Unnatural Hunger MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Enchantment — Aura |
| Abilities | Enchant |
| Released | 1999-10-04 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Mercadian Masques |
| Set code | MMQ |
| Number | 169 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Jeff Miracola |
Text of card
At the beginning of the upkeep of enchanted creature's controller, Unnatural Hunger deals to that player damage equal to enchanted creature's power unless he or she sacrifices another creature.
Cards like Unnatural Hunger
Unnatural Hunger presents an intriguing dynamic in decks that focus on creature control within Magic: The Gathering. Its parallels might be drawn to other notable removal cards like Devour in Shadow, which similarly demands something in return from the caster, in this case, life points equivalent to the destroyed creature’s power. Unnatural Hunger, however, leverages the controller’s infect counters as part of its cost, adding a different layer of strategy and deck synergy.
Comparatively, there’s Malicious Affliction, an efficient removal spell that targets nonblack creatures, but with the added upside of being able to destroy another creature if one has already died this turn. Although it doesn’t interact with infect counters as Unnatural Hunger does, it offers a potential double removal effect. Then comes Geth’s Verdict, another related card that forces the opponent to sacrifice a creature while also losing one life, remaining useful against indestructible creatures.
Assessing these alternatives clearly illustrates where Unnatural Hunger stands – it’s particularly efficient in decks that capitalize on giving infect counters, offering a more tailored approach to creature control. This specialization grants it a distinct position among Magic: The Gathering’s array of removal cards.
Cards similar to Unnatural Hunger by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Unnatural Hunger provides a significant edge by forcing your opponent to sacrifice a creature, which can often result in a two-for-one scenario where you remove an enemy’s threat while keeping your card count high.
Resource Acceleration: Though this card doesn’t directly produce mana or tokens, its ability to diminish an opponent’s board can indirectly accelerate your game plan by eliminating potential resource generators on their side.
Instant Speed: The option to cast Unnatural Hunger at instant speed gives you the tactical advantage to disrupt your opponent’s strategy during their turn, possibly interrupting a combo or during combat to sway the tide in your favor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One of the drawbacks of Unnatural Hunger is the mandatory discard, which comes into play whenever you seek to unleash its power. This necessity could strain your hand, particularly when your available card options are already waning.
Specific Mana Cost: Unnatural Hunger demands a precise combination of mana types to cast. This makes it inherently less flexible, limiting its integration into a broad range of decks and potentially impeding your strategy if mana sources are not properly aligned.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Clocking in with a heftier mana investment than some alternatives, Unnatural Hunger might lag in terms of cost-efficiency. Players must weigh its impact against its expense, considering whether the mana could be better spent on other spells or creatures capable of swaying the game’s outcome more decisively.
Reasons to Include Unnatural Hunger in Your Collection
Versatility: Unnatural Hunger has the flexibility to be a pivotal card in various types of decks, especially those that look to disrupt opponent strategies through life loss and creature control.
Combo Potential: This card excels in synergizing with decks that capitalize on life-total manipulation or benefit from sacrificing creatures as part of a larger strategy to overpower opponents.
Meta-Relevance: With a metagame that often revolves around creature-based strategies, Unnatural Hunger provides a valuable edge by acting as both removal and a win-condition in prolonged games.
How to beat
Unnatural Hunger is a unique enchantment card in MTG that creates a notable challenge on the battlefield. This card forces opponents to sacrifice a creature during their upkeep unless they feed it by sacrificing a land. To effectively neutralize this threat, prioritize removal spells that can directly target and destroy enchantments. Cards such as Disenchant, Nature’s Claim, or Krosan Grip can easily dispel the enchantment and relieve the pressure Unnatural Hunger brings to your game.
Another strategy involves utilizing alternative resources to satisfy the card’s demands without severe detriment to your own board presence. Cards that create creature tokens can be sacrificed instead, preserving your more valuable creatures and lands. Prioritizing lands with extra functionalities or lands that come back from the graveyard can minimize the impact of sacrificing a land if necessary. Remembering to maintain a diverse suite of answers in your deck could make facing down Unnatural Hunger a manageable feat instead of an unsurmountable obstacle.
Stay alert, adapt your strategies, and keep your deck equipped with efficient answers. This way, an encounter with Unnatural Hunger becomes an intriguing challenge rather than a game-ending predicament.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Unnatural Hunger MTG card by a specific set like Mercadian Masques, 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 Unnatural Hunger 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
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Unnatural Hunger has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |