Iron-Barb Hellion MTG Card

Iron-Barb Hellion holds card advantage by consistently presenting combat threats without extra cards. Mana and discard requirements of Iron-Barb Hellion could limit its playability in diverse decks. Aggressive decks benefit from Iron-Barb Hellion’s trample, and its direct damage combos.

Fifth Dawn (5DN)
2004-06-04 - Number 69

Salvat 2005 (PSAL)
2005-08-22 - Number K3

Salvat 2005 (PSAL)
2005-08-22 - Number K4

Card sets	Released in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	6
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Hellion Beast
Abilities	Haste
Power	5
Toughness	4

Text of card

Haste Iron-Barb Hellion can't block.

When you feel a rumble in the ground, hold perfectly still. One sound will bring the hellion.

Cards like Iron-Barb Hellion

Iron-Barb Hellion carves out its niche in Magic: The Gathering with its formidable presence. It bears a resemblance to creatures such as Shivan Dragon, which also sports an impressive power level. Nonetheless, Iron-Barb Hellion distinguishes itself with its inability to block, a restriction that encourages a purely aggressive game plan. Unlike Shivan Dragon, there’s no flexibility to act as a defensive creature.

Comparably, Skizzik offers a similar aggressive potential at a lower cost, but it comes with a sacrifice condition unless you pay additional mana. Iron-Barb Hellion, contrastingly, remains on the battlefield without such costs, though it shares the cannot-block trait. Rounding out the comparison is Ball Lightning, known for its blitz-like impact. It’s an all-in play, offering a swift and significant burst of damage, yet trades permanence for immediate impact, unlike the Hellion which has the potential to become a recurring threat if not dealt with.

In evaluating the options within aggressive red creatures, Iron-Barb Hellion holds a solid position, especially for players who favor maintaining aggression without the drawbacks of self-sacrifice, even at the expense of defensive capabilities.

Cards similar to Iron-Barb Hellion by color, type and mana cost

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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Despite not directly drawing cards, Iron-Barb Hellion’s recurring nature can effectively contribute to card advantage by consistently pressuring the opponent without additional card investment.

Resource Acceleration: Though Iron-Barb Hellion doesn’t inherently accelerate resources, its potential to exert repeated pressure may force the opponent into unfavorable trades or resource usage to deal with it, indirectly impacting the resource dynamics of the game.

Instant Speed: While Iron-Barb Hellion operates at sorcery speed, its straightforward playstyle can complement a strategy that reserves instant speed interactions for other forms of disruption while presenting a continual board threat.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The playability of Iron-Barb Hellion can be hindered since it demands that you discard, often leaving you at a card disadvantage. This is particularly noticeable if other aspects of your strategy rely on a full hand.

Specific Mana Cost: This creature comes with a mono-red mana cost, which restricts deck-building flexibility. Players not running a predominantly red deck might find it challenging to consistently summon Iron-Barb Hellion due to its specific mana requirements.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The efficiency of Iron-Barb Hellion is somewhat diminished by its mana cost. Four mana is a substantial investment, and when compared with other options available within the same cost bracket, this card might not always be the optimal choice, especially in aggressive strategies looking for a faster board impact.

Reasons to Include Iron-Barb Hellion in Your Collection

Versatility: Iron-Barb Hellion can be a flexible asset across a variety of red-based decks. Its trample ability ensures it remains a constant threat against opponents, able to push through chump blockers and apply pressure effectively.

Combo Potential: With its ability to dish out damage to any target upon attacking, this card showcases strong synergies with strategies focusing on direct damage and “ping” effects. Pairing it with cards that manipulate or increase damage output can turn Iron-Barb Hellion into a formidable engine within a combo framework.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state where aggressive strategies are thriving, the intrinsic power of Iron-Barb Hellion makes it an asset for players looking to outpace control decks. Its capacity to impact the board immediately and force an opponent’s hand plays a pivotal role in a fast-paced environment.

How to beat

Iron-Barb Hellion is a formidable creature known for its relentless attacks and sturdy resilience on the battlefield. To counter this card effectively, players must employ strategic thinking and card selection. Utilizing instant-speed removal spells can be a direct solution to eliminate it before the damage accumulates. Cards that can exile or destroy creatures without targeting, like “Wrath of God” or “Settle the Wreckage,” bypass the protection most effectively.

Another angle to consider is chump blocking. By placing creatures expendable for the greater strategy of your deck in the Hellion’s path, you can mitigate the damage dealt to your life total. Often considered a temporary measure, it buys valuable time for you to draw into your direct removal spells. For longer-term solutions, enchantments that pacify or lock down the creature, such as “Pacifism” or “Frogify,” can neutralize it without having to engage it directly in combat.

Ultimately, being prepared in your deck construction with answers to creatures like Iron-Barb Hellion can mean the difference between being overrun or maintaining control. Cards that offer flexibility in dealing with various threats can give players the upper hand in managing such challenging creatures.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Iron-Barb Hellion MTG card by a specific set like Fifth Dawn and Salvat 2005, 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 Iron-Barb Hellion and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Iron-Barb Hellion Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2004-06-04 and 2005-08-22. Illustrated by Doug Chaffee.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2004-06-04	Fifth Dawn	5DN	69	2003	Normal	Black	Doug Chaffee
2	2005-08-22	Salvat 2005	PSAL	K3	2003	Normal	White	Doug Chaffee
3	2005-08-22	Salvat 2005	PSAL	K4	2003	Normal	White	Doug Chaffee

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Iron-Barb Hellion has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Restricted
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal