Hero of Bladehold MTG Card


Generates creature tokens, increasing your army and applying pressure with each attack. Offers ‘battlefield acceleration,’ boosting board presence without additional mana cost. Mimics instant effects by dramatically transforming the battlefield upon attacking.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityMythic
TypeCreature — Human Knight
Abilities Battle Cry
Power 3
Toughness 4

Text of card

Battle cry (Whenever this creature attacks, each other attacking creature gets +1/+0 until end of turn.) Whenever Hero of Bladehold attacks, put two 1/1 white Soldier creature tokens onto the battlefield tapped and attacking.


Cards like Hero of Bladehold

Hero of Bladehold is a formidable force among creature cards in Magic: The Gathering, standing out with its ability to provide an army-in-a-card solution. It finds a kindred spirit in Brimaz, King of Oreskos, which also generates tokens upon attacking. Nonetheless, Hero of Bladehold’s power lies in generating two tokens and ramping up the power of all attacking creatures, whereas Brimaz only produces one token without the additional battle cry boost.

Another comparable card to Hero of Bladehold is Hanweir Garrison. This creature, upon attacking, musters two 1/1 human tokens that are tapped and attacking, similar to Hero of Bladehold’s ability. Despite the similarity, Hero of Bladehold’s battle cry effect still gives it a tactical edge in amplifying the overall damage potential. Siege-Gang Commander can also be viewed through a similar lens; it rains down a trio of 1/1 tokens when it comes into play, yet lacks the recursive token generation and buffing that comes with Hero of Bladehold on the offense.

In essence, while there are other cards in Magic: The Gathering that echo elements of Hero of Bladehold’s token generating capabilities, this MTG card distinguishes itself with its unique blend of aggressive token generation and force amplification, showcasing its value in strategies bent on swarming opponents with a surging battalion.

Brimaz, King of Oreskos - MTG Card versions
Siege-Gang Commander - MTG Card versions
Brimaz, King of Oreskos - MTG Card versions
Siege-Gang Commander - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Hero of Bladehold by color, type and mana cost

Northern Paladin - MTG Card versions
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Witch Hunter - MTG Card versions
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Mangara, the Diplomat - MTG Card versions
Akroma's Devoted - MTG Card versions
Aven Cloudchaser - MTG Card versions
Seht's Tiger - MTG Card versions
Valor - MTG Card versions
Guardian Seraph - MTG Card versions
Cho-Manno, Revolutionary - MTG Card versions
Mausoleum Guard - MTG Card versions
Galepowder Mage - MTG Card versions
Kor Cartographer - MTG Card versions
Sunspire Gatekeepers - MTG Card versions
Akroan Mastiff - MTG Card versions
Abzan Battle Priest - MTG Card versions
Northern Paladin - MTG Card versions
Moorish Cavalry - MTG Card versions
Witch Hunter - MTG Card versions
Carrier Pigeons - MTG Card versions
Tormented Angel - MTG Card versions
Seasoned Marshal - MTG Card versions
Coalition Honor Guard - MTG Card versions
Mangara, the Diplomat - MTG Card versions
Akroma's Devoted - MTG Card versions
Aven Cloudchaser - MTG Card versions
Seht's Tiger - MTG Card versions
Valor - MTG Card versions
Guardian Seraph - MTG Card versions
Cho-Manno, Revolutionary - MTG Card versions
Mausoleum Guard - MTG Card versions
Galepowder Mage - MTG Card versions
Kor Cartographer - MTG Card versions
Sunspire Gatekeepers - MTG Card versions
Akroan Mastiff - MTG Card versions
Abzan Battle Priest - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
DecklistDecklist Free formSet Roulette Feburary 2024
Orzhov's Forsaken KingOrzhov's Forsaken King Free formSet Roulette Feburary 2024
BW MidrangeBW Midrange Free formSet Roulette Feburary 2024

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Hero of Bladehold doesn’t directly allow you to draw more cards, but it more than compensates by generating additional creature tokens on the battlefield. Each attack not only pressures your opponent’s life total but also swells your army, effectively increasing the number of threats they must deal with and giving you a strategic upper hand.

Resource Acceleration: While this card doesn’t provide traditional mana acceleration, the Hero of Bladehold offers a type of ‘battlefield acceleration.’ As it attacks, it musters additional soldier tokens with its Battle Cry ability, rapidly escalating your board presence without needing further resource investment and allowing you to reserve mana for other strategic plays.

