Hellkite Courser MTG Card


Hellkite Courser offers card advantage by quickly summoning high-cost dragons onto the battlefield. It demands specific mana types, making it less flexible for non-red-centric decks. Potent in combos, especially in Commander format, to catch opponents off-guard.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityMythic
TypeCreature — Dragon
Abilities Flying
Power 6
Toughness 5

Text of card

Flying When Hellkite Courser enters the battlefield, you may put a commander you own from the command zone onto the battlefield. It gains haste. Return it to the command zone at the beginning of the next end step.


Cards like Hellkite Courser

Hellkite Courser has made its presence felt within the pantheon of MTG’s creature cards. It is often compared to another formidable dragon in the Magic universe, Dragonlord Dromoka. Both creatures exert considerable influence on the battlefield, but Hellkite Courser’s unique ability to cheat a commander onto the field from the command zone without paying the mana cost gives it a distinct tactical edge. Dragonlord Dromoka, lacking this effect, instead offers a stance where your opponents can’t cast spells during your turn, safeguarding your strategies.

Delving into the red creature realm reveals Ilharg, the Raze-Boar, which shares the surprise element of Hellkite Courser. Ilharg allows for a powerful creature to be put onto the battlefield attacking directly. However, it returns that creature to your hand at the beginning of the next end step, a contrast to Hellkite Courser’s ability to leave the commander on the field. This makes Hellkite Courser potent during critical turns, potentially securing game-winning advantages.

In evaluating each card, it’s apparent that Hellkite Courser’s niche—immediate impact and commander synergy—offers a compelling choice for MTG deck builders seeking a shift in battlefield dynamics and a quick advancement of their strategy.

Dragonlord Dromoka - MTG Card versions
Ilharg, the Raze-Boar - MTG Card versions
Dragonlord Dromoka - MTG Card versions
Ilharg, the Raze-Boar - MTG Card versions

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

Shivan Dragon - MTG Card versions
Firestorm Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Crater Hellion - MTG Card versions
Callous Giant - MTG Card versions
Bloodshot Cyclops - MTG Card versions
Worldgorger Dragon - MTG Card versions
Two-Headed Dragon - MTG Card versions
Ronin Cavekeeper - MTG Card versions
Oni of Wild Places - MTG Card versions
Thundermare - MTG Card versions
Pardic Dragon - MTG Card versions
Tectonic Fiend - MTG Card versions
Etali, Primal Storm - MTG Card versions
Kamahl, Pit Fighter - MTG Card versions
Sunrise Sovereign - MTG Card versions
Lu Bu, Master-at-Arms - MTG Card versions
Bogardan Rager - MTG Card versions
Chartooth Cougar - MTG Card versions
Inferno Titan - MTG Card versions
Greater Stone Spirit - MTG Card versions
Shivan Dragon - MTG Card versions
Firestorm Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Crater Hellion - MTG Card versions
Callous Giant - MTG Card versions
Bloodshot Cyclops - MTG Card versions
Worldgorger Dragon - MTG Card versions
Two-Headed Dragon - MTG Card versions
Ronin Cavekeeper - MTG Card versions
Oni of Wild Places - MTG Card versions
Thundermare - MTG Card versions
Pardic Dragon - MTG Card versions
Tectonic Fiend - MTG Card versions
Etali, Primal Storm - MTG Card versions
Kamahl, Pit Fighter - MTG Card versions
Sunrise Sovereign - MTG Card versions
Lu Bu, Master-at-Arms - MTG Card versions
Bogardan Rager - MTG Card versions
Chartooth Cougar - MTG Card versions
Inferno Titan - MTG Card versions
Greater Stone Spirit - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Hellkite Courser provides a unique form of card advantage by effectively putting a high-cost dragon from your command zone onto the battlefield, saving you casting costs and circumventing any commander tax.

Resource Acceleration: The immediate presence of a formidable dragon can significantly accelerate your damage output, tipping the resource balance in your favor. This acceleration can be decisive, especially when your opponent is unprepared for such a quick escalation.

