Oblivion's Hunger MTG Card


Provides both instant creature indestructibility and card draw for a tactical advantage. Can seamlessly fit into various decks, enhancing their resilience and flexibility. Counterspelling or exile effects are effective ways to neutralize its benefits.
Oblivion's Hunger - Zendikar Rising
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeInstant
Released2020-09-25
Set symbol
Set nameZendikar Rising
Set codeZNR
Number119
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byIzzy

Text of card

Target creature you control gains indestructible until end of turn. Draw a card if that creature has a +1/+1 counter on it. (Damage and effects that say "destroy" don't destroy the creature.)

"Indulge the void. Become the void. Consume all you touch." —Drana, the last bloodchief


Cards like Oblivion's Hunger

Introducing Oblivion’s Hunger to the pantheon of instant-speed combat tricks, its nearest comparisons often gravitate towards other protective spells. A notable parallel can be drawn with Blossoming Defense, which gives a creature a decent toughness boost and the valued hexproof ability. In contrast, Oblivion’s Hunger takes a different path, offering indestructible—the ability which shields a creature from most forms of destruction.

Feeding on uncertainty, spells like Ranger’s Guile also warrant consideration. While it may not furnish a creature with indestructibility, providing hexproof at a low cost makes it a reliable choice to safeguard your valued creatures from targeted spells. However, Oblivion’s Hunger edges out not only with protection but also the hunger it satisfies for card advantage, particularly when you consistently trigger the additional draw condition during your combative exchanges. This additional benefit can be pivotal in maintaining card flow and generating advantageous battlefield scenarios. Vampire’s Zeal, although it’s another contender promoting strength and swiftness, does not offer the same level of creature resilience or card utility.

In essence, Oblivion’s Hunger finds its strength in its dual-purpose nature. While MTG is filled with spells that may share similarities, the distinct blend of protection and potential card advantage easily integrates it into strategies that wouldn’t just wait for an opportune moment to protect, but also to capitalize and advance their game state.

Blossoming Defense - MTG Card versions
Ranger's Guile - MTG Card versions
Vampire's Zeal - MTG Card versions
Blossoming Defense - MTG Card versions
Ranger's Guile - MTG Card versions
Vampire's Zeal - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Oblivion's Hunger by color, type and mana cost

Simulacrum - MTG Card versions
Word of Command - MTG Card versions
Terror - MTG Card versions
Transmutation - MTG Card versions
Diabolic Edict - MTG Card versions
Headstone - MTG Card versions
Soul Rend - MTG Card versions
Shallow Grave - MTG Card versions
Wicked Reward - MTG Card versions
Assassin's Blade - MTG Card versions
Urborg Justice - MTG Card versions
Imps' Taunt - MTG Card versions
Rapid Decay - MTG Card versions
Tainted Pact - MTG Card versions
Toxic Stench - MTG Card versions
Doom Blade - MTG Card versions
Go for the Throat - MTG Card versions
Cast Down - MTG Card versions
Smother - MTG Card versions
Hero's Demise - MTG Card versions
Simulacrum - MTG Card versions
Word of Command - MTG Card versions
Terror - MTG Card versions
Transmutation - MTG Card versions
Diabolic Edict - MTG Card versions
Headstone - MTG Card versions
Soul Rend - MTG Card versions
Shallow Grave - MTG Card versions
Wicked Reward - MTG Card versions
Assassin's Blade - MTG Card versions
Urborg Justice - MTG Card versions
Imps' Taunt - MTG Card versions
Rapid Decay - MTG Card versions
Tainted Pact - MTG Card versions
Toxic Stench - MTG Card versions
Doom Blade - MTG Card versions
Go for the Throat - MTG Card versions
Cast Down - MTG Card versions
Smother - MTG Card versions
Hero's Demise - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Oblivion’s Hunger allows for a potential draw in addition to its primary effect. This helps to keep your hand stocked with options and can lead to a significant lead over an opponent.

Resource Acceleration: By inducing counters and potentially drawing a card, Oblivion’s Hunger can effectively accelerate resource availability, providing more fuel for your gameplay strategies.

Instant Speed: The ability to cast Oblivion’s Hunger at instant speed gives you the flexibility to react during your opponent’s turn. This ensures that you’re always at the ready to either shield your creatures or benefit from the last-minute card draw.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: This card’s effect can become a setback if it necessitates the discard of a vital piece from your hand. It forces players to weigh the benefit of the induced ability against the potential loss of resources, which can be particularly punishing in a tight game where every card counts.

Specific Mana Cost: Oblivion’s Hunger requires not just two mana to cast but also demands at least one black mana. This specificity narrows its flexibility and could be an awkward fit in multicolored decks that can’t always guarantee the necessary mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value that might be considered steep for its singular effect, Oblivion’s Hunger competes with other cards in the same range that might offer more versatility or impactful board presence. Experienced players scrutinize their curve carefully, and such a cost can make the card a less attractive option during deck building.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Oblivion’s Hunger offers wide appeal as it can seamlessly integrate into various deck builds that focus on protecting and enhancing creatures. The instant speed of the card allows players to use it both defensively and opportunistically during their turn or their opponent’s.

Combo Potential: This card shines in decks that revolve around sacrificing creatures for benefit, as it can not only save a key creature from removal but also bolster your creature’s power. Additionally, it can generate card advantage by drawing cards when creatures with counters on them die.

Meta-Relevance: With the ever-fluctuating MTG meta, Oblivion’s Hunger maintains relevance by countering removal-heavy strategies and enabling creature-based synergies, proving to be a smart addition to decks aiming to be resilient against a variety of threats in the game.


How to beat

Oblivion’s Hunger is a unique instant card in Magic: The Gathering, which gives a creature indestructible until the end of the turn and offers the controller a chance to draw a card if the creature has a +1/+1 counter on it. This makes it a handy tool for keeping key creatures around during critical phases, especially during combat or in response to removal.

To counteract Oblivion’s Hunger, players should focus on timing their removal spells effectively. Casting a removal spell in response to the casting of Oblivion’s Hunger can be futile, due to the indestructibility granted to the target creature. Therefore, it’s wise to wait until the end of the turn, when Oblivion’s Hunger’s effect has worn off, or preemptively remove creatures that are likely targets before the opponent has the opportunity to use this instant.

Another strategy is to deploy counterspells to prevent Oblivion’s Hunger from resolving in the first place. Control players should also consider using exile effects, which are unaffected by indestructibility, thus providing a guaranteed solution to the protected creatures. Understanding the unique features of Oblivion’s Hunger is key in devising a successful approach to overcoming this particular challenge in the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

As we dissected Oblivion’s Hunger’s strengths and weaknesses, its potential in the MTG arena is clear. This versatile card can be a linchpin in decks that emphasize creature longevity and card advantage. Should you integrate it into your collection? We believe its ability to bolster your creatures and enrich your hand makes it worthy of consideration. While mindful of its mana demands and balancing its use against critical hand resources, MTG players can wield this card to great effect. Explore how Oblivion’s Hunger can fortify your gameplay and maintain an edge over your adversaries. Dive deeper with us and refine your deck-building skills to harness this card’s full power.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Oblivion's Hunger MTG card by a specific set like Zendikar Rising, 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 Oblivion's Hunger and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Oblivion's Hunger has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
TimelessLegal