Stumpsquall Hydra MTG Card


Generates card advantage and demands immediate action from opponents upon entering the battlefield. Facilitates mana ramp and swift deployment of threats through additional land generation. Flexible and potent with instant-speed spells, enhancing mid-game tactical options.
Stumpsquall Hydra - Commander Legends
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Hydra
Released2020-11-20
Set symbol
Set nameCommander Legends
Set codeCMR
Power 1
Toughness 1
Number367
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byGrzegorz Rutkowski

Text of card

When Stumpsquall Hydra enters the battlefield, distribute X +1/+1 counters among it and any number of commanders.

In preparation to grow new heads, a hydra may rid itself of older ones.


Cards like Stumpsquall Hydra

The Stumpsquall Hydra emerges as a noteworthy contender in the pantheon of green creature cards in Magic: The Gathering. It conjures up comparisons to cards such as Primordial Hydra, which is also known for potentially growing out of control due to its doubling of +1/+1 counters each turn. However, Stumpsquall differs through its trample ability, enabling it to deal excess damage to a player or planeswalker when attacking.

Another kindred spirit is the Managorger Hydra, famed for accumulating +1/+1 counters whenever a player casts a spell. While Managorger excels in environments rich in spells being played, Stumpsquall Hydra demands a more mono-green devotion approach, rewarding players for their loyalty to green mana symbols on the battlefield. Then there’s Heroes’ Bane which, like Stumpsquall, allows the flexibility of adding +1/+1 counters at a player’s discretion, albeit in a different mechanical fashion.

In essence, while exploring green’s massive creature roster, Stumpsquall Hydra stands out with its unique balance of power accrual and devotion synergy, carving out a special niche for itself among its formidable kin.

Primordial Hydra - MTG Card versions
Managorger Hydra - MTG Card versions
Heroes' Bane - MTG Card versions
Primordial Hydra - MTG Card versions
Managorger Hydra - MTG Card versions
Heroes' Bane - MTG Card versions

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Hungry Hungry Heifer - MTG Card versions
Titania's Chosen - MTG Card versions
Taoist Mystic - MTG Card versions
Femeref Archers - MTG Card versions
Lydari Druid - MTG Card versions
Steel Leaf Champion - MTG Card versions
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Topiary Stomper - MTG Card versions
Territorial Scythecat - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Stumpsquall Hydra offers players an exclusive edge through its unique ability to generate card advantage upon entering the battlefield, a feature highly sought after in MTG. When you cast this hydra, the resulting board presence often demands an immediate answer, not only because of its potential growth but also due to the cards you’ll retrieve if your opponent engages with it.

Resource Acceleration: A defining trait of this creature lies in its adaptability; it can serve as an unexpected source of mana ramp. Each time Stumpsquall Hydra is targeted by your spells, its ability to dispatch an extra land onto your battlefield signifies not just growth in power but also a leap in resource acceleration, thereby bolstering your capacity for deploying more substantial threats swiftly.

Instant Speed: What truly sets Stumpsquall Hydra apart is its interaction with spells at instant speed. While the hydra itself is a creature and thus played at sorcery speed, its synergy with instant spells allows you to craft considerable threats mid-gameplay. This potential for a surprise growth spurt during your opponent’s turn or in response to their actions demonstrates Stumpsquall Hydra’s flexibility and tactical depth, making it a formidable and versatile ally in your MTG arsenal.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Stumpsquall Hydra requires players to discard another card to activate its monstrous ability. If your hand is nearly empty or holding key cards you’d rather not part with, this can significantly hinder your gameplay strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: Casting this creature demands a precise mana alignment, as it needs a mix of generic and green mana. If you’re running a multicolored deck without consistent mana fixing, summoning the Hydra might not always be feasible when you need it.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that might be considered steep for its initial size and impact, Stumpsquall Hydra competes with other creatures and spells that could potentially offer more immediate board presence or value.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Stumpsquall Hydra brings adaptability to green decks with its flexible X-cost and ability to grow over time, making it a great fit whether you’re ahead or in need of a comeback.

Combo Potential: With its +1/+1 counters, this creature synergizes beautifully with proliferate mechanics or any strategy focused on enhancing creature abilities, providing numerous avenues for tactical play.

Meta-Relevance: In a gameplay environment where creature-based strategies are key, Stumpsquall Hydra holds its ground as a formidable force, capable of adapting to various threats and shifting board states.


How to beat

Stumpsquall Hydra has made a significant impact in the Magic: The Gathering realm, renowned for its resilience and the threat it poses on the battlefield. At its core, it’s a creature that benefits from the power of counters. This can make it seem formidable, but like any card in MTG, it has its vulnerabilities.

Targeted removal is one of the most efficient ways to handle Stumpsquall Hydra. Spells that exile, such as Swords to Plowshares or Path to Exile, can neutralize the threat without triggering any death-related abilities or allowing the Hydra to regenerate. Moreover, making use of board wipes before the Hydra becomes too large to manage is a solid strategy, as cards like Damnation or Wrath of God can clear the field efficiently.

Another angle to consider is preventing the Hydra from accumulating counters in the first place. Effects that negate the addition of counters, or cards like Solemnity, can render the creature much less of a threat. Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of efficient blockers. Creatures with deathtouch, in particular, can deter attacks or come out favorable in battles with the Hydra.

Understanding the hydra’s weaknesses can ensure that Stumpsquall Hydra doesn’t overrun your game. By preparing with the right spells and strategies, you can maintain control of the battlefield and lead your deck to victory.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG is a journey of continuous learning and adaptation. Stumpsquall Hydra, with its card advantage and resource acceleration, can be a game-changing addition to your green deck. However, it comes with its own set of challenges, including its discard requirement and specific mana needs. To ensure your deck remains versatile and powerful, consider synergies that enhance this hydra’s potential. As the MTG meta evolves, so should your strategies. Embrace the tactical depth of your collection and remember, a well-informed player is a victorious one. Dive deeper with us and refine your deck to triumph in the ever-changing world of MTG.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Stumpsquall Hydra MTG card by a specific set like Commander Legends, 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 Stumpsquall Hydra and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Stumpsquall Hydra has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2020-11-10 Because Stumpsquall Hydra's ability doesn't target, you choose how to distribute X +1/+1 counters as its ability resolves. Players can't take actions between the time you decide this distribution and the time counters are put on the appropriate permanents.
2020-11-10 If Stumpsquall Hydra leaves the battlefield before its triggered ability resolves, you can still distribute the counters among any number of commanders, including none of them.
2020-11-10 You can't put +1/+1 counters on commanders that aren't on the battlefield.
2020-11-10 You may put +1/+1 counters on commanders that aren't currently creatures (such as Tevesh Szat, Doom of Fools).