Protean Hulk MTG Card


Enables fetching multiple creatures, providing a significant boost in card advantage on the battlefield. Accelerates resource generation, expediting access to late-game threats and enhancing strategic play. Flash interactions allow for unexpected combos, creating opportunities to surprise and outmaneuver opponents.
Card setsReleased in 9 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost7
RarityRare
TypeCreature — 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.

Academy Rector - MTG Card versions
Pattern of Rebirth - MTG Card versions
Tooth and Nail - MTG Card versions
Academy Rector - MTG Card versions
Pattern of Rebirth - MTG Card versions
Tooth and Nail - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Protean Hulk by color, type and mana cost

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Penumbra Wurm - MTG Card versions
Stone-Tongue Basilisk - MTG Card versions
Thriss, Nantuko Primus - MTG Card versions
Beanstalk Giant // Fertile Footsteps - MTG Card versions
Somberwald Beastmaster - MTG Card versions
Cultivator Colossus - MTG Card versions
Garruk's Horde - MTG Card versions
Krosan Tusker - MTG Card versions
Avenger of Zendikar - MTG Card versions
Hundroog - MTG Card versions
Enormous Baloth - MTG Card versions
Ancient Ooze - MTG Card versions
Cytospawn Shambler - MTG Card versions
Panglacial Wurm - MTG Card versions
Molimo, Maro-Sorcerer - MTG Card versions
Duskdale Wurm - MTG Card versions
Pelakka Wurm - MTG Card versions
Engulfing Slagwurm - MTG Card versions
Kalonian Behemoth - MTG Card versions

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.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Sultai FlashSultai Flash Vintage2023 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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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.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12006-05-05DissensionDIS 902003NormalBlackMatt Cavotta
22011-05-14Duel Decks: Mirrodin Pure vs. New PhyrexiaTD2 652003NormalBlackMatt Cavotta
32018-03-16Masters 25A25 1852015NormalBlackMatt Cavotta
42019-02-15RNA Guild KitGK2 832015NormalBlackMatt Cavotta
52019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 3192015NormalBorderlessTimba Smits
62024-01-12Ravnica RemasteredRVR 1532015NormalBlackMatt Cavotta
72024-01-12Ravnica RemasteredRVR 3531997NormalBlackMatt Cavotta
82024-01-12Ravnica RemasteredRVR 4352015NormalBorderlessMoopic
92024-01-12Ravnica RemasteredRVR 353z2015NormalBlackMatt Cavotta

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Protean Hulk has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelBanned
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

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.