Stream Hopper MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	1
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Goblin
Released	2008-07-25
Set symbol
Set name	Eventide
Set code	EVE
Power	1
Toughness	1
Number	113
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Dave Allsop

Key Takeaways

Stream Hopper provides card advantage and strategic potential with its evoke mechanic, keeping hands filled and flexible.
Its dual-colored nature and discard requirement may limit deck inclusion, challenging early game tactics and mana solidity.
Despite drawbacks, its versatility and synergy with certain tribes make it a noteworthy option in evolving MTG metas.

Text of card

{UR}: Stream Hopper gains flying until end of turn.

Like many who dwell in Shadowmoor now, he was robbed of his better half by the Aurora.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Stream Hopper’s innate mechanics offer value by potentially cycling into new card options with its evoke ability, keeping your hand replenished and giving you a tactical edge.

Resource Acceleration: This card can help streamline your plays by providing mana flexibility. Although it may not generate direct acceleration, being a low-cost creature enables faster deployment of subsequent cards in your strategy.

Instant Speed: Stream Hopper’s evoke mechanic can be activated at instant speed, offering the adept player a means to adapt to unfolding game events with savvy timing, thus maximizing strategic opportunities.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Stream Hopper demands that you discard another card in order to activate its ability. This can hinder your game plan, especially in the early stages when each card in hand is crucial for building up your board presence and options.

Specific Mana Cost: With the need for both blue and red mana to cast Stream Hopper, it requires a dual-colored deck to operate efficiently. This aspect restricts its flexibility, making it less desirable for mono-colored deck strategies or those looking to maintain a more stable mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Factoring in that Stream Hopper’s ability can cost a total of three mana (one to cast and two for its activated ability), and considering you also lose a card in the process, it becomes a costly investment. There are numerous alternatives in the game that may provide card advantage or creature benefits without the harsh penalties associated with this card’s activation.

Reasons to Include Stream Hopper in Your Collection

Versatility: Stream Hopper is quite adaptable to multiple deck strategies, easily slipping into creature-based decks or those that capitalize on its evasive capabilities.

Combo Potential: Its synergies with faerie and rogue archetypes mean it can function as a cog in decks that exploit these tribal connections, adding layers of complexity to gameplay.

Meta-Relevance: As the MTG environment evolves, cards like Stream Hopper maintain relevance by fitting into decks that counter specific metagame trends, thanks to its low cost and potential for early game disruption.

How to Beat Stream Hopper

Stream Hopper introduces a dynamic element to MTG gameplay with its adaptability and evasion potential. Its prowess resides in being an early game creature that can potentially grow and sneak past blockers thanks to its ability to gain flying until end of turn. Despite its agility, there are straightforward tactics to effectively neutralize this swift faerie.

One efficient approach involves the use of instant-speed removal spells. These spells can target and eliminate Stream Hopper before it has the chance to capitalize on its flying capability. Spells like Shock or Fatal Push are excellent choices, providing a low-cost solution to swiftly deal with this threat. Additionally, employing creatures with reach or flash abilities can subtly counteract the surprise element of Stream Hopper, ensuring a defender is always at the ready.

Furthermore, Stream Hopper’s impact is lessened in the face of board wipes. Sweeping cards like Wrath of God or Blasphemous Act can reset the playing field, addressing not just Stream Hopper but any accompanying threats as well. By focusing on these strategic plays, one can efficaciously dismantle the agility-based advantages that Stream Hopper offers within the MTG landscape.

Cards like Stream Hopper

Stream Hopper enters the pool of early game creature options in Magic: The Gathering with a unique twist. It shares similarities with cards like Zephyr Sprite and Cloud Sprite. Each of these cards has a low mana cost and flying, making them ideal for initial board presence and evasion tactics. Stream Hopper though has a distinctive advantage – it possesses the potential to gain “any color mana” ability if it’s evoked, providing flexibility and resource fixing which its counterparts do not offer.

Comparing it to other one-drop flyers like Faerie Seer also highlights its unique niche. While Faerie Seer allows you to scry two when it enters the battlefield, Stream Hopper provides a mana ability instead if you choose to trigger its evoke, showcasing an alternative strategic use. Despite lacking the card selection utility, Stream Hopper’s mana ability can be crucial for multi-colored decks or setting up for bigger plays in subsequent turns.

Assessing under the lens of usability and deck synergy, Stream Hopper proves to be a versatile addition. It not only offers an early flying threat but also serves as a handy mana fixer on a crucial turn, marking its position as a valuable multitasker in various MTG decks.

Cards similar to Stream Hopper by color, type and mana cost

Captive Weird // Compleated Conjurer - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Stream Hopper MTG card by a specific set like Eventide, 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 Stream Hopper and other MTG cards: