions to fortify your strategy and command the board with confidence.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Hydra Omnivore MTG card by a specific set like Commander 2011 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 Hydra Omnivore 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 Hydra Omnivore Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2011-06-17 and 2018-08-09. Illustrated by Svetlin Velinov.
# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2011-06-17 | Commander 2011 | CMD | 161 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov | |
2 | 2014-06-06 | Conspiracy | CNS | 169 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov | |
3 | 2018-08-09 | Commander 2018 | C18 | 153 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Hydra Omnivore has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Commander | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Hydra Omnivore card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
Date | Text |
---|---|
2011-09-22 | The damage dealt by Hydra Omnivore as a result of its triggered ability is not combat damage (and doesn’t cause the ability to trigger again). |