Unbreathing Horde MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Zombie
Power 0
Toughness 0

Key Takeaways

  1. Unbreathing Horde dominates as a resilient creature, enduring damage by removing +1/+1 counters.
  2. Its synergy with zombie and counter-focused decks enhances resource acceleration and board presence.
  3. A specific mana requirement and higher cost may limit its adaptability in diverse MTG decks.

Text of card

Unbreathing Horde enters the battlefield with a +1/+1 counter on it for each other Zombie you control and each Zombie card in your graveyard. If Unbreathing Horde would be dealt damage, prevent that damage and remove a +1/+1 counter from it.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Unbreathing Horde arrives on the battlefield with a number of +1/+1 counters that can quickly turn it into a formidable presence. This potency not only provides a solid defensive option but can also create card advantage as it compels your opponent to deal with it, often at a two-for-one cost to them.

Resource Acceleration: While Unbreathing Horde itself doesn’t directly contribute to resource acceleration, its synergy with decks centered around +1/+1 counters or zombie tribal themes can indirectly enhance your board state’s growth. Its presence supports your overall strategy, allowing for greater leverage of your deck’s resources.

Instant Speed: Although Unbreathing Horde is not an instant, its static ability that prevents damage to it by removing a +1/+1 counter works at instant speed. This makes the Horde a resilient threat that can survive multiple encounters, including combat damage and most damage-dealing spells, turning it into a recurring obstacle for your opponent.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: For the Unbreathing Horde to truly thrive, you may need to discard other zombie cards, which could deplete your hand and limit your ability to respond to opponents’ moves.

Specific Mana Cost: This creature demands a specific blend of black mana, potentially restricting its utility to zombie-centric or black-focused decks, complicating its inclusion in more diverse mana pools.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that’s on the higher side, Unbreathing Horde may enter the battlefield later than other creatures. This can hinder your early-game pressure, especially when facing decks designed for a quicker tempo.


Reasons to Include Unbreathing Horde in Your Collection

Versatility: Unbreathing Horde boasts a flexible design that allows it to slot into various deck archetypes. Its unique ability makes it a stable defender against damage, while its potential to grow makes it a threat in aggressive strategies.

Combo Potential: With its undying-like ability, it pairs exceptionally well with cards that manipulate +1/+1 counters or zombie tribal synergies. The Horde thrives when combined with effects that multiply creature tokens, setting up powerful board states.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where creature-based strategies are prevalent, Unbreathing Horde stands as a bulwark against attackers, often requiring several resources to be dealt with. Its durability can turn the tide of games when facing decks that rely on combat damage to win.


How to beat Unbreathing Horde

Overcoming Unbreathing Horde requires a strategy that bypasses its undying ability to be effective. Unlike other creatures, this monstrosity doesn’t simply bow out after a round of combat or a single lightning bolt. The key is to utilize spells or abilities that can diminish its +1/+1 counters without inflicting damage. Consider leveraging cards with negative -1/-1 counters, such as Black Sun’s Zenith or a proliferate mechanic to exacerbate a single counter spread across it. In the absence of such cards, board wipes that don’t deal damage, like Wrath of God or Supreme Verdict, become paramount.

Additionally, focusing on removals that exile or force the player to sacrifice Unbreathing Horde can successfully clear it from the board. Exile spells sidestep the undying mechanic entirely, offering a clean solution. Remember, defeating this zombie juggernaut is all about choosing the right removal or weakening tactics rather than trading blows in combat. Adjust your strategy accordingly, and the horde of the undead will cease to be an insurmountable threat.


BurnMana Recommendations

Diving into MTG’s strategy-rich environment, Unbreathing Horde stands out as a compelling pick, particularly for enthusiasts of zombie tribal themes. While carefully balancing its pros and cons, the card can become a predominant force on your board, challenging opponents to find a creative counter. Whether you aim to fortify your defense or amp up your offensive game, this card’s unique attributes demand consideration. To tap into the full potential of Unbreathing Horde, or to explore alternative synergies within your collection, further your gameplay wisdom with us. Enhance your MTG arsenal and strategy at BurnMana, where every match is a step towards victory.


