Witch Hunter MTG Card
1994-08-01 - Number 19
1995-07-01 - Number 14
2006-10-06 - Number 17
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Human Cleric |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
oc T: Witch Hunter does 1 damage to target player. o1o Wo W, oc T: Return target creature opponent controls from play to owner's hand. Enchantments on target creature are destroyed.
Cards like Witch Hunter
Witch Hunter is an intriguing creature card in Magic: The Gathering, sharing the space with similar cards such as Banisher Priest and Fiend Hunter. Each of these cards has a unique way of temporarily removing threats from the game. Witch Hunter stands out with its versatility, providing not only a creature removal option but also a direct player-targeting ability to chip away at an opponent’s health.
Banisher Priest has a straightforward approach – exiling an opponent’s creature until Banisher Priest leaves the battlefield. Fiend Hunter follows suit with a similar exile mechanic but with an individual card targeting difference that can tactically be used to single out pivotal enemy creatures. However, neither can strike directly at an opponent’s life total as Witch Hunter can.
In essence, Witch Hunter offers MTG players a dual-threat with removal and direct damage capabilities, positioning it as a particular utility card in its class. When evaluating these creature control options, Witch Hunter shines with its multifaceted application, making it a valued asset for decks needing both creature interaction and the potential for direct player engagement.
Cards similar to Witch Hunter by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Witch Hunter offers utility by providing a consistent way to disrupt your opponent and can return to your hand for repeated use, ensuring you retain valuable resources.
Resource Acceleration: Although Witch Hunter itself does not directly accelerate your mana resources, its ability to selectively tax your opponent’s plays can indirectly lead to a resource advantage on your side of the battlefield.
Instant Speed: The flexibility of Witch Hunter’s tap ability being usable at instant speed makes it a versatile threat. It allows you to effectively plan your turns and disrupt your opponent’s strategy during their turn without committing mana beforehand.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Witch Hunter’s tap ability to return a creature to its owner’s hand requires you to discard a card, which can be a setback, especially when your hand is already dwindling. This might force you to lose momentum by getting rid of potentially crucial cards needed for your strategy later on.
Specific Mana Cost: Witch Hunter demands a specific combination of white and generic mana to be played. This mana specificity can pose a challenge in multicolored decks which might struggle to meet the color requirements consistently, thereby reducing its utility in diverse deck builds.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana, including two white, Witch Hunter is on the pricier side compared to other creature control options available. This cost can slow your early game, and in high-paced matches, other low-cost cards might offer more immediate board presence or control, potentially making Witch Hunter a less appealing choice in a strategy aiming for tempo.
Reasons to Include Witch Hunter in Your Collection
Versatility: Witch Hunter offers a flexible role in your deck, with the ability to both tap to deal damage and return creatures to their owner’s hand. This makes it a valuable card for control strategies as well as aggressive decks that require repeatable creature removal.
Combo Potential: This card’s capabilities complement numerous tactics that involve creature bouncing or targeted damage. It can serve as a recurring solution to problematic creatures or work in tandem with other cards that capitalize on casting spells each turn.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where creature-based strategies are prevalent, Witch Hunter’s functionality shines. It can deter opponents from committing too much to the board and provides a way to consistently disrupt their plans, making it a strong pick for your collection.
How to beat Witch Hunter
Witch Hunter is a unique card in Magic: The Gathering that blends direct creature control with the potential for recurring damage to your opponent. This card can tap to return a creature to its owner’s hand and also possesses the ability to chip away at an opponent’s life total. It’s particularly effective in game states that favor longer control matchups or against decks that rely heavily on a particular creature.
Overcoming Witch Hunter requires strategic planning. Prioritize removing it from the board to prevent a lock on your critical creatures. Utilize instant speed removals such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile to avoid its tapping ability during your turn. Additionally, consider cards that can grant your creatures hexproof or indestructible as a safeguard against Witch Hunter’s targeted ability. Denying your opponent the chance to utilize Witch Hunter effectively will mitigate its influence on the game and leave them vulnerable to your strategy.
Ultimately, countering Witch Hunter is about anticipating its activation and responding proactively. Whether you alter your deck’s composition to include recurrent removals or protective spells, the key is to disable or circumvent Witch Hunter’s capabilities before it can dominate the battlefield and erode your life total.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Witch Hunter MTG card by a specific set like The Dark and Chronicles, 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 Witch Hunter 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
Printings
The Witch Hunter Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1994-08-01 and 2006-10-06. Illustrated by Jesper Myrfors.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1994-08-01 | The Dark | DRK | 19 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Jesper Myrfors | |
| 2 | 1995-07-01 | Chronicles | CHR | 14 | 1993 | Normal | White | Jesper Myrfors | |
| 3 | 2006-10-06 | Time Spiral Timeshifted | TSB | 17 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Jesper Myrfors |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Witch Hunter has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |