Protean Hulk MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 9 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 7 |
Rarity | Rare |
Type | Creature — Beast |
Power | 6 |
Toughness | 6 |
Text of card
When Protean Hulk is put into a graveyard from play, search your library for any number of creature cards with total converted mana cost 6 or less and put them into play. Then shuffle your library.
"Meat *and* eggs. We eat!" —Borborygmos
Cards like Protean Hulk
In the world of Magic: The Gathering, the Protean Hulk has established its place as a potent enabler in combo decks. When compared to other creature cards, the Hulk’s unique death trigger that allows a player to search for any number of creatures with total converted mana cost six or less and put them onto the battlefield, stands out. It mirrors the flexibility found in cards like Academy Rector, which, although it fetches an enchantment on death rather than creatures, similarly shapes the game upon leaving the battlefield.
Pattern of Rebirth is another card that echoes the Hulk’s ability to cheat creatures into play upon a creature’s death. While Pattern of Rebirth requires a creature to be enchanted and subsequently die, which is a bit more conditional, it offers the same explosive potential by fetching a creature card from the library. Conversely, Tooth and Nail might be seen as the sorcery speed cousin of Protean Hulk, presenting a similar effect by putting creatures onto the battlefield from the library, albeit with a significant mana investment.
These comparisons showcase the Hulk’s unique role in MTG as a stark enabler of powerful creature-based strategies. Its capacity to instantly impact the board game sets it apart in a class of its own among creature cards designed to cheat game states.
Cards similar to Protean Hulk by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Protean Hulk. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
# | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sultai Flash | Vintage | 2023 Asia Vintage Championship |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Infamously synergistic, Protean Hulk sets up a powerful interaction to fetch multiple creatures from your deck after it dies, essentially refilling your hand on the battlefield and tipping the scales of card advantage in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: By fetching key creatures that can untap lands or produce additional mana, Protean Hulk accelerates your resources, propelling you towards late-game threats much earlier than expected.
Instant Speed: While not an instant itself, Protean Hulk interacts favorably with flash effects, allowing it to be put onto the battlefield at instant speed. This enables unexpected and potentially game-ending combos right before your turn, surprising opponents and dodging sorcery-speed answers.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Protean Hulk demands a significant commitment from your hand as it doesn’t just slide into play. To maximize its effect when it dies, you often need cards or combos ready, which can deplete your other resources and leave you vulnerable.
Specific Mana Cost: With a steep and specific mana cost comprising both green and generic mana, Protean Hulk requires a dedicated manabase. This can restrict deck building options and may not fit as seamlessly into multicolored decks as one might hope.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Sporting a seven mana cost, Protean Hulk can be a heavy draw on your resources. In fast-paced games, this puts it at risk of being a dead card in your hand if you’re unable to ramp up your mana efficiently.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Protean Hulk suits a multitude of deck archetypes due to its ability to fetch various creature cards from your library when it dies, seamlessly integrating into several strategies.
Combo Potential: This powerful card is a cornerstone in many combo decks, capable of assembling game-winning combinations of creatures when it is sacrificed, making it a formidable threat on the battlefield.
Meta-Relevance: Given its history of shaking up competitive play and its presence in several high-tier decks, Protean Hulk remains a relevant card that can impact the outcome of games in various MTG formats.
How to beat
The Protean Hulk card from Magic: The Gathering is a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. Its power lies in the ability to search your library for any number of creature cards with total converted mana cost 6 or less and put them onto the battlefield when it dies. This means that dealing with it is not as simple as just eliminating it — you must be strategic.
One approach is to limit its impact using graveyard disruption tools such as Rest in Peace or Leyline of the Void. These cards prevent the abilities of the Protean Hulk from triggering by removing it from the equation entirely as it heads to the graveyard. Exile effects act as another effective strategy. If you can exile Protean Hulk instead of destroying it, the ability won’t trigger. Cards like Path to Exile, Swords to Plowshares, or Scavenging Ooze can be invaluable in dealing with the Hulk directly.
Another strategy is to use counterspells to prevent the Protean Hulk from hitting the field in the first place. Control decks with a suite of countermeasures will often have the right tools to deal with such threats before they become a problem.
In conclusion, effectively countering Protean Hulk requires a mix of proactive disruption and reactive control. Cards that hinder graveyard mechanics or provide exile effects are key to outmaneuvering this powerful card, securing your position in the game. Managing the Hulk is challenging, but with the right strategies and cards, you can minimize its impact and maintain control of the match.
BurnMana Recommendations
Reflecting on the Protean Hulk’s strengths and challenges, it’s evident that mastery lies in leveraging its powerful combos while mitigating vulnerabilities. Utilize graveyard synergy, and ramp effectively to unleash its full potential. Keep in mind, a deck’s mana base and synergy are crucial for accommodating this creature. Don’t overlook disruption – it’s a key component in thwarting opponents who might seek to exploit the Hulk’s capabilities. Explore our expansive MTG articles for insights, strategies, and the latest trends that can refine your game with Protean Hulk, ensuring you’re not just playing, but dominating the battlefield. Delve deeper and join the ranks of seasoned players who navigate the MTG landscape with finesse.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Protean Hulk MTG card by a specific set like Dissension and Duel Decks: Mirrodin Pure vs. New Phyrexia, 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 Protean Hulk 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 Protean Hulk Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 2006-05-05 and 2024-01-12. Illustrated by 3 different artists.
# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2006-05-05 | Dissension | DIS | 90 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | |
2 | 2011-05-14 | Duel Decks: Mirrodin Pure vs. New Phyrexia | TD2 | 65 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | |
3 | 2018-03-16 | Masters 25 | A25 | 185 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | |
4 | 2019-02-15 | RNA Guild Kit | GK2 | 83 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | |
5 | Secret Lair Drop | SLD | 319 | 2015 | Normal | Borderless | Timba Smits | ||
6 | 2024-01-12 | Ravnica Remastered | RVR | 153 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | |
7 | 2024-01-12 | Ravnica Remastered | RVR | 353 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | |
8 | 2024-01-12 | Ravnica Remastered | RVR | 435 | 2015 | Normal | Borderless | Moopic | |
9 | 2024-01-12 | Ravnica Remastered | RVR | 353z | 2015 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Protean Hulk has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Commander | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Modern | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Banned |
Predh | Legal |
Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Protean Hulk card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
Date | Text |
---|---|
2018-03-16 | If a card in your library has in its mana cost, X is considered to be 0. |
2018-03-16 | You can find any number of creature cards, so long as their total converted mana cost is 6 or less. For example, you could find eight creature cards with converted mana cost 0 and three with converted mana cost 2, but you couldn’t find two with converted mana cost 4. |