Stampeding Horncrest MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	5
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Dinosaur
Released	2018-01-19
Set symbol
Set name	Rivals of Ixalan
Set code	RIX
Power	4
Toughness	4
Number	116
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Jonathan Kuo

Key Takeaways

Stampeding Horncrest maximizes board presence in creature-heavy decks, granting an upper hand in combat.
Balanced mana cost to power ratio makes it a swift and menacing addition to the battlefield.
Instant-speed flexibility enables strategic plays, keeping opponents guessing in MTG matchups.

Text of card

Stampeding Horncrest has haste as long as you control another Dinosaur.

When the golden city opened, the dinosaurs inside were eager to greet the new visitors.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: When Stampeding Horncrest hits the battlefield in the midst of a creature-heavy deck, it capitalizes on the current board state, giving you an edge in combat without the need to invest in casting additional spells. This plays well into strategies that want to maintain or press the advantage with numerous creatures in play.

Resource Acceleration: Stampeding Horncrest’s relatively low mana cost for its body allows for a swifter development on board. This dinosaur can hasten your offensive strategy, ideally paving the way for an accelerated play compared to other creatures with similar power and toughness ratios.

Instant Speed: While Stampeding Horncrest itself is not an instant, decks that utilize it can greatly benefit from holding mana for instant speed interaction. This enables a strategy where the player can respond to opponents’ moves while still developing a potent board presence with creatures like Stampeding Horncrest when the moment is right.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One downside of the Stampeding Horncrest is its potential need for an additional discard to activate certain synergies. While the card itself does not have a discard requirement, decks that optimize around dinosaur synergies may need to pitch cards for optimal play, which can lead to a depletion of your hand.

Specific Mana Cost: This dinosaur benefits from a mana base that includes red sources, but this requirement can be constraining. Building a mana base to support red-heavy cards can limit deck diversity and make it vulnerable to color screw.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At a mana value of five for a 4/4 creature, the Stampeding Horncrest might be a bit costly when you compare it with other creatures in the same slot. There are more powerful and impactful options available, which might make it a less attractive choice for competitive play.

Reasons to Include Stampeding Horncrest in Your Collection

Versatility: Stampeding Horncrest can adapt to various deck builds, particularly those seeking to amplify the might of their creature line-up. With its cost-efficient stats and potential for haste, it finds a place in aggro decks that aim to overrun opponents quickly.

Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with strategies that revolve around dinosaurs or creature-based synergies. In decks that can manipulate creature types or take advantage of tribal bonuses, Stampeding Horncrest can become a key player on the battlefield.

Meta-Relevance: While the shifting nature of the meta can affect any card’s utility, Stampeding Horncrest maintains relevance in an environment where quick, sizable creatures are advantageous. Its ability to gain haste if you control another dinosaur ensures it remains a potent threat in dino-centric builds.

How to beat

Stampeding Horncrest is a creature card that finds its niche in various Magic: The Gathering decks, particularly those that revolve around Dinosaurs. Given its unique ability to gain haste as long as you control another Dinosaur, it can catch opponents off guard with sudden attacks. In order to counteract this swift creature, players need to employ effective strategies.

One proven method to overcome Stampeding Horncrest is through the utilization of removal spells that can deal with it before it unleashes its potential on the battlefield. Cards like Fatal Push or Path to Exile are perfect picks, as they can efficiently remove creatures at a low cost. Additionally, board wipes such as Wrath of God or Damnation can reset the playing field, nullifying the advantage Horncrest provides in a Dinosaur-heavy deck.

Control decks also stand a good chance against Horncrest, as they can deny the presence of other Dinosaurs, thereby taking away its ability to gain haste. Counterspells and targeted discard options like Thoughtseize can preemptively address the Horncrest threat or any synergistic pieces it may rely on. By staying one step ahead, players can dismantle the strategy that aims to make Stampeding Horncrest a game-changing force.

Cards like Stampeding Horncrest

In the tactical universe of Magic: The Gathering, Stampeding Horncrest shares a playground with other creatures designed to bolster the power of a deck, such as Charging Monstrosaur. Both creatures have the ability to impact the board significantly due to their haste attribute, allowing for immediate pressure on opponents. However, Charging Monstrosaur brings a heavier hit with its 5/5 stats compared to the 4/4 frame of Stampeding Horncrest, which nonetheless, has the potential to cost less under the right circumstances with its dinosaur discount.

Comparing the Horncrest to Raging Regisaur reveals another kind of versatility in dino decks. The Regisaur might not have haste, but it compensates with an enraging ability to deal damage upon attacking, a strategic advantage that can dismantle an opponent’s board presence. On the other end of the spectrum is Snapping Sailback, a creature that lies in wait with flash and strengthen itself through the enrage mechanic, embodying a different approach for those who prefer defensive tactics with their thundering lizards.

Scrutinizing these options, Stampeding Horncrest stands as a valuable addition to any dinosaur-themed deck that aims to capitalize on speed and synergistic cost benefits, distinguishing itself within the diverse environment of MTG creature strategies.

Charging Monstrosaur - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Stampeding Horncrest MTG card by a specific set like Rivals of Ixalan, 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 Stampeding Horncrest and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Stampeding Horncrest has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Penny	Legal
Timeless	Legal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Stampeding Horncrest card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date	Text
2018-01-19	If it’s the turn Stampeding Horncrest comes under your control, and it loses haste after being declared as an attacker, it will continue to attack. It won’t be removed from combat. On the other hand, if it loses haste before your declare attackers step, it won’t be able to attack.