Unbreathing Horde MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 3 |
Rarity | Rare |
Type | Creature — Zombie |
Power | 0 |
Toughness | 0 |
Text of card
Unbreathing Horde enters the battlefield with a +1/+1 counter on it for each other Zombie you control and each Zombie card in your graveyard. If Unbreathing Horde would be dealt damage, prevent that damage and remove a +1/+1 counter from it.
Cards like Unbreathing Horde
Unbreathing Horde offers a unique take on zombie creatures within Magic: The Gathering’s vast gallery of the undead. It bears some resemblance to other creature cards such as Diregraf Colossus, which also rewards a strategy heavily reliant on zombie tribal themes. Unbreathing Horde enters the battlefield with a number of +1/+1 counters that can quickly elevate its presence, an ability Diregraf Colossus mirrors by creating 2/2 zombie tokens.
Comparatively, Mikaeus, the Unhallowed is another creature that enriches zombie tribal decks by giving other non-Human creatures you control undying, providing them an extra life, so to speak. While Unbreathing Horde does not return to the battlefield, its ability to withstand damage by removing +1/+1 counters maintains its resilience in a similar fashion. We must also acknowledge Ludevic’s Test Subject, which evolves into a powerful Lizard Horror after accumulating enough counters, but unlike Unbreathing Horde, it doesn’t innately protect itself from damage.
When investigating the balance of endurance and impact in creature cards, Unbreathing Horde distinctively stands out with its innate defensive potential and the advantage it presents in zombie-themed decks, marking its territory as a formidable ally in the realm of undead creatures.
Cards similar to Unbreathing Horde by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Unbreathing Horde arrives on the battlefield with a number of +1/+1 counters that can quickly turn it into a formidable presence. This potency not only provides a solid defensive option but can also create card advantage as it compels your opponent to deal with it, often at a two-for-one cost to them.
Resource Acceleration: While Unbreathing Horde itself doesn’t directly contribute to resource acceleration, its synergy with decks centered around +1/+1 counters or zombie tribal themes can indirectly enhance your board state’s growth. Its presence supports your overall strategy, allowing for greater leverage of your deck’s resources.
Instant Speed: Although Unbreathing Horde is not an instant, its static ability that prevents damage to it by removing a +1/+1 counter works at instant speed. This makes the Horde a resilient threat that can survive multiple encounters, including combat damage and most damage-dealing spells, turning it into a recurring obstacle for your opponent.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: For the Unbreathing Horde to truly thrive, you may need to discard other zombie cards, which could deplete your hand and limit your ability to respond to opponents’ moves.
Specific Mana Cost: This creature demands a specific blend of black mana, potentially restricting its utility to zombie-centric or black-focused decks, complicating its inclusion in more diverse mana pools.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that’s on the higher side, Unbreathing Horde may enter the battlefield later than other creatures. This can hinder your early-game pressure, especially when facing decks designed for a quicker tempo.
Reasons to Include Unbreathing Horde in Your Collection
Versatility: Unbreathing Horde boasts a flexible design that allows it to slot into various deck archetypes. Its unique ability makes it a stable defender against damage, while its potential to grow makes it a threat in aggressive strategies.
Combo Potential: With its undying-like ability, it pairs exceptionally well with cards that manipulate +1/+1 counters or zombie tribal synergies. The Horde thrives when combined with effects that multiply creature tokens, setting up powerful board states.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where creature-based strategies are prevalent, Unbreathing Horde stands as a bulwark against attackers, often requiring several resources to be dealt with. Its durability can turn the tide of games when facing decks that rely on combat damage to win.
How to beat Unbreathing Horde
Overcoming Unbreathing Horde requires a strategy that bypasses its undying ability to be effective. Unlike other creatures, this monstrosity doesn’t simply bow out after a round of combat or a single lightning bolt. The key is to utilize spells or abilities that can diminish its +1/+1 counters without inflicting damage. Consider leveraging cards with negative -1/-1 counters, such as Black Sun’s Zenith or a proliferate mechanic to exacerbate a single counter spread across it. In the absence of such cards, board wipes that don’t deal damage, like Wrath of God or Supreme Verdict, become paramount.
Additionally, focusing on removals that exile or force the player to sacrifice Unbreathing Horde can successfully clear it from the board. Exile spells sidestep the undying mechanic entirely, offering a clean solution. Remember, defeating this zombie juggernaut is all about choosing the right removal or weakening tactics rather than trading blows in combat. Adjust your strategy accordingly, and the horde of the undead will cease to be an insurmountable threat.
BurnMana Recommendations
Diving into MTG’s strategy-rich environment, Unbreathing Horde stands out as a compelling pick, particularly for enthusiasts of zombie tribal themes. While carefully balancing its pros and cons, the card can become a predominant force on your board, challenging opponents to find a creative counter. Whether you aim to fortify your defense or amp up your offensive game, this card’s unique attributes demand consideration. To tap into the full potential of Unbreathing Horde, or to explore alternative synergies within your collection, further your gameplay wisdom with us. Enhance your MTG arsenal and strategy at BurnMana, where every match is a step towards victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Unbreathing Horde MTG card by a specific set like Innistrad and Duel Decks: Blessed vs. Cursed, 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 Unbreathing Horde 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
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Printings
The Unbreathing Horde Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2011-09-30 and 2016-02-26. Illustrated by Dave Kendall.
# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2011-09-30 | Innistrad | ISD | 121 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Dave Kendall | |
2 | 2016-02-26 | Duel Decks: Blessed vs. Cursed | DDQ | 66 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Dave Kendall |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Unbreathing Horde has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Commander | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Modern | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Unbreathing Horde card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
Date | Text |
---|---|
2011-09-22 | If Unbreathing Horde enters the battlefield from a graveyard, it will count itself when determining how many +1/+1 counters it enters the battlefield with. |
2011-09-22 | If Unbreathing Horde has no +1/+1 counters on it (but its toughness is raised above 0 by another effect), any damage dealt to it will still be prevented, even though no counter will be removed. |
2011-09-22 | Only one +1/+1 counter will be removed, no matter how much damage is prevented. |