Kalonian Hydra MTG Card


Unleashes a multiplying force on itself and others, enhancing +1/+1 counter strategies significantly. Commands the game’s pace indirectly, accelerating threat levels with each attack phase. Demands precise mana but can be challenged by its higher cost and restrictive color demands.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityMythic
TypeCreature — Hydra
Abilities Trample
Power 0
Toughness 0

Text of card

TrampleKalonian Hydra enters the battlefield with four +1/+1 counters on it. Whenever Kalonian Hydra attacks, double the number of +1/+1 counters on each creature you control.

Even baloths fear its feeding time.


Cards like Kalonian Hydra

Kalonian Hydra is a powerhouse in the MTG creature lineup, known for its ability to exponentially grow its power and toughness. It shares the battlefield with other formidable creatures like Primordial Hydra, which also thrives on doubling counters, yet starts off smaller and scales up each turn. In comparison, Kalonian Hydra makes an immediate impact with its entry, coming in strong and ready to double up with each attack.

Another comparable force of nature is Managorger Hydra, which grows incrementally with each spell cast, a steady and less burst-dependent growth that can be equally unstoppable over time. The verdant behemoth that is Kalonian Hydra, however, boasts trample, overpowering small blockers unlike Managorger’s more vulnerable stature.

When evaluating similar cards, the Kalonian Hydra stands out with its blend of immediate board presence and aggressive growth potential. This makes it a favored choice among players looking to dominate with monstrous creatures. Its blend of size, speed, and synergies with +1/+1 counter strategies ensures its top-tier position within MTG’s creature-heavy decks.

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

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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
Spring-Leaf Avenger - MTG Card versions
Primeval Force - MTG Card versions
Spitting Spider - MTG Card versions
Copperhoof Vorrac - MTG Card versions
Tel-Jilad Lifebreather - MTG Card versions
Llanowar Behemoth - MTG Card versions
Bramble Elemental - MTG Card versions
Indrik Stomphowler - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Kalonian Hydra is a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. Once it attacks, it doubles the number of +1/+1 counters on itself, rapidly escalating the threat level. Additionally, if you’re running a deck synergizing with +1/+1 counters, this Hydra can provide substantial boosts to other creatures, effectively multiplying the card’s impact across the board.

Resource Acceleration: In decks that focus on ramping, Kalonian Hydra accelerates your winning potential. Its exponential growth means each turn it remains in play, your offense scales significantly. Although it doesn’t directly produce mana or tokens, it can shorten the number of turns required to defeat an opponent, which is a powerful form of indirect acceleration.

Instant Speed: While the Hydra itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, it demands immediate answers from your opponents. Its presence on the battlefield forces reactions, potentially clearing the way for your other strategies and spells to be executed with less resistance, effectively giving you a reactive advantage over your opponent’s moves.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Kalonian Hydra doesn’t directly ask for a discard, its specific mana cost may force players to select and discard other cards to fulfill ramp requirements, thus reducing hand advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Kalonian Hydra demands a blend of green mana and colorless mana. This can make it challenging for multicolor decks to consistently cast it on curve.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing five mana with two of these being dedicated green mana, Kalonian Hydra is a significant investment in terms of resources. In fast-paced games or metas dominated by low-cost creatures, it may be too slow to have a decisive impact.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Kalonian Hydra is a dynamic card that can be included in various green-centric decks. Its ability to double the number of +1/+1 counters on itself and other creatures you control makes it a perfect fit for counter-heavy or evolve strategies.

Combo Potential: This Hydra has the potential to become exponentially powerful, synergizing with any strategy that multiplies counters. Imagine coupling it with cards like Hardened Scales to watch its impact grow rapidly, turning it into an overwhelming threat for your opponents.

Meta-Relevance: Its relevance in the meta can fluctuate, but with a strong presence in creature-based strategies, Kalonian Hydra holds its ground, especially in a meta with fewer instant-speed removals. Its ability to swing games when unchecked gives it a significant presence in matches that aim for mid to late game dominance.


How to beat

Kalonian Hydra is a powerhouse in MTG, known for doubling its +1/+1 counters every time it attacks, creating a snowball effect that can overwhelm opponents. It’s a fearsome creature that demands a swift response. When facing this card, removal is key. Instant-speed spells like Path to Exile or Fatal Push can take it out before it becomes unmanageable. Board wipes such as Supreme Verdict also serve as reliable answers as they bypass the Hydra’s growing size.

Controlling the battlefield is another strategy to handle Kalonian Hydra. Counterspells like Mana Leak can prevent it from hitting the table in the first place. Additionally, deathtouch creatures are excellent deterrents, ensuring that if the Hydra attacks, it will be a kamikaze move. Ensnaring Bridge can also lock it away, preventing attacks entirely if your hand is kept low.

The key to defeating Kalonian Hydra is recognizing it as a threat early and saving appropriate answers for it. Quick removal, consistent control, or setting up a block with deathtouch – these are your tools to prevent the Hydra from taking over the game. By staying vigilant and prepared, this monstrous creature can be held at bay.


BurnMana Recommendations

For MTG enthusiasts eager to strengthen their gameplay, Kalonian Hydra is a compelling addition to your deck lineup. Its formidable ability to double +1/+1 counters not only amplifies its own power but can turn the tide across the field, enhancing your entire squad. Incorporating this card into your strategy may require some finesse due to its higher mana cost and color specificity, but the rewards it reaps when played are unquestionably impactful. If you’re aiming to construct a deck that capitalizes on counter strategies or simply wish to intensify your offensive edge, consider this creature’s potential. Dive deeper with us, and uncover myriad ways to unleash the might of Kalonian Hydra in your next MTG showdown.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Kalonian Hydra MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2014 and Commander 2016, 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 Kalonian Hydra and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Kalonian Hydra Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2013-07-19 and 2023-04-21. Illustrated by Chris Rahn.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12013-07-19Magic 2014M14 1812003NormalBlackChris Rahn
22016-11-11Commander 2016C16 1542015NormalBlackChris Rahn
32018-06-08Commander Anthology Volume IICM2 1402015NormalBlackChris Rahn
42020-09-26The ListPLST M14-1812003NormalBlackChris Rahn
52023-04-21March of the Machine CommanderMOC 3052015NormalBlackChris Rahn

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Kalonian Hydra has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2013-07-01 To double the number of +1/+1 counters on a creature, determine how many +1/+1 counters are on the creature and put that many more on it. Effects that interact with counters (such as the one created by Corpsejack Menace's ability) may change the number of counters ultimately put on the creature.