Crimson Hellkite MTG Card
1996-10-08 - Number 167
1999-04-21 - Number 172
2001-04-11 - Number 178
2001-04-11 - Number 178★
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 9 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Dragon |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 6 |
| Toughness | 6 |
Key Takeaways
- The Crimson Hellkite offers card advantage by eliminating opponent threats while maintaining its presence.
- Flexibility in combat with its instant-speed ability makes it a powerful combat manipulator.
- Despite its power, the high casting cost and specific mana needs limit its deck compatibility.
Text of card
Flying o X, oc T: Crimson Hellkite deals X damage to target creature. Spend only red mana in this way.
"Dragonfire forged me a warrior." —Rashida Scalebane
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Swooping into the battlefield with a mighty force, the Crimson Hellkite card can potentially decimate the opponent’s creatures. Each blast powered by its ability isn’t just about dealing damage; it can result in a card advantage as you’re effectively removing their threats while keeping your winged behemoth soaring high.
Resource Acceleration: Although the Crimson Hellkite requires a substantial amount of mana, in a deck focused on ramping up resources, this dragon can be a game-ending threat. Its presence is a testament to serious mana investment, paving the way for hefty swings each turn if left unchecked.
Instant Speed: The prowess of the Crimson Hellkite comes to life with its fire-breathing ability. With mana at the ready, you can unleash its power at instant speed, providing flexibility and control. You dictate the flow of combat, threatening to incinerate blockers or attackers in the blink of an eye, which often forces your opponent to reconsider their strategy mid-conflict.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Crimson Hellkite requires an additional resource commitment, which may involve discarding cards to unleash its full potential. This can leave players at a card disadvantage, especially in games where maintaining a healthy hand size is critical.
Specific Mana Cost: With a casting cost demanding a significant amount of red mana, Crimson Hellkite demands a deck heavily skewed towards red, which could reduce its compatibility with multi-color or colorless strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the power the Crimson Hellkite brings to the battlefield is undeniable, its casting cost is on the higher end of the spectrum. In fast-paced games, this could result in the card remaining in hand while other, more efficiently costed creatures are deployed by the opponent.
Reasons to Include Crimson Hellkite in Your Collection
Versatility: Crimson Hellkite can be a dynamic addition to any red-based deck strategy. Its ability to deal damage directly to creatures allows players to control the board and its flying trait offers a formidable aerial threat.
Combo Potential: When paired with cards that untap creatures or provide additional red mana, Crimson Hellkite’s activated ability can lead to powerful combos, effectively clearing your opponent’s side of the board or dealing significant damage.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta that’s heavy with creature-based decks, Crimson Hellkite shines as a robust answer to swarming tactics. Its presence on the battlefield can shift the tide of the game to your advantage, making it a savvy choice for those looking to stay relevant in fluctuating metas.
How to beat
The Crimson Hellkite is a formidable force on the battlefield, catching many players off guard with its potent fire-breathing ability. To outmaneuver this daunting dragon, a strategic approach can make all the difference. Key to this is maintaining a diverse array of creature removal spells within your deck. Particularly effective are instant-speed removals such as Path to Exile or the versatile Assassin’s Trophy which can handle the dragon before its ability becomes overwhelming.
Another approach is to employ counter spells to prevent the Hellkite from ever taking flight. A well-timed Counterspell or Mana Leak can nip the problem in the bud. For those favoring creature strategies, including creatures with protection from red or that can “fight” to deal damage based on their power, like Thorn Mammoth, can keep the skies clear.
Lastly, don’t overlook the importance of board wipes like Day of Judgment or Wrath of God that can reset the board, no matter how menacing the dragons in play might be. By incorporating these tactics into your game plan, you can extinguish the fiery threat of the Crimson Hellkite and soar towards victory.
Cards like Crimson Hellkite
In the realm of high-impact flying creatures within Magic: The Gathering, Crimson Hellkite stands out with its formidable 6/6 body and ability to inflict targeted damage. This dragon matches up with Shivan Dragon, another iconic fire-breathing flyer. Shivan Dragon allows for a flexible investment of mana to increase its power, potentially yielding higher damage output, but lacks Crimson Hellkite’s precision for direct damage.
Comparatively, Ryusei, the Falling Star offers a different approach. Upon death, it deals damage to all creatures without flying, positioning itself as a game-changer in battles against ground forces. Unlike the targeted ability of Crimson Hellkite, Ryusei affects the entire board and can shift the tides in your favor posthumously. It’s also worth noting that Balefire Dragon could be seen as a parallel to Crimson Hellkite, dealing damage to each creature your opponent controls equal to the damage it deals to the player. This can be similar to a sweeping effect post-combat, though limited by the need to connect with a player.
When analyzing their abilities and impacts on the board, Crimson Hellkite presents a unique blend of size, aerial presence, and controlled destruction that marks its identity among Magic: The Gathering’s dragon cards.
Cards similar to Crimson Hellkite by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Crimson Hellkite MTG card by a specific set like Mirage and Classic Sixth Edition, 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 Crimson Hellkite and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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 Magic products
Printings
The Crimson Hellkite Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1996-10-08 and 2001-04-11. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Release | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1996-10-08 | Mirage | MIR | 167 | 1997 | normal | black | Gerry Grace | |
| 2 | 1999-04-21 | Classic Sixth Edition | 6ED | 172 | 1997 | normal | white | Gerry Grace | |
| 3 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 178 | 1997 | normal | white | Carl Critchlow | |
| 4 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 178★ | 1997 | normal | black | Carl Critchlow |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Crimson Hellkite has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