Instant Speed: Although Hellkite Courser cannot be cast at instant speed, its effect mimics that immediacy by allowing a swift and potentially game-changing play as soon as it hits the battlefield, ready to capitalize on any opening your opponent leaves. This promotes a dynamic and assertive strategy.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Hellkite Courser does not have a discard requirement, its specific mana cost could demand difficult deck adjustments or lead to a potential tempo loss in early game scenarios, where maintaining card advantage is vital to keep pace with the opponent.

Specific Mana Cost: Hellkite Courser requires a significant red mana investment, to be specific, six mana including four that must be red. This makes it a less flexible option for decks that are not heavily red-centric or those that operate on a tight mana curve.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of six mana, Hellkite Courser sits at the higher end of the mana curve. This could potentially delay your game plan against faster, more aggressive decks that capitalize on quickly overwhelming the board before you can deploy your higher-cost creatures.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Hellkite Courser has a flexible role in decks that focus on cheats and large, impactful creatures. It can quickly escalate the pace of the game by deploying powerful dragons or other big threats without the need for significant mana investment.

Combo Potential: This card shines in combos, particularly in Commander where it can partner with high-cost legendary creatures. It can bring a commander into play unexpectedly, providing a surprise factor and an immediate board impact.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where speed can be of the essence, Hellkite Courser’s ability to bypass conventional casting requirements can be a game-changer. Its immediate value and pressure can align well with aggressive strategies that aim to outpace control decks or disrupt combo-oriented opponents.


How to beat

Hellkite Courser is a formidable creature card that can swing the tide of a game in Magic: The Gathering by bringing a powerful dragon commander into play prematurely. With such a sudden boost to an opponent’s battlefield, it poses a unique challenge that requires a strategic approach to overcome.

To beat this threat, removal spells are your first line of defense. Instant-speed removal like Path to Exile or Assassin’s Trophy can dispatch the Courser before the combat phase, ensuring that the opponent’s commander doesn’t unleash its full potential. Additionally, countering it with spells such as Dovin’s Veto or Negate can prevent the Courser from hitting the field altogether.

Further, board wipes like Supreme Verdict or Damnation can reset the board state after the Courser summons the commander, mitigating the damage done. Also, exile effects bypass indestructibility, providing another effective countermeasure. Temporal manipulation through cards like Time Warp allows players to gain extra turns, potentially outpacing the advantage gained from Hellkite Courser’s ability.

In summary, while Hellkite Courser can be a game-changing card, a well-prepared deck with a mix of removal, counterspells, board wipes, and time magic can navigate the challenge and secure victory against this formidable MTG card.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dive into the strategic depths of MTG and witness the power of Hellkite Courser, a card that can swift shift the tides of play by bypassing mana and tax costs for your formidable dragons. Understanding its strengths and potential pitfalls is key in optimizing your deck’s performance. For the earnest MTG player, every card like Hellkite Courser is a new chapter in their journey, filled with opportunities to outmaneuver rivals and advance their play. We encourage you to continuously seek out such game-changers and strategic tweaks. Let your curiosity lead you deeper into the MTG realm with us by your side, expanding your arsenal and refining your skills for that ultimate victorious match.


Where to buy

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

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Printings

The Hellkite Courser Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2020-11-20 and 2020-11-20. Illustrated by Caio Monteiro.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 859962015NormalBlackCaio Monteiro
22020-11-20Commander LegendsCMR 6662015NormalBlackCaio Monteiro
32020-11-20Commander LegendsCMR 1832015NormalBlackCaio Monteiro

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Hellkite Courser has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2020-11-10 Putting your commander onto the battlefield this way isn't the same as casting that commander. The "commander tax" won't increase.
2020-11-10 You'll return the commander to the command zone only if it's still on the battlefield as the delayed triggered ability resolves. If it's in another zone, it will stay where it is.