Cards like Unbreathing Horde

Unbreathing Horde offers a unique take on zombie creatures within Magic: The Gathering’s vast gallery of the undead. It bears some resemblance to other creature cards such as Diregraf Colossus, which also rewards a strategy heavily reliant on zombie tribal themes. Unbreathing Horde enters the battlefield with a number of +1/+1 counters that can quickly elevate its presence, an ability Diregraf Colossus mirrors by creating 2/2 zombie tokens.

Comparatively, Mikaeus, the Unhallowed is another creature that enriches zombie tribal decks by giving other non-Human creatures you control undying, providing them an extra life, so to speak. While Unbreathing Horde does not return to the battlefield, its ability to withstand damage by removing +1/+1 counters maintains its resilience in a similar fashion. We must also acknowledge Ludevic’s Test Subject, which evolves into a powerful Lizard Horror after accumulating enough counters, but unlike Unbreathing Horde, it doesn’t innately protect itself from damage.

When investigating the balance of endurance and impact in creature cards, Unbreathing Horde distinctively stands out with its innate defensive potential and the advantage it presents in zombie-themed decks, marking its territory as a formidable ally in the realm of undead creatures.

Diregraf Colossus - MTG Card versions
Mikaeus, the Unhallowed - MTG Card versions
Ludevic's Test Subject - MTG Card versions
Diregraf Colossus - Shadows over Innistrad Promos (PSOI)
Mikaeus, the Unhallowed - Dark Ascension (DKA)
Ludevic's Test Subject - Innistrad Promos (PISD)

Cards similar to Unbreathing Horde by color, type and mana cost

Nettling Imp - MTG Card versions
Royal Assassin - MTG Card versions
Plague Rats - MTG Card versions
El-Hajjâj - MTG Card versions
Frozen Shade - MTG Card versions
Scathe Zombies - MTG Card versions
Sorceress Queen - MTG Card versions
Lost Soul - MTG Card versions
Mindstab Thrull - MTG Card versions
Mischievous Poltergeist - MTG Card versions
Strongarm Thug - MTG Card versions
Razortooth Rats - MTG Card versions
Ghastly Remains - MTG Card versions
Lord of the Undead - MTG Card versions
Deepwood Ghoul - MTG Card versions
Dross Prowler - MTG Card versions
Nim Abomination - MTG Card versions
Vesper Ghoul - MTG Card versions
Hypnotic Specter - MTG Card versions
Dusk Imp - MTG Card versions
Nettling Imp - Limited Edition Alpha (LEA)
Royal Assassin - 30th Anniversary Edition (30A)
Plague Rats - Foreign Black Border (FBB)
El-Hajjâj - Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border (4BB)
Frozen Shade - 30th Anniversary Edition (30A)
Scathe Zombies - Eighth Edition (8ED)
Sorceress Queen - Rivals Quick Start Set (RQS)
Lost Soul - Introductory Two-Player Set (ITP)
Mindstab Thrull - Fifth Edition (5ED)
Mischievous Poltergeist - Classic Sixth Edition (6ED)
Strongarm Thug - Mercadian Masques (MMQ)
Razortooth Rats - Seventh Edition (7ED)
Ghastly Remains - Legions (LGN)
Lord of the Undead - Eighth Edition (8ED)
Deepwood Ghoul - Eighth Edition (8ED)
Dross Prowler - Mirrodin (MRD)
Nim Abomination - Darksteel (DST)
Vesper Ghoul - Salvat 2005 (PSAL)
Hypnotic Specter - Magic Player Rewards 2006 (P06)
Dusk Imp - Tenth Edition (10E)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Unbreathing Horde MTG card by a specific set like Innistrad and Duel Decks: Blessed vs. Cursed, 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 Unbreathing Horde and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Unbreathing Horde Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2011-09-30 and 2016-02-26. Illustrated by Dave Kendall.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12011-09-30InnistradISD 1212003normalblackDave Kendall
22016-02-26Duel Decks: Blessed vs. CursedDDQ 662015normalblackDave Kendall

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Unbreathing Horde has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

DateText
2011-09-22 If Unbreathing Horde enters the battlefield from a graveyard, it will count itself when determining how many +1/+1 counters it enters the battlefield with.
2011-09-22 If Unbreathing Horde has no +1/+1 counters on it (but its toughness is raised above 0 by another effect), any damage dealt to it will still be prevented, even though no counter will be removed.
2011-09-22 Only one +1/+1 counter will be removed, no matter how much damage is prevented.

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