Deranged Hermit MTG Card


Four Squirrel tokens on entry position Deranged Hermit as a significant provider of card advantage and board presence. Strategic echo cost payment gives players flexibility to optimize mana utilization and surprise gameplay tactics. Enticing combo and synergy potential make it an enticing addition for decks focusing on creature-based strategies.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Elf
Abilities Echo
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

Echo (During your next upkeep after this permanent comes under your control, pay its casting cost or sacrifice it.) When Deranged Hermit comes into play, put four Squirrel tokens into play. Treat these tokens as 1/1 green creatures. All Squirrels get +1/+1.


Cards like Deranged Hermit

Deranged Hermit’s influence in MTG is undeniable, especially when it comes to generating creature tokens. Similar in effect to cards like Ant Queen, the Hermit boasts the ability to significantly bolster the board with Squirrel tokens. Ant Queen requires an investment of mana for each individual insect token, whereas Deranged Hermit delivers a swarm of tokens upon entry and boosts them with its echo ability.

Another card akin to Deranged Hermit is Avenger of Zendikar, which deposits a plant token onto the battlefield for each land you control. While this can result in a more substantial number of tokens compared to Deranged Hermit, it lacks the same immediate board presence and does not offer a buff to the tokens.

Exploring the balance of cost, token generation, and board impact, Deranged Hermit stands out within MTG’s token archetype. Its combination of a one-time token generation and the secondary effect of empowering those tokens presents a powerful play for those looking to build a formidable army of creatures.

Ant Queen - MTG Card versions
Avenger of Zendikar - MTG Card versions
Ant Queen - MTG Card versions
Avenger of Zendikar - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Deranged Hermit by color, type and mana cost

Thicket Basilisk - MTG Card versions
Cockatrice - MTG Card versions
Ironroot Treefolk - MTG Card versions
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Kavu Chameleon - MTG Card versions
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Primeval Force - MTG Card versions
Spitting Spider - MTG Card versions
Moss Monster - MTG Card versions
Thicket Basilisk - MTG Card versions
Cockatrice - MTG Card versions
Ironroot Treefolk - MTG Card versions
Elvish Bard - MTG Card versions
Durkwood Boars - MTG Card versions
Elven Riders - MTG Card versions
Redwood Treefolk - MTG Card versions
Spined Wurm - MTG Card versions
Rabid Wolverines - MTG Card versions
Deadly Insect - MTG Card versions
Vintara Elephant - MTG Card versions
Crashing Boars - MTG Card versions
Kavu Climber - MTG Card versions
Kavu Chameleon - MTG Card versions
Spring-Leaf Avenger - MTG Card versions
Okina Nightwatch - MTG Card versions
Consuming Blob - MTG Card versions
Primeval Force - MTG Card versions
Spitting Spider - MTG Card versions
Moss Monster - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Deranged Hermit. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
The RockThe Rock PremodernEternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent
ElvesElves PremodernEternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent
Tradewind SurvivalTradewind Survival PremodernMisty Premodern Winter Finals
GolgariGolgari Free formMiddle School World Championships
Golgari MidrangeGolgari Midrange PremodernEternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent
Welder SurvivalWelder Survival PremodernEternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Once Deranged Hermit hits the battlefield, it brings with it four Squirrel tokens, offering substantial card advantage with the potential to overwhelm your opponent with multiple creatures from a single card.

Resource Acceleration: If the generated Squirrel tokens survive, they can be utilized as a resource for various in-game mechanics, such as sacrificing for additional mana, enhancing other area-of-effect spells, or simply providing a formidable presence that opponents must address.

Instant Speed: Though Deranged Hermit itself does not function at instant speed, its Echo cost gives players a degree of strategic leeway. Players may choose to let the Hermit go to the graveyard during their next upkeep to free up mana for instant speed interactions or other crucial surprise plays.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Deranged Hermit doesn’t directly require discarding, the echo cost is basically a discard in the next turn, demanding a significant payment to keep this creature on the battlefield.

Specific Mana Cost: Deranged Hermit requires a commitment to green mana, with four green symbols in its cost. This heavy color weight makes it challenging to play in multicolor decks that are not heavily green.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of five mana including four green, Deranged Hermit can be taxing on your mana resources, especially when considering the additional echo cost that comes into play in the following turn.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Deranged Hermit, a classic from the Urza’s Legacy set, offers a dynamic edge to token strategies. It’s not just a single card, but a potential army in a can, slotting into decks that capitalize on creature synergies and buffs.

Combo Potential: With the ability to create four Squirrel tokens upon entry and boost them with its echo ability, Deranged Hermit pairs excellently with effects that capitalize on creature count, such as “Coat of Arms” or “Earthcraft”.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where board presence is key, this card provides immediate impact. Its relevance grows as it interacts with popular commander staples that revolve around token generation and sacrifice mechanics.


How to beat

Deranged Hermit is a notorious card in MTG known for its ability to rapidly populate the board with Squirrel tokens. This creature card can easily shift the momentum of the game in your opponent’s favor, making it a critical target for removal. Combatting Deranged Hermit involves being proactive in managing the board. A solid strategy is to use sweepers or mass removal spells before the Squirrel army becomes overwhelming. Cards like Wrath of God or Supreme Verdict can clear out the tokens and the Hermit in one fell swoop, even if it has already echoed.

Targeted removal is also effective against Deranged Hermit before the echo cost is paid. Swift Response, Fatal Push, or Path to Exile can be valuable here. Another tactic includes countering it before it hits the battlefield. Counterspell and Negate serve as perfect barriers to prevent the Hermit from resolving. Lastly, preventing its echo cost from being paid through taxing effects or resource denial, with spells like Thalia, Guardian of Thraben or land destruction, can be an indirect yet resourceful approach to handle this mighty MTG card.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the subtleties of Deranged Hermit in your MTG strategy is crucial for maximizing its potential. A swift board presence or a demanding echo cost, the Hermit presents diverse gameplay avenues. Whether you harness the full power of the four Squirrel tokens or leverage the Hermit’s synergies in a dedicated token deck, remember to consider the trade-offs and prepare for the mana commitments. For those inclined towards token tactics or looking for that unique old-school edge, Deranged Hermit warrants attention. Keen to integrate this card’s dynamic into your arsenal? Explore with us, enhance your collection, and refine your approach to conquer the battlefield. Join BurnMana and discover how Deranged Hermit can elevate your game.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Deranged Hermit MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Legacy and Magic Online Promos, 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 Deranged Hermit and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Deranged Hermit Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 1999-02-15 and 2014-06-16. Illustrated by Kev Walker.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11999-02-15Urza's LegacyULG 1011997NormalBlackKev Walker
22002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 361322003NormalBlackKev Walker
32004-01-01Judge Gift Cards 2004G04 52003NormalBlackKev Walker
42014-06-16Vintage MastersVMA 2022015NormalBlackKev Walker

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Deranged Hermit has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2004-10-04 The Squirrel tokens get the bonus, so they are effectively 2/2 creatures until the Hermit leaves the battlefield. And they get bigger if multiple Hermits are on the battlefield.