Wirewood Hivemaster MTG Card
2003-02-03 - Number 145
2005-08-22 - Number B4
2005-08-22 - Number B3
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Elf |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Whenever another nontoken Elf comes into play, you may put a 1/1 green Insect creature token into play.
"Most insects have been drawn to the Mirari. But all that remain in Wirewood are under my care."
Cards like Wirewood Hivemaster
Wirewood Hivemaster is an intriguing creature in Magic: The Gathering, with a specific niche in the realm of token generation. Its nearest parallel is perhaps the card Sarpadian Empires, Vol. VII, which similarly produces creature tokens. However, this latter card offers a broader selection of creature types, yet lacks the elf synergies that Wirewood Hivemaster provides in spades, particularly to Elf tribal decks.
Lys Alana Huntmaster is another card that resonates with Wirewood Hivemaster, both creating elf tokens. The Huntmaster’s ability triggers upon casting an elf spell, offering more predictability compared to Hivemaster’s dependence on elf tokens’ survival. Then there’s Imperious Perfect, an elf lord that not only boosts other elves but also steadily churns out elf tokens, establishing a formidable presence on the battlefield similar to Wirewood Hivemaster’s insect tokens.
In sum, while Wirewood Hivemaster may be compared with several other cards in MTG for its token-generating trait, its unique combination of producing insect tokens alongside elf plays makes it exceptionally valuable in elf-centric strategies, securing its place in the distinct framework of token-producing cards.
Cards similar to Wirewood Hivemaster by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Wirewood Hivemaster. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Rocco Rainbow Elves | Free form | Noble Spring Quarterly |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Wirewood Hivemaster is a fundamental piece in token-generating decks, allowing you to create a 1/1 green Insect creature token whenever you or any player casts an Elf spell. This consistent token production can quickly fill your board, providing both offensive and defensive options — effectively turning individual Elf spell casts into potential multiple creature threats.
Resource Acceleration: Each Insect token generated can contribute to resource acceleration strategies, especially in decks that are geared towards Elf synergies or utilize creatures for ramping. These tokens can be sacrificed for various effects, including mana production, via other cards with such synergies, enhancing the speed at which you can deploy your threats and advance your board state.
Instant Speed: While Wirewood Hivemaster itself is not an instant, the Insect tokens it creates can be leveraged during any phase of the game, as they are put onto the battlefield right after any Elf spell resolves. This means you can potentially benefit from surprise blockers or utilize effects that require creature tapping without waiting for summoning sickness to wear off, provided you have instant-speed Elf spells or flash capabilities to create tokens on an opponent’s turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Wirewood Hivemaster does not have a discard requirement, it is integral to evaluate cards within its synergy network that might. Such requirements could potentially diminish your hand, affecting your gameplay strategy, especially if the Hivemaster is a key component of your deck structure.
Specific Mana Cost: Wirewood Hivemaster demands green mana for casting, which could potentially limit its integration into multi-colored decks that may not have a strong green mana base or are not elf-centric, thus affecting its universality and flexibility in various deck builds.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although offering a substantial tribal benefit, Wirewood Hivemaster’s mana cost may be deemed relatively high for its 1/1 stats. Deck builders must consider whether the mana could be better allocated for other creatures or spells that provide immediate impact on the game board.
Reasons to Include Wirewood Hivemaster in Your Collection
Versatility: Wirewood Hivemaster is a flexible inclusion in any elf tribal strategy as it seamlessly integrates into existing synergies, creating insect tokens to either bolster your forces or fuel various other game mechanics.
Combo Potential: These insect tokens have great potential when combined with cards that capitalize on creatures entering the battlefield or dying, thus enabling diverse and powerful interactions within your deck.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta that favors creature-heavy strategies, Wirewood Hivemaster can become increasingly relevant by consistently providing additional board presence and pressure against opponents.
How to beat Wirewood Hivemaster
Wirewood Hivemaster is a unique creature in Magic: The Gathering, not least for its ability to create a 1/1 green Insect creature token whenever another nontoken Elf comes into play under your control. This can quickly turn the tides by amassing an overwhelming force. However, there are strategies to keep this card in check.
Firstly, board control is crucial. Sweeping the board with cards like Wrath of God or Pyroclasm can clear out the tokens before they swarm. Spot removals aren’t typically efficient against a token strategy, so focus on cards with mass removal capabilities. Another tactic involves targeting the Hivemaster directly with removal spells such as Path to Exile or Doom Blade before it can generate a significant advantage.
Grafting your game plan with graveyard control cards like Scavenging Ooze ensures the Hivemaster doesn’t get out of hand in a long game. Continuous graveyard hate prevents your opponent from recycling the Hivemaster, which can be pivotal. In conclusion, facing Wirewood Hivemaster requires a mix of proactive disruption and strategic removals. Control the elf population early, and you’ll strip the Hivemaster of its power.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Wirewood Hivemaster MTG card by a specific set like Legions and Salvat 2005, 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 Wirewood Hivemaster 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
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Printings
The Wirewood Hivemaster Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2003-02-03 and 2005-08-22. Illustrated by Darrell Riche.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2003-02-03 | Legions | LGN | 145 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Darrell Riche | |
| 2 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | B4 | 2003 | Normal | White | Darrell Riche | |
| 3 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | B3 | 2003 | Normal | White | Darrell Riche |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Wirewood Hivemaster has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |