Hinterland Hermit // Hinterland Scourge MTG Card

Hinterland Hermit // Hinterland Scourge - Dark Ascension

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Human Werewolf
Abilities	Transform
Released	2012-02-03
Set symbol
Set name	Dark Ascension
Set code	DKA
Power	2
Toughness	1
Number	94
Frame	2003
Layout	Transform
Border	Black
Illustred by	Steven Belledin

Key Takeaways

Offers card advantage by demanding opponent resources to handle its transformed state.
Applies early pressure that can lead to a resource advantage through opponent misplays.
Transformation at instant speed adds a surprise element that can abruptly shift board dynamics.

Text of card

At the beginning of each upkeep, if no spells were cast last turn, transform Hinterland Hermit.

He tried to live far from those he could hurt . . .

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Once transformed into Hinterland Scourge, this card can give you an edge in maintaining board presence. The werewolf’s ability to force opponents to either deal with it or face recurring damage can effectively demand answers, thus indirectly leading to card advantage as your opponent burns through their resources.

Resource Acceleration: Hinterland Hermit does not directly contribute to resource acceleration in traditional ways like ramp or treasure generation. However, its early presence applies pressure, which can lead to your opponent making suboptimal plays. Indirectly, this can help you gain a lead in resources as they might have to use more expensive solutions to deal with your threats.

Instant Speed: Although Hinterland Hermit itself is not an instant, its transformation into Hinterland Scourge at instant speed—under the right conditions—can be a surprise element. You can capitalize on this aspect by passing turns without playing spells, especially during a full moon, to flip Hinterland Hermit, catching an unprepared opponent off guard with a sudden power boost.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Transitioning from Hinterland Hermit to Hinterland Scourge necessitates discarding cards, which could potentially deplete your hand, especially when you need to maintain options against your opponent.

Specific Mana Cost: Hinterland Hermit requires a specific mana combination to cast and later transform into Hinterland Scourge. If your deck isn’t tailored to generate those specific types of mana efficiently, you might find yourself stuck with an unplayable card in hand.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The initial investment plus the additional cost to transform Hinterland Hermit into Hinterland Scourge could be considered high for its stats and abilities. This might not provide the level of board impact expected from such a mana investment compared to other creatures in the same cost range.

Reasons to Include Hinterland Hermit // Hinterland Scourge in Your Collection

Versatility: The dual nature of Hinterland Hermit // Hinterland Scourge offers two modes of play within one card. Initially, you get a solid creature for early defense, which then transforms into an aggressive beater, adapting seamlessly to the changing pace of the game.

Combo Potential: This werewolf creature synergizes well with mechanics that trigger upon transforming, such as those found in tribal decks that focus on werewolves or flipping cards. Its transformation provides a significant power boost that can be exploited with various abilities and interactions.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where creature-based strategies are prominent, Hinterland Hermit // Hinterland Scourge can hold its own against other aggressive decks. Its ability to grow stronger and impact the board upon transformation makes it a contender in dynamic gameplay environments.

How to beat

Hinterland Hermit // Hinterland Scourge is an intriguing card duo in the world of MTG, known for its transformation ability. Players facing this card can find it challenging due to its transformation into Hinterland Scourge, which brings more power to the table. The key to overcoming this werewolf’s influence lies in managing the pacing of the game. By playing at least two spells in a single turn, you can prevent the Hermit from transforming into its more powerful counterpart, minimizing the threat it poses.

Another effective strategy is to utilize removal spells efficiently. Targeted removal can dispatch Hinterland Hermit before it transforms or deal with the Hinterland Scourge once it’s on the battlefield. Remember, time is of the essence; if the Hermit flips into the Scourge, it can quickly start dealing substantial damage. Therefore, maintaining control and staying ahead in resource management will keep you one step ahead of your opponent and their werewolf tactics.

In summary, staying proactive and applying pressure with spells and removals is the formula to handle Hinterland Hermit // Hinterland Scourge. Preventing the werewolf from unleashing its full potential is the path to securing victory on the battlefield.

Cards like Hinterland Hermit // Hinterland Scourge

Hinterland Hermit // Hinterland Scourge stands out in the flip card category within MTG. This transformative creature echoes the attributes of cards like Villagers of Estwald // Howlpack of Estwald. Both have the ability to flip under specific circumstances, offering versatility in play. However, the Hermit and the Scourge offer an aggressive shift from a hermetic defender to a ferocious attacker with the transformation, emphasizing an offense-focused strategy.

Delver of Secrets // Insectile Aberration is another notable comparison. It starts as a humble creature but evolves into a powerful flier, much like our Hermit evolves into the Scourge. While Delver flips by revealing an instant or sorcery card, the Hermit relies on the game progressing to nighttime for its alteration. Both cards present players with significant power increase post-transformation, yet they activate under different in-game conditions.

Considering the strategic value of flip cards in gameplay, Hinterland Hermit // Hinterland Scourge provides a unique advantage with its potent offensive capabilities post-transformation. This feature makes it an intriguing choice for players seeking a dynamic card able to impact the board significantly upon shifting circumstances.

Villagers of Estwald // Howlpack of Estwald - MTG Card versions

Delver of Secrets // Insectile Aberration - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Hinterland Hermit // Hinterland Scourge by color, type and mana cost

Goblin Elite Infantry - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Hinterland Hermit // Hinterland Scourge MTG card by a specific set like Dark Ascension, 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 Hinterland Hermit // Hinterland Scourge and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Hinterland Hermit // Hinterland Scourge has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Hinterland Hermit // Hinterland Scourge card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date	Text
2011-01-22	If Hinterland Scourge is attacking, the defending player must assign at least one blocker to it during the declare blockers step if that player controls any creatures that could block it.
2016-07-13	For more information on double-faced cards, see the Shadows over Innistrad mechanics article (http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/shadows-over-innistrad-mechanics).