Hungering Hydra MTG Card


Hungering Hydra amasses strength from conflict, becoming a powerhouse mere presence influences the game state. Requires strategic deck-building focusing on synergies and a stable green mana base to optimize effectiveness. Emerges as a mighty, versatile force that scales with the game, demanding respect from the moment it’s played.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Hydra
Power 0
Toughness 0

Text of card

Hungering Hydra enters the battlefield with X +1/+1 counters on it. Hungering Hydra can't be blocked by more than one creature. Whenever Hungering Hydra is dealt damage, put that many +1/+1 counters on it. (It must survive the damage to get the counters.)


Cards like Hungering Hydra

Hungering Hydra stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a unique creature card with a powerful growth mechanic. It bears some resemblance to other MTG creatures such as Managorger Hydra, which also gathers +1/+1 counters whenever a player casts a spell. Yet Hungering Hydra has the distinct ability to grow not just from casting spells, but from taking damage and surviving combat, a dynamic not shared by Managorger Hydra.

Another comparable beast is Primordial Hydra, known for doubling its counters each upkeep, potentially becoming a behemoth on the board. However, Hungering Hydra’s initial size is shaped by player investment through its X cost, providing immediate board presence and adaptability. Unlike Primordial Hydra, Hungering Hydra can become a massive threat right from the moment it hits the battlefield, albeit without the automatic counter doubling.

Hungering Hydra’s might in MTG lies in its versatility and the intimidation it brings to the playing field. Cards like Managorger Hydra and Primordial Hydra have their unique advantages, yet the flexibility and immediate impact of Hungering Hydra offer a distinct strategic edge in building an imposing creature that can shape the tide of the game from the moment it is played.

Managorger Hydra - MTG Card versions
Primordial Hydra - MTG Card versions
Managorger Hydra - MTG Card versions
Primordial Hydra - MTG Card versions

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Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
The RockmanThe Rockman Free formSet Roulette Feburary 2024

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Hungering Hydra has the potential to become a formidable creature on the battlefield, evolving and getting bigger with each encounter. This means the Hydra can end up as a massive threat, extracting more value the longer it remains in play, leading to a steady card advantage as opponents will often have to use more than one card to deal with it.

Resource Acceleration: While Hungering Hydra itself doesn’t directly contribute to resource acceleration, its sheer presence can deter opponents from attacking, indirectly helping protect your resources. Moreover, it can influence your opponent’s resource allocation, forcing them to deal with it instead of developing their own board.

Instant Speed: Although Hungering Hydra isn’t an instant-speed spell, its ability to grow when damaged means it works well alongside instant-speed tricks and buffs. By smartly timing your instant spells to boost its toughness when it’s dealt damage, you solidify your board presence and potentially clear the way of threats—all while growing your Hydra even further.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Despite its potential for growth, Hungering Hydra necessitates having other cards to synergize with it in order to maximize its effectiveness. Without support, it can be far less impactful, which might be seen as a form of indirect discard requirement, needing players to have specific cards in hand or on the field to make the most of it.

Specific Mana Cost: Hungering Hydra demands green mana exclusively, which might restrict deck-building options. Those looking to include it in multicolor decks need to ensure a reliable green mana base, potentially complicating the mana curve and limiting its universality.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The initial investment of at least two green mana can be steep for early-game strategies. While the Hydra can become a powerhouse, in the fast-paced atmosphere of modern gameplay, the cost to get it on the board and ensure it thrives may be higher than other creatures that offer immediate value or have built-in protection.


Reasons to Include Hungering Hydra in Your Collection

Versatility: Hungering Hydra is a dynamic card that can serve multiple roles within your deck. Its scale of growth means it thrives in both aggressive and defensive strategies, adapting to your in-game needs.

Combo Potential: With its ability to gain +1/+1 counters each time it is dealt damage, Hungering Hydra pairs well with cards that permit or encourage damage to your creatures for beneficial effects, creating opportunities for powerful synergies.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-based strategies are prevalent, Hungering Hydra can be a formidable threat that becomes increasingly difficult to deal with, scaling in power as the game progresses and potentially overwhelming opponents.


How to beat

Hungering Hydra is a dynamic creature card that can quickly become a substantial threat on the battlefield. Its ability to grow with each bout of damage makes it a looming target that requires strategic planning to overcome. Effective removal spells or tactics should be considered when facing this particular hydra. Cards with ‘exile’ effects or that can impose -X/-X penalties, like Fatal Push or Settle the Wreckage, are adept at managing the Hydra without triggering its growth ability. Board wipes can also prove efficient, as long as they remove the Hydra without dealing damage. It’s essential to remember not to engage the Hydra in combat unless you can ensure its complete removal—otherwise, it’ll only come back stronger. Utilizing these strategies can help tilt the scales in your favor against Hungering Hydra.


BurnMana Recommendations

Capitalize on the strengths of Hungering Hydra to turn the tides in tumultuous MTG matches. As a creature that embodies resilience and adaptability, it can be the lynchpin of an infallible strategy, flourishing under pressure on the battlefield. Whether you opt for a synergistic approach that amplifies its growth potential or integrate it into a green mana-driven deck built for endurance, the Hydra awaits to unleash its might. We encourage MTG aficionados to seek out this versatile card, complement it with the right mix of supporting spells, and watch as it becomes an indomitable force. Dive deeper with us and explore the myriad ways you can engineer your deck for dominance with Hungering Hydra. Embrace the challenge, advance your collection, and shape your path to victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Hungering Hydra MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2019 and Core Set 2019 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 Hungering Hydra and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Hungering Hydra Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2018-07-13 and 2020-04-17. Illustrated by Daarken.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12018-07-13Core Set 2019M19 1892015NormalBlackDaarken
22018-07-13Core Set 2019 PromosPM19 189s2015NormalBlackDaarken
32020-04-17Commander 2020C20 1772015NormalBlackDaarken

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Hungering Hydra has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal