Hornet MTG Card

Hornet - Duel Decks: Phyrexia vs. the Coalition

Type	Token Artifact Creature — Insect
Abilities	Flying,Haste
Released	2010-03-19
Set symbol
Set name	Duel Decks: Phyrexia vs. the Coalition
Set code	DDE
Power	1
Toughness	1
Number	1
Frame	2003
Layout	Token
Border	Black
Illustred by	Ron Spencer

Key Takeaways

The Hornet card can offer continuous card advantages through token generation and defensive plays.
While having strong instant-speed plays, it may come with a higher mana and strategic cost.
Its flexible roles make it a resilient component against various ground-based strategies.

Text of card

Flying, haste

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Hornet Card excels in providing card advantage as it often results in generating multiple insect tokens with flying and deathtouch. These tokens are not only defensive assets but can turn into a card-drawing engine when paired with other card interactions within your deck.

Resource Acceleration: Although the Hornet Card itself does not directly produce mana or treasure, the presence of deathtouch tokens on the field can serve as a deterrent, effectively slowing down your opponent. This indirect resource acceleration buys you time to develop your mana base and advance your board state without pressure.

Instant Speed: Some versions of Hornet cards or spells that create Hornet tokens operate at instant speed. This trait gives you the upper hand by allowing strategic plays during the opponent’s turn, which can surprise an attacker and shift the momentum of the game in your favor.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the drawbacks of Hornet Mtg Card is it may necessitate discarding another card for activation or synergy. This could hinder strategic plays, especially when hand size is critical for maintaining game presence.

Specific Mana Cost: Hornet cards typically demand a particular type of mana, often green, for casting. This specification means they align exclusively with green or green-hybrid mana bases, potentially limiting deck diversity and adaptability in multi-color formats.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The casting cost of Hornet cards is relatively steep when assessed against other creatures or effects with similar abilities. This higher mana investment can delay game impact, making it less attractive in a fast-paced meta where lower-costing cards can provide quicker board presence or utility.

Reasons to Include Hornet Mtg Card in Your Collection

Versatility: The Hornet card offers a diverse set of abilities that can be valuable in several different deck types. Its flying trait, for example, allows it to be a strong combatant in the sky, while its relatively low casting cost makes it accessible early in the game or when mana is scarce.

Combo Potential: Hornets are well-known for their synergy with effects that capitalize on token generation or insect-themed mechanics. Their ability to multiply and sometimes come with deathtouch makes them a threat that can escalate quickly and be used in various strategic combinations.

Meta-Relevance: Considering its role in the broader game environment, the Hornet card has the flexibility to be a countermeasure against decks that rely heavily on ground forces. Due to its flying ability and potential interactions, it can adapt to different competitive scenes, maintaining its usefulness as the meta evolves.

How to Beat

The Hornet card is a notable presence in the MTG ecosystem, appreciated for its ability to generate flying insect tokens with deattract, presenting a challenge to opponents. These tokens are adept at deterring attacks and are excellent for chipping away at an adversary’s life total. As such, the key to overcoming this card lies in strategies that neutralize these pesky flying creatures.

Board wipes are highly effective, clearing all creatures from the battlefield in one fell swoop. Sweepers like Wrath of God or the more recent Doomskar bypass the deattract condition entirely. Additionally, employing spells that can target multiple creatures at once, such as Blasphemous Act or Electrickery, can systematically dismantle a swarm of insects without having to engage them directly in combat.

Moreover, leveraging archetypes that minimize the reliance on creature-based strategies could sidestep the threat of flying deattract tokens altogether. Control decks that focus on non-creature win conditions or combo decks that aim to win in a single turn can render the Hornet’s defensive attributes moot. In summary, it’s the strategic, broader picture maneuvers that truly counteract the Hornet’s buzzing nuisance in the world of MTG.

Cards like Hornet

Hornet Queen is an iconic creature in Magic the Gathering that leads a swarm of lethal insects into battle. Its direct parallel in generating flying insect tokens is seen with Ant Queen, which also offers a steady stream of creatures. However, the Hornet Queen’s tokens have deathtouch, a significant advantage in combat situations. Ant Queen’s insects lack this ability, trading it instead for the versatility of instant speed token creation.

Within the realm of buzzing threats, Hornet Nest is worthy of mention. This card creates insect tokens with deathtouch as well, but it’s reactive, relying on the nest being damaged. In contrast, Hornet Queen proactively floods the board upon entry. Another similar card is Ishkanah, Grafwidow, which, alongside spawning spider tokens, can drain opponents’ life given enough delirium fuel, offering both board presence and a potential finisher.

While each card brings a unique element to the table, Hornet Queen stands out for MTG players who value immediate impact and a defensive line capable of dealing with larger threats. Its combination of great token generation and combat prowess makes it a formidable force among its creature-spawning counterparts.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Hornet MTG card by a specific set like Duel Decks: Phyrexia vs. the Coalition, 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 Hornet and other MTG cards: