Ancient Hellkite MTG Card


Ancient Hellkite’s damage distribution disrupts opponents, creating a dominating board state. Its mana cost can be steep but impactful when aligned with dragon-themed decks. Comparatively, it offers more flexible control strategies than similar MTG cards.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost7
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Dragon
Abilities Flying
Power 6
Toughness 6

Text of card

Flying : Ancient Hellkite deals 1 damage to target creature defending player controls. Activate this ability only if Ancient Hellkite is attacking.

When a dragon attacks, there are no bystanders.


Cards like Ancient Hellkite

Ancient Hellkite stands as a formidable creature within the MTG dragon arsenal. When placed side by side with cards like Thunder Dragon, the Ancient Hellkite offers a distinct advantage with its ability to deal damage divided as you choose among any number of target creatures, players, or planeswalkers. In contrast, Thunder Dragon implements a compulsory and evenly split damage across all creatures your opponents control upon entry.

Diving into another draconic counterpart, we meet the Furyborn Hellkite. While requiring a player to have taken damage to reach its full potential, the Furyborn Hellkite scales in power and toughness. Ancient Hellkite drops such conditional boosts for consistent strength and a potent targeted damage ability. On a different note, Lathliss, Dragon Queen, although unable to directly sling damage, compensates by producing 5/5 Dragon creature tokens, potentially offering a broader presence on the battlefield.

Ultimately, Ancient Hellkite is a solid choice for players seeking direct and flexible control over their offensive tactics. Its built-in damage spreading capability can create key strategic advantages against a variety of creature-based boards, crowning it a valuable asset in dragon-themed MTG decks.

Thunder Dragon - MTG Card versions
Furyborn Hellkite - MTG Card versions
Lathliss, Dragon Queen - MTG Card versions
Thunder Dragon - MTG Card versions
Furyborn Hellkite - MTG Card versions
Lathliss, Dragon Queen - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Ancient Hellkite by color, type and mana cost

Magma Giant - MTG Card versions
Trained Orgg - MTG Card versions
Thunder Dragon - MTG Card versions
Velican Dragon - MTG Card versions
Crazed Firecat - MTG Card versions
Yidaro, Wandering Monster - MTG Card versions
Butcher Orgg - MTG Card versions
Goblin Dynamo - MTG Card versions
Ashen Monstrosity - MTG Card versions
Rimescale Dragon - MTG Card versions
Hamletback Goliath - MTG Card versions
Boldwyr Intimidator - MTG Card versions
Shivan Hellkite - MTG Card versions
Knollspine Dragon - MTG Card versions
Karplusan Giant - MTG Card versions
Ridge Rannet - MTG Card versions
Tyrant of Discord - MTG Card versions
Minotaur Aggressor - MTG Card versions
Molten Primordial - MTG Card versions
Spawn of Thraxes - MTG Card versions
Magma Giant - MTG Card versions
Trained Orgg - MTG Card versions
Thunder Dragon - MTG Card versions
Velican Dragon - MTG Card versions
Crazed Firecat - MTG Card versions
Yidaro, Wandering Monster - MTG Card versions
Butcher Orgg - MTG Card versions
Goblin Dynamo - MTG Card versions
Ashen Monstrosity - MTG Card versions
Rimescale Dragon - MTG Card versions
Hamletback Goliath - MTG Card versions
Boldwyr Intimidator - MTG Card versions
Shivan Hellkite - MTG Card versions
Knollspine Dragon - MTG Card versions
Karplusan Giant - MTG Card versions
Ridge Rannet - MTG Card versions
Tyrant of Discord - MTG Card versions
Minotaur Aggressor - MTG Card versions
Molten Primordial - MTG Card versions
Spawn of Thraxes - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Ancient Hellkite doesn’t itself draw cards, its ability to deal damage divided as you choose among any number of target creatures can effectively remove multiple creatures your opponents control in one swoop, helping you maintain superiority on the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: This might not directly accelerate your resources, but by maintaining board control and eliminating your opponent’s threats without having to use multiple cards, Ancient Hellkite potentially saves the resources you might have spent on several removal spells.

Instant Speed: Although Ancient Hellkite’s abilities work at sorcery speed, its mere presence can shift the dynamic of the game. Opponents must always consider the potential damage it can do during your turn, which can make them hesitate to commit resources or attack, essentially giving you an advantage at all times.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Ancient Hellkite requires no discard to play. This makes the card straightforward to cast provided the mana is available, enhancing its playability within dragon-centric or red-focused decks.

Specific Mana Cost: Sporting a specific mana cost requiring three red, the Ancient Hellkite may present a challenging inclusion for multicolored decks. Decks that can’t reliably produce sufficient red mana might find this card sitting idle in hand.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing a total of seven mana, the Ancient Hellkite comes with a hefty mana commitment. This can slow down its deployment, especially when compared to other dragons or impactful cards with lower mana investments. Strategic planning is essential to ensure it can hit the battlefield at an opportune time without sacrificing tempo.


Reasons to Include Ancient Hellkite in Your Collection

Versatility: Ancient Hellkite slides smoothly into dragon-themed decks as well as any red-based build favoring high-impact flyers. Its ability to deal damage across multiple creatures or directly to opponents gives it a flexible role on the battlefield.

Combo Potential: With its firebreathing ability allowing for damage distribution, this dragon pairs well with strategies that unfurl around dealing damage, triggering ‘whenever a creature is dealt damage’ effects, and synergizing with red’s numerous direct damage amplifiers.

Meta-Relevance: As creature-focused decks ebb and flow in popularity, the Ancient Hellkite holds its ground as a potent threat. In environments where the skies are less contested, it can dominate as a top-end finisher, making it a worthy consideration for any meta that accommodates aggressive strategies with a high curve.


How to beat

Ancient Hellkite presents a towering presence on the battlefield of Magic: The Gathering, boasting a significant power level that can overwhelm opponents with its flying ability and sheer size. It stands out from other creatures due to its formidable ability to deal damage directly to a player or creature without even engaging in combat, making it a considerable threat that demands attention.

To counter this daunting foe, it’s wise to employ removal spells that can bypass its defenses. Cards like Doom Blade or Murder can effectively eliminate Ancient Hellkite before it has the chance to unleash its fiery wrath. In addition, enchantments that pacify or otherwise neutralize its abilities, such as Pacifism or Arrest, could significantly reduce its impact on the game. Control decks might consider countering it upon cast with spells like Counterspell, ensuring it never touches the field. Lastly, in a pinch, chump blocking with smaller creatures could buy valuable time to draw into the appropriate removal or control elements needed to deal with this powerful dragon. By staying one step ahead and keeping suitable answers in hand, players can ensure that Ancient Hellkite doesn’t dominate the game.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ancient Hellkite MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Magic 2011, 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 Ancient Hellkite and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Ancient Hellkite Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2010-07-16 and 2022-10-14. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 375942003NormalBlackWayne Reynolds
22010-07-16Magic 2011M11 1222003NormalBlackJason Chan
32022-10-14Game Night: Free-for-AllGN3 682015NormalBlackJason Chan

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Ancient Hellkite has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2010-08-15 After Ancient Hellkite is declared as an attacker, or is put onto the battlefield attacking, its second ability may be activated. Unless Ancient Hellkite leaves combat, it continues to be attacking (so its ability may still be activated) through the end of combat step.