Inferno Hellion MTG Card

Core Set 2019 (M19)
2018-07-13 - Number 148

Jumpstart (JMP)
2020-07-17 - Number 337

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Hellion
Abilities	Trample
Power	7
Toughness	3

Key Takeaways

Its 7/3 stats can force opponents into poor trades, indirectly influencing card economy.
Trample ensures damage throughput, possibly cutting the game short and saving resources.
Though not instant speed, it demands immediate attention like a sudden impact card.

Text of card

Trample (This creature can deal excess combat damage to the player or planeswalker it's attacking.) At the beginning of each end step, if Inferno Hellion attacked or blocked this turn, its owner shuffles it into their library.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Inferno Hellion itself does not directly result in card advantage, its formidable 7/3 stats provide a potent threat that can pressure an opponent into unfavorable trades or use up their resources, indirectly tipping the scales in card economy.

Resource Acceleration: Inferno Hellion isn’t a direct source of resource acceleration, but its Trample ability helps ensure that damage gets through, potentially shortening the game and reducing the need for additional resources.

Instant Speed: Although traditionally a creature card does not have instant speed, the ferocity Inferno Hellion brings to the battlefield can be considered similarly disruptive. It immediately presents a significant threat that the opponent must answer instantly or suffer substantial life total loss, thus impacting the pace and decisions during the game as though it had instant speed impact.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Inferno Hellion does not have this requirement, it is essential to be aware of such disadvantages in other high-power cards.

Specific Mana Cost: Inferno Hellion demands a dedicated red mana base, which can restrict deck-building options and reduce flexibility in multi-color decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost of four mana to summon, Inferno Hellion might strain your resources when you could play other, more versatile cards at the same or lower mana cost.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Inferno Hellion offers an aggressive option for Red decks, suitable for players who love fast-paced games. Its sizable 7/3 stat line at the affordable cost of 4 mana can apply pressure on opponents very quickly.

Combo Potential: This creature’s trample ability ensures that excess damage is not wasted, which synergizes well with effects that increase its power or can multiply the damage it deals, amplifying its impact in a single swing.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state where less removal is played, Inferno Hellion thrives. It’s a substantial threat that demands an immediate answer and can dominate a board against decks that are unprepared for such swift aggression.

How to beat

Inferno Hellion is a formidable creature card known for its trample ability and substantial 7/3 stats, which can be a real threat in Magic: The Gathering. Dealing with this behemoth requires a smart approach. Unlike other heavy hitters in the game, Inferno Hellion has a notable drawback; it shuffles back into a player’s library at the beginning of the end step when it’s attacking. This cycling nature could work to your advantage.

To counter Inferno Hellion effectively, consider using spot removal spells that can take it out before it deals damage, such as Path to Exile or Fatal Push. These are efficient ways to handle the creature without expending much of your own resources. Alternatively, you could set up defenses with creatures that have high toughness to absorb the hit, or use deterrents like ensnaring bridge which prevent it from attacking if your hand is kept at minimal size.

Remember that Inferno Hellion’s strength is its attack power, not its staying power. Prioritize maintaining control of the board and take advantage of the opening provided once it’s shuffled back. This gives you time to stabilize your position and prepare your own counterattack.

Cards like Inferno Hellion

In the realm of Magic: The Gathering, the Inferno Hellion offers a unique spin on big creature dynamics. Its closest kin might be Ball Lightning, renowned for its burst of damage with the trample ability at a similar mana cost. While the Hellion boasts a substantial 7/3 stat line, it matches the Lightning’s ephemeral battlefield presence due to its vanish at end of turn clause, unless an attacking requirement is met.

Analogous to Inferno Hellion’s transient yet powerful impact is the formidable Blistering Firecat. Though it carries morph abilities offering more flexibility, its offensive output, when unmorphed, is alike—trampling over opponents with a flourish before a swift exit. Another formidable force is the Spark Elemental, smaller in scale but alike in design, trading longevity for an immediate and aggressive offensive strategy, at an even lower mana cost. Each of these creatures reflects a strategic use of high power, designed to surge forward in a blaze of glory.

Hence, while evaluating these creatures with inferno-like impact, the Inferno Hellion stands out for its capacity to deal massive damage in a single attack, provided the right conditions are in play, showcasing its high-risk, high-reward nature in MTG decks inclined towards aggressive strategies.

Cards similar to Inferno Hellion by color, type and mana cost

Krark-Clan Engineers - MTG Card versions

Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Inferno Hellion MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2019 and Jumpstart, 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 Inferno Hellion and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Inferno Hellion Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2018-07-13 and 2020-07-17. Illustrated by Jason A. Engle.

#	Released	Name	Code	Symbol	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2018-07-13	Core Set 2019	M19		148	2015	Normal	Black	Jason A. Engle
2	2020-07-17	Jumpstart	JMP		337	2015	Normal	Black	Jason A. Engle

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Inferno Hellion has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Restricted
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Penny	Legal
Timeless	Legal

Rules and information

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