Elite Headhunter MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Knight |
| Abilities | Menace |
| Released | 2019-10-04 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Throne of Eldraine |
| Set code | ELD |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 209 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Daarken |
Key Takeaways
- Card advantage from Elite Headhunter can shape battlefield dynamics and tip the scales in your favor.
- Instant-speed abilities enhance strategic depth, providing flexible response options during gameplay.
- Requires careful mana management due to specific casting costs and potential hand depletion.
Text of card
Menace (This creature can't be blocked except by two or more creatures.) {B/R}{B/R}{B/R}, Sacrifice another creature or an artifact: Elite Headhunter deals 2 damage to target creature or planeswalker.
Nothing remains of his foes but the gripping story of their downfall.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Elite Headhunter ensures you stay ahead in card value by allowing you to deal damage and potentially remove an opponent’s creature while forging a lead on the battlefield.
Resource Acceleration: This card can bump up your mana resources through its synergies within a Rakdos guild deck, empowering your plays and paving the way for quicker, more devastating tactics against your adversaries.
Instant Speed: The abilities of Elite Headhunter can be activated at instant speed, giving you the flexibility to disrupt your opponent’s strategy during their turn and keep them guessing about your next move.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Elite Headhunter’s abilities might require discarding a card, potentially depleting your hand and leaving you at a disadvantage during the game, especially if you’re playing an aggressive strategy that leans on maintaining card advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Elite Headhunter is color-intensive, demanding a specific combination of mana types. This can restrict the card’s compatibility with various decks and makes it less flexible when you’re constructing a multicolored mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When evaluating the mana-efficiency of cards, Elite Headhunter tends to be on the higher end of the spectrum. In a game where speed and efficiency are paramount, its mana cost can be a hurdle for players, especially when there are alternatives that might yield a more immediate impact on the battlefield for the same or lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include Elite Headhunter in Your Collection
Versatility: Elite Headhunter can be a valuable asset across various deck types. Its myriad abilities make it a flexible choice, suitable for aggressive strategies as well as more control-oriented gameplay.
Combo Potential: With its multifaceted skill set, this card can synergize with multiple strategies, using its lifelink and haste to interact with cards that capitalize on these mechanics, enhancing both offense and defense.
Meta-Relevance: In a game that often shifts with the changing tides of the meta, Elite Headhunter remains a card that can adapt to the presence of creature-heavy decks, making it both a formidable threat and a valuable addition to any player’s arsenal.
How to beat Elite Headhunter
Elite Headhunter presents a unique challenge on the battlefield with its multidimensional threat in MTG. As a creature that offers both aggressive and control elements, outmaneuvering it requires strategic play. Firstly, consider creature removal spells to deal with Elite Headhunter swiftly before its abilities can be leveraged. Spells like Doom Blade or Path to Exile are efficient methods for removing problematic creatures.
Alternatively, you can use countermagic to ensure Elite Headhunter never hits the board. A well-timed Counterspell or Negate can save you from future headaches. If Elite Headhunter manages to enter the battlefield, try to limit its impact by refraining from engaging it with smaller creatures, avoiding the mass removal perk it provides. Direct damage spells like Lightning Bolt can be a quick solution as well. Lastly, you can employ enchantments that neutralize creature abilities, such as Pacifism, to turn Elite Headhunter into an ineffective combatant.
By considering these strategies and adapting your gameplay, you can efficiently counter the formidable presence of Elite Headhunter and maintain the upper hand in your MTG matches.
Cards like Elite Headhunter
When evaluating the Elite Headhunter card in MTG, it’s intriguing to consider how it stacks up against cards with similar abilities. The Elite Headhunter is part of a unique group of creatures that combine multiple abilities to create flexibility on the battlefield. It is reminiscent of cards like Angrath’s Marauders, which also provide a powerful advantage with their ability to double the damage your sources deal. However, Elite Headhunter brings an additional layer with its menace and sacrifice abilities, enabling more direct interaction with opponents’ gameplay.
Another comparable card is Rakdos Cackler, a creature known for coming out strong right from the early game due to its unleashed potential. While the Cackler is limited in its late-game utility, Elite Headhunter offers sustained value through its multifunctional design. Additionally, we have Carnival Hellsteed, which shares the menace trait with Elite Headhunter. The Hellsteed differs, though, with its first strike capability, giving it a tactical edge in combat scenarios. However, it lacks the direct board impact that Elite Headhunter’s sacrifice feature offers.
These comparisons underline the adaptability and strategic benefits that Elite Headhunter provides within the MTG world. Its blend of power, menace, and board-presence makes it an attractive option for players seeking a creature card with robust utility and the potential to swing the tides of a match.
Cards similar to Elite Headhunter by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Elite Headhunter MTG card by a specific set like Throne of Eldraine, 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 Elite Headhunter and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Elite Headhunter has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Elite Headhunter card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2019-10-04 | If Elite Headhunter somehow becomes an artifact, you can sacrifice it to pay the cost of its activated ability. |
