Khalni Hydra MTG Card
2010-04-23 - Number 192
2020-09-26 - Number ROE-192
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 8 |
| Rarity | Mythic |
| Type | Creature — Hydra |
| Abilities | Trample |
| Power | 8 |
| Toughness | 8 |
Text of card
Khalni Hydra costs less to cast for each green creature you control. Trample
"In ages past, bargains were struck and promises were made. Now we must collect on our debt. Begin the hymns." —Moruul, Khalni druid
Cards like Khalni Hydra
Khalni Hydra is an awe-inspiring creature in MTG that towers above many in terms of raw power and mana cost efficiency. At first glance, the Hydra’s immense eight green mana cost seems daunting, but it’s mitigated by its ability to cost less for each green creature you control, allowing for a potentially massive early-game presence.
Comparatively, cards like Ghalta, Primal Hunger share a similar cost-reduction mechanic. Ghalta can cost as little as two green mana if you have enough power on the board, combining both affordability and sheer force. However, unlike Khalni Hydra, it doesn’t have the synergy with solely green creatures but considers total power instead.
Another card to consider is Genesis Hydra, which not only brings a formidable body to the battlefield but also allows you to dig through your deck for another impactful permanent. While Genesis Hydra can set you up for future plays, Khalni Hydra’s immediate board impact can be game-changing. Each of these cards bring their distinct advantages to a green deck, but Khalni Hydra’s potential for an early and overwhelming presence often sets it apart in the green creature roster.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Khalni Hydra offers a significant edge in terms of card value as its cost can effectively be reduced by the number of green creatures you control. This could lead to casting a high-power creature without spending any mana, a substantial advantage on the board.
Resource Acceleration: This gargantuan creature fits perfectly into decks that excel in ramping up mana. With the capacity to drop several lands or generate additional mana through creatures in the early game, Khalni Hydra can hit the battlefield sooner than expected, providing a formidable presence that can swiftly turn the game in your favor.
Instant Speed: While Khalni Hydra doesn’t have instant speed itself, its overwhelming presence can force opponents to play as if you have instant-speed interactions. They might hold back removal or play differently, knowing you have the resources to summon a game-ending threat at any moment.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Khalni Hydra offers an impressive presence on the battlefield, one downside is its dependency on having other green creatures or token generators. Without them, the discard requirement to utilize its cost reduction can disadvantage players who are already struggling for board presence.
Specific Mana Cost: Another limitation is the Hydra’s rigid mana cost, consisting entirely of green. This makes it challenging to cast in multicolored decks that may not have the necessary green mana sources available consistently, ultimately confining it to mono-green or heavily green-focused decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite its potential for a reduced cost, the Hydra’s initial mana cost is substantial at eight green mana. This puts it at a competitive disadvantage in terms of mana efficiency when compared to other creatures with potent abilities that can be deployed sooner and with greater flexibility.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Khalni Hydra’s ability to be cast potentially for free thanks to its cost reduction for each green creature you control makes it an adaptable powerhouse in green-heavy decks. Its sheer presence can swing games in mega ramp or mono-green devotion strategies.
Combo Potential: Khalni Hydra thrives in synergistic environments, where it not only fuels but also benefits from the vast array of green creature-based combos. Its colossal power lends itself to various strategies including overrun tactics, creating a domino effect that can lead to swift victories.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where green creatures or devotion decks are prevalent, Khalni Hydra can become a staple finisher. Its overwhelming size demands an immediate answer, providing a significant threat that can dominate the board and outclass other creatures in head-to-head matchups.
How to beat
Khalni Hydra presents a formidable challenge on the battlefield with its massive power and the potential for a drastically reduced mana cost. Tackling this green behemoth requires strategic planning and precise card selection. Control decks that utilize early game removal spells can prove effective by clearing the way before the Hydra can be cast. Cards like Path to Exile or Fatal Push can nip the problem in the bud by removing the smaller creatures that enable a cost reduction for Khalni Hydra.
Redirecting the Hydra’s power is also a viable strategy. Utilizing spells like Act of Treason can not only neutralize the threat but turn it on the opponent. Counterspells are, of course, classic solutions to prevent the Hydra from hitting the table in the first place. As a last resort, board wipe spells that clear all creatures off the battlefield can reset the state of play. The takeaway is clear; to beat the Khalni Hydra, one must disrupt creature synergy and manage the board effectively, prioritizing the removal of this high-priority threat before it can leverage its game-changing power.
Remember, the best defense against Khalni Hydra is a combination of foresight, disruption, and removal. By keeping these principles in mind, you can claim victory over even the mightiest of green creatures.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Khalni Hydra MTG card by a specific set like Rise of the Eldrazi and The List, 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 Khalni 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
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Printings
The Khalni Hydra Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2010-04-23 and 2010-04-23. Illustrated by Todd Lockwood.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2010-04-23 | Rise of the Eldrazi | ROE | 192 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Todd Lockwood | |
| 2 | The List | PLST | ROE-192 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Todd Lockwood |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Khalni Hydra has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Khalni Hydra card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2010-06-15 | For the purpose of determining the cost reduction, the number of green creatures you control is checked as you cast Khalni Hydra, before your last chance to activate mana abilities to pay for it. For example, if you control Wild Cantor (a red and green creature with the ability “Sacrifice Wild Cantor: Add one mana of any color.”) as you cast Khalni Hydra, first the cost to cast Khalni Hydra is reduced by , then you could sacrifice Wild Cantor for mana to help pay for it. |
| 2010-06-15 | If an effect (such as the one from Lodestone Golem) imposes an additional generic mana cost to casting Khalni Hydra, the Hydra’s ability will reduce it too. It’ll reduce the amount of green mana you need to spend first, though. |
| 2010-06-15 | Khalni Hydra’s cost reduction effect doesn’t change its mana cost or converted mana cost. |