Hero of Oxid Ridge MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Mythic
Type	Creature — Human Knight
Abilities	Battle Cry,Haste
Released	2011-02-04
Set symbol
Set name	Mirrodin Besieged
Set code	MBS
Power	4
Toughness	2
Number	66
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Eric Deschamps

Key Takeaways

Generates card advantage by hindering multiple blockers and shaping combat outcomes.
Applies immediate pressure, aiding in resource acceleration and dominating matches.
Integrates well with instant-speed spells, enhancing its battle cry trigger.

Text of card

Haste Battle cry (Whenever this creature attacks, each other attacking creature gets +1/+0 until end of turn.) Whenever Hero of Oxid Ridge attacks, creatures with power 1 or less can't block this turn.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Although not directly providing card draw, Hero of Oxid Ridge’s ability to potentially bypass smaller creatures can lead to a decisive battlefield presence and indirectly generate card advantage by dealing with multiple blockers in one combat phase.

Resource Acceleration: While Hero of Oxid Ridge doesn’t offer traditional mana ramp, it does accelerate your resources in the sense of applying immediate pressure. By forcing your opponent to deal with it quickly, you can lead the race, effectively using your mana to create a significant threat on board.

Instant Speed: This creature’s capabilities may not be activated at instant speed, but it pairs well with instant-speed spells that clear the way for its attack, or combat tricks that can be used to capitalize on its battle cry trigger for an overwhelming turn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Hero of Oxid Ridge does not force a discard when played, ensuring players can maintain card advantage while still developing their board presence. It’s a subtle but significant aspect for maintaining momentum in a game.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring two red and two generic mana, the Hero of Oxid Ridge can only be optimally played in red or red-centric decks. This specific mana cost can become restrictive for decks looking to maintain a diverse color palette and complicates mana bases in multicolored decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana, some players might consider the Hero of Oxid Ridge a bit costly, particularly in ultra-aggressive red decks that prioritize low-cost creatures to apply early game pressure. The competition for the four-mana slot is fierce, and in some cases, players might opt for alternatives that provide larger creatures or more direct damage for the same investment.

Reasons to Include Hero of Oxid Ridge in Your Collection

Versatility: Hero of Oxid Ridge offers flexibility in deck building with its abilities that both bolster your creatures and hinder your opponent’s blockers. It fits well into aggressive red decks looking for a potent four-drop that can turn the tide of battle.

Combo Potential: Alongside cards that create numerous tokens or benefit from attacking with many creatures, Hero of Oxid Ridge can amplify the pressure on your opponent with its Battle Cry ability, providing an incremental advantage with each attack phase.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where smaller defensive creatures are prevalent, Hero of Oxid Ridge’s ability to prevent those creatures from blocking can be a game-changer, carving a path to victory through established board states.

How to beat

Hero of Oxid Ridge presents a unique challenge on the battlefield with its ability to prevent smaller creatures from blocking and the potential to pump up your attacking creatures. When facing this formidable MTG card, one effective strategy involves the use of instant-speed removal spells. Cards such as Path to Exile or Fatal Push can efficiently remove the Hero from combat before its abilities impact the game.

Another approach to counteract the Hero’s influence is by utilizing creatures with reach or flying, as they are unaffected by the Hero’s battle cry and blocking restriction. Cultivating a strong aerial defense can mitigate the advantages that Hero of Oxid Ridge brings to the table. Additionally, leveraging board wipes like Supreme Verdict can reset the playing field entirely, providing an opportunity to regain control.

Ultimately, preparation and adaptability are key when up against Hero of Oxid Ridge. Having a diverse array of answers in your deck and knowing when to deploy them will greatly enhance your chances of overcoming the challenges this MTG card poses. Careful play and strategic removal will be your best allies in ensuring that the Hero’s day on the battlefield is short-lived.

Cards like Hero of Oxid Ridge

Hero of Oxid Ridge stands out as a powerful choice for players looking to bolster their red aggro decks in Magic: The Gathering. Its abilities mirror those of other impactful red creatures such as Goblin Chieftain, which also offers a haste advantage and buffs other goblins. However, Hero of Oxid Ridge has the unique benefit of preventing smaller creatures from blocking, potentially clearing a path for a devastating attack.

Another card that can be compared is Keldon Marauders. Even though it brings immediate impact with its entering and leaving the battlefield triggers, it doesn’t provide the lasting board influence or the battlecry ability that complements an aggressive strategy like Hero of Oxid Ridge does. Furthermore, the hero’s ability to hamper defenders makes it a more formidable threat on a crowded board.

Looking at these comparable cards, it’s evident that Hero of Oxid Ridge has a valuable role in any aggressive red deck. It enhances attack phases and disrupts your opponent’s defense strategy in ways that few cards can match, solidifying its position as a staple card for players aiming to unleash a swift victory.

Cards similar to Hero of Oxid Ridge 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 Hero of Oxid Ridge MTG card by a specific set like Mirrodin Besieged, 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 Hero of Oxid Ridge and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Hero of Oxid Ridge 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 Hero of Oxid Ridge card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date	Text
2011-06-01	Creatures with power 1 or less can’t block even if they weren’t on the battlefield when the last ability resolved.
2011-06-01	The power of each creature is checked only when blocking creatures are declared. If a creature has power 1 or less at that time, it can’t block, even if its power was greater than 1 when the last ability resolved.