Instant Speed: Although Hero of Bladehold operates at sorcery speed as a creature, its innate ability to transform the battlefield instantly upon attacking can catch opponents off guard much like an instant-speed effect. The immediate impact of its tokens, compounded by the Battle Cry bonus, often mimics the sudden shift in balance that instant-speed spells can introduce to the game.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Hero of Bladehold doesn’t have a discard effect, players must be aware that keeping such a powerful creature in hand might compel them to discard other valuable cards if an opponent uses a Thoughtseize-like effect. This is indirectly a drawback for holding high-impact cards in hand.

Specific Mana Cost: Hero of Bladehold requires two white mana in its casting cost. This specificity can be restrictive, as it necessitates a strong white mana base, potentially limiting the card’s inclusion to mainly white or two-colored decks rather than a more varied multicolor deck.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing four mana, two of which are color-specific, Hero of Bladehold has a higher mana cost compared to other aggressive creatures. In fast-paced games, deploying it late can be less impactful, especially if the battlefield is already under your opponent’s control or if cheaper removal spells can easily answer it.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Hero of Bladehold is a flexible card that slots into a variety of white or multicolor decks. Its ability to create extra tokens while boosting your army makes it a powerful force in token strategies or any deck looking to generate a wide board presence quickly.

Combo Potential: With its Battle Cry ability, Hero of Bladehold escalates the power of your attacking creatures, potentially combining with other token-generating or pump effects for a devastating impact. This card can turn a modest board state into a threatening one.

Meta-Relevance: As a card that can apply pressure in both aggressive and midrange decks, Hero of Bladehold maintains relevance in diverse metagames. Its resilience and impact make it a worthy inclusion for anyone seeking to strengthen their white-based collection against various modern-day deck builds.


How to beat

The Hero of Bladehold is a formidable presence in MTG, often tipping the scales in favor of whoever wields this mighty card. Its ability to bolster your army and multiply attack potential can make it seem like an insurmountable obstacle. However, this warrior is not without its vulnerabilities.

To successfully navigate against the Hero of Bladehold, control strategies can be particularly effective. Removal spells that can target creatures regardless of size, such as Path to Exile or Doom Blade, can take the Hero off the board before its battle cry and token creation ability take effect. Additionally, counterspells like Mana Leak or Negate offer a preemptive solution by preventing the Hero from ever entering the battlefield.

Board wipes also serve as a powerful countermeasure. Cards like Wrath of God or Damnation can clear the field regardless of how many soldiers the Hero of Bladehold has summoned. It’s crucial to time these spells wisely, ideally sweeping the board just before the Hero’s tokens amass an overwhelming presence. By keeping these strategies in mind, MTG players can turn the tide against the Hero of Bladehold and maintain control over the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

If you’ve been inspired by the Hero of Bladehold’s potential to swing games and are keen to explore more of what MTG has to offer, you’re in the right place. Understanding how to leverage such powerhouses in your deck is key. Embrace the challenge and strategy involved in crafting a winning deck that employs the Hero’s strengths. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or new to the battlefield, there’s always something to learn. We encourage you to deepen your tactical knowledge and enhance your collection. Dive further into our insights and guides to make each match a display of skill and cunning.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Hero of Bladehold MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Magic Player Rewards 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 Hero of Bladehold and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Hero of Bladehold Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2011-02-04 and 2023-04-21. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 396462003NormalBlackScott Chou
22011-01-01Magic Player Rewards 2011P11 82003NormalBlackAustin Hsu
32011-02-04Mirrodin BesiegedMBS 82003NormalBlackAustin Hsu
42023-04-21March of the Machine CommanderMOC 1882015NormalBlackSteven Belledin

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Hero of Bladehold has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2011-06-01 Although the tokens are attacking, they never were declared as attacking creatures (for purposes of abilities that trigger whenever a creature attacks, for example).
2011-06-01 Whenever Hero of Bladehold attacks, both abilities will trigger. You can put them onto the stack in any order. If the token-creating ability resolves first, the tokens each get +1/+0 until end of turn from the battle cry ability.
2011-06-01 You choose which opponent or planeswalker an opponent controls that each token is attacking when it is put onto the battlefield.