Huntmaster Liger MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Cat
Abilities Mutate
Power 3
Toughness 4

Key Takeaways

  1. Mutate mechanic provides additional power without losing a card, maximizing board presence and strategic plays.
  2. Being a white mana card, Huntmaster Liger can be restrictive but pivotal in creature-focused decks.
  3. Adaptable and combo-friendly, this card scales power in creature-based strategies, impacting the metagame.

Text of card

Mutate (If you cast this spell for its mutate cost, put it over or under target non-Human creature you own. They mutate into the creature on top plus all abilities from under it.) Whenever this creature mutates, other creatures you control get +X/+X until end of turn, where X is the number of times this creature has mutated.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Huntmaster Liger comes equipped with the mutate mechanic, enhancing the value of creatures already on the battlefield and potentially netting you an additional creature’s worth of power and abilities without losing a card from hand.

Resource Acceleration: Leveraging its mutate cost, Huntmaster Liger allows you to effectively upgrade a creature for a potentially lower cost than casting it normally, effectively accelerating your board presence and leaving mana open for further plays.

Instant Speed: Although the Huntmaster Liger itself does not function at instant speed, its mutate ability offers strategic depth by allowing you to surprise your opponent with an instant-like effect during your turn. This could be in response to blockers being declared, which tactically could shift the combat’s outcome in your favor.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: For players eyeing Huntmaster Liger, it’s essential to know that it does not have a discard requirement. This point is highlighted as it’s a common downside for some cards, but not applicable for Huntmaster Liger.

Specific Mana Cost: Huntmaster Liger’s casting cost demands a white mana, which might not align with all deck compositions, potentially limiting its inclusion to white or multi-colored decks that can fulfill this requirement.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value of three and the necessity of white mana, Huntmaster Liger’s cost is on the higher side when compared to other creatures that might provide a similar or greater presence on the battlefield, making it a less optimal choice in fast-paced or mana-efficient strategies.


Reasons to Include Huntmaster Liger in Your Collection

Versatility: Huntmaster Liger offers adaptability on the battlefield. Its mutate ability allows you to enhance other creatures and make on-the-spot decisions based on the state of play. This makes it a flexible card that can be slotted into various decks, supporting strategies that hinge on creature synergies.

Combo Potential: When Huntmaster Liger is mutated onto another creature, it confers its ability to other non-Human creatures you control, potentially transforming a moderate board state into a dominant one. It can be a key component in combo decks that aim to leverage the power and abilities of multiple creatures.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where creature-based decks are commonplace, Huntmaster Liger brings value. Its ability to scale other creatures’ power can quickly shift the momentum of a game, making it particularly effective against decks that struggle to manage a growing board presence.


How to beat

Huntmaster Liger poses a unique challenge on the battlefield within Magic the Gathering as it boasts the ability to bolster creatures under your command, thanks to its mutate mechanic. This white creature card applies a powerful layering effect, enhancing not just itself but also the creature it mutates with, which can result in a formidable force to reckon with.

To effectively counter Huntmaster Liger, consider using instant-speed removal spells that can disrupt the creature before the mutate ability resolves. Cards like Path to Exile or Swift End can be excellent choices to remove the Liger or its host creature from the battlefield, thereby preventing the accumulation of power and effects. Permission spells also serve as a solid defense, as countering a creature spell before it mutates can disrupt your opponent’s strategy, making spells like Dovin’s Veto or Negate valuable tools in your arsenal.

In any game scenario, maintaining tactical flexibility and a hand ready to respond to such threats is key. Your ability to anticipate and counter key plays with precision can turn the tide of battle, keeping the plains-roaming Huntmaster Liger from leading a charge that overwhelms your defenses.


BurnMana Recommendations

Exploring the capabilities of Huntmaster Liger in MTG can advance your gameplay and deck construction significantly. Its mutate ability provides a strategic edge, making it a noteworthy addition for players who thrive on adapting to evolving board states. Whether you’re looking to scale your creatures’ power or find new angles to dominate the game, Huntmaster Liger deserves a spot in your collection. If you’re intrigued by its potential or looking to counteract its power in play, understanding its strengths and weaknesses is crucial. Dive deeper with us, where we unfold advanced strategies, insights, and tips to master your MTG experience.


Cards like Huntmaster Liger

Huntmaster Liger is a notable creature in the MTG arena that captures attention with its mutating ability. Comparably, Vulpikeet emerges as a similar mutating creature. Both carry the ability to alter the battlefield significantly when played effectively. Huntmaster Liger’s offering of a +2/+1 boost on mutation to other creatures you control echoes the types of combat advantages seen in creatures like Exalted Skyguard, which also provides a power increase to allies.

Much like the liger, Bronzehide Lion brings a different aspect to creature enhancement. While it doesn’t boast a mutation feature, it does provide resilience with its ability to become indestructible until end of turn. Conversely, mutation can potentially offer more aggressive board presence and dynamic shifts in power balance, as is the case with Huntmaster Liger’s ability to scale up multiple creatures at a time, making it an aggressive option for creature-based strategies.

Upon review, Huntmaster Liger holds a strategic edge in decks built around its mutating mechanic, positioning it as a valuable asset for players looking to fortify their creature lineup and maximize attacks. It carves out a distinct role in the MTG environment, encouraging active board interactions and aggressive playstyles.

Vulpikeet - MTG Card versions
Bronzehide Lion - MTG Card versions
Vulpikeet - MTG Card versions
Bronzehide Lion - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Huntmaster Liger MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Magic Online Promos, 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 Huntmaster Liger and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Huntmaster Liger Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2020-04-24 and 2020-04-24. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 810092015MutateBlackSteve Ellis
22002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 809272015MutateBlackSlawomir Maniak
32020-04-24Ikoria: Lair of BehemothsIKO 2802015MutateBlackSteve Ellis
42020-04-24Ikoria: Lair of BehemothsIKO 162015MutateBlackLeesha Hannigan
52020-04-24Ikoria: Lair of BehemothsIKO 3702015MutateBorderlessSlawomir Maniak

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Huntmaster Liger has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Huntmaster Liger card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2020-04-17 Huntmaster Liger’s triggered ability affects only creatures you control at the time it resolves. Creatures you begin to control later in the turn won’t get +X/+X.
2020-04-17 The value of X is determined only as the triggered ability resolves. Once that happens, the value of X won’t change later in the turn even if Huntmaster Liger mutates again, although in that case the creatures will receive a second, larger +X/+X in addition to the one generated by the ability’s earlier resolution.

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