Nessian Hornbeetle MTG Card
2020-01-24 - Number 182
2020-07-17 - Number 413
2022-12-02 - Number 695
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Insect |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
At the beginning of combat on your turn, if you control another creature with power 4 or greater, put a +1/+1 counter on Nessian Hornbeetle.
"The first rule of politics can be learned from a lowly hornbeetle: it is wise to cultivate powerful friends." —Pythamon, sage of Meletis
Cards like Nessian Hornbeetle
Nessian Hornbeetle sets its terrain in Magic: The Gathering as a creature that flourishes alongside your growing creatures. Much like the renown Scute Mob, which also gains strength as your lands increase, Nessian Hornbeetle requires creatures with significant power to unleash its potential. Where Scute Mob thrives on land count, Nessian Hornbeetle keys off the might of other creatures on the battlefield.>
Experiment One is another creature that shares Hornbeetle’s adaptive nature. Although Experiment One evolves based on the ever-changing ecosystem of your creature base, it offers a more immediate benefit and often at a faster rate than the Hornbeetle. Comparatively, Vinelasher Kudzu is also within this realm, growing as you summon lands to the field, providing a straightforward path to strength without relying on other creatures. The dynamics of the Hornbeetle, therefore, offer a focused strategy for decks that consistently cast powerful creatures, setting it apart from the more autonomous growth of its counterparts.
Overall, Nessian Hornbeetle may be viewed as a specialized cog within certain MTG deck builds, synergizing well with strategies that amass mighty creatures to amplify its effect, standing as a testament to its unique place in the game.
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Nessian Hornbeetle. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Mono-Green Stompy | Gladiator | Gladiator Team Unified League |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Nessian Hornbeetle’s ability to create 1/1 green Insect creature tokens can lead to an ongoing card advantage if left unchecked. Having multiple creatures on the board adds to your field presence and options for both attacking and defending.
Resource Acceleration: By synergizing with decks that focus on +1/+1 counters, this card can contribute to resource acceleration through its token-generating mechanism. This feature complements strategies aiming to outpace the opponent by amassing a substantial board presence quickly.
Instant Speed: While the Nessian Hornbeetle itself does not have an instant speed ability, it promotes a game plan that benefits from instant speed interactions. Casting spells or abilities that add +1/+1 counters during your turn can trigger the Hornbeetle’s ability right before your next main phase, allowing for efficient use of your mana and resources.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Nessian Hornbeetle doesn’t make the cut when it comes to being a standalone powerhouse. In decks where retaining a hand is crucial, the Hornbeetle could fall short by not offering direct card advantage or evasion to maintain board presence.
Specific Mana Cost: The necessity for green mana can be restrictive, especially in a multicolored deck. While mono-green decks can deploy Nessian Hornbeetle with ease, other builds might struggle to consistently meet the mana needs without the right support.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing three mana might seem reasonable, but in a format where speed can dictate the outcome, there are options for lower-cost creatures with similar or better stat lines and abilities. This could put the Hornbeetle at a disadvantage against decks aiming to curve out more efficiently.
Reasons to Include Nessian Hornbeetle in Your Collection
Versatility: Nessian Hornbeetle has a home in decks that value growing creatures. As a 2/2 that can potentially get bigger each turn, it’s a great addition to green aggro or midrange decks looking to capitalize on power.
Combo Potential: This card works wonders with strategies that put +1/+1 counters on creatures. With any mechanism to proliferate or double counters, Nessian Hornbeetle quickly becomes a formidable threat on the board.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta with creature-heavy gameplay, Nessian Hornbeetle excels by rewarding you for simply playing the game as intended. Each creature with power 4 or greater you control amplifies its potential, making it increasingly relevant as the board develops.
How to beat
Nessian Hornbeetle offers a steady creature advantage in Magic: The Gathering, rewarding players for controlling larger creatures. At first glance, it may seem daunting, especially if you’re facing growth strategies that capitalize on +1/+1 counters or powering up creatures. A simple yet effective countermeasure is to control the board with removal spells. Sweepers like Shatter the Sky or targeted removal such as Doom Blade thwart the Hornbeetle’s advantage before it spirals out of control.
Another tactic is to limit the Hornbeetle’s impact by preventing the trigger of its ability—keep your opponent’s creatures small, or use enchantments like Pacifism to neutralize potential threats. Additionally, countering creature-heavy strategies with flying or unblockable creatures can efficiently circumvent ground-based blockers, including the Hornbeetle, paving the way for a clear attack on your opponent’s life total.
The key lies in preventing Nessian Hornbeetle from creating overwhelming board presence. Whether by removal, control or evasion, overcoming this card requires foresight and a strategy to disrupt your opponent’s plans while advancing your own path to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Nessian Hornbeetle MTG card by a specific set like Theros Beyond Death 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 Nessian Hornbeetle 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 Nessian Hornbeetle Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2020-01-24 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Jason Felix.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2020-01-24 | Theros Beyond Death | THB | 182 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jason Felix | |
| 2 | 2020-07-17 | Jumpstart | JMP | 413 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jason Felix | |
| 3 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 695 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jason Felix |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Nessian Hornbeetle 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 Nessian Hornbeetle card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2020-01-24 | If you don’t control a creature with power 4 or greater as your combat phase begins, Nessian Hornbeetle’s ability doesn’t trigger. If you don’t control one as the ability resolves, it has no effect. It doesn’t have to be the same creature at both times, however. |
| 2020-01-24 | Nessian Hornbeetle’s ability only gives it one +1/+1 counter, no matter how many creatures with power 4 or greater you control beyond the first. |