Hornet NestHow it works & interactions with other cards

The Sting of Defense

Hornet Nest has Defender, meaning it cannot be declared as an attacker. Its primary function is its triggered ability: whenever it is dealt damage, you create a number of 1/1 green Insect creature tokens with flying and deathtouch equal to the amount of damage dealt. Because deathtouch allows even a 1/1 to destroy any creature it damages, these tokens provide an incredibly potent deterrent against future attacks.

Damage and Resolution

The ability triggers the moment damage is dealt. Crucially, the ability triggers even if the damage is lethal. If Hornet Nest has 2 toughness and takes 5 damage, it will be moved to the graveyard as a state-based action, but the ability will still resolve and provide you with five tokens. The amount of tokens created is always equal to the total damage marked on the creature, not just damage up to its toughness.

Strategic Implementation

To maximize Hornet Nest, you want to encourage your opponent to deal as much damage to it as possible, or find ways to damage it yourself. It is most effective against 'stompy' decks that rely on large ground creatures. Since the resulting tokens have flying, they can bypass ground blockers to finish off an opponent or hold the sky against incoming threats.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is forgetting that damage that is prevented does not trigger the ability. If Hornet Nest is protected by a damage prevention effect, you will not get any tokens. Additionally, effects that say a creature is 'destroyed' without dealing damage (such as 'destroy target creature') will not trigger Hornet Nest at all.

Interaction examples

Holding the Line

Solemn Simulacrum

If your opponent attacks with Solemn Simulacrum and you block with Hornet Nest, the Golem deals 2 damage to the Nest. Hornet Nest's ability triggers, and you create two 1/1 Insect tokens with flying and deathtouch. Both creatures remain on the battlefield since the Nest has 2 toughness and the Golem has 2 power.

Dealing with Lethal Damage

Insect

If an opponent casts a spell that deals 5 damage to Hornet Nest, the Nest is destroyed and put into the graveyard. However, the trigger still goes on the stack. When it resolves, you create five 1/1 Insect tokens, even though the Nest is no longer on the battlefield.

Non-Combat Interaction

Sakura-Tribe Elder

If you use an effect to make Sakura-Tribe Elder deal 1 damage to your own Hornet Nest, you will create one 1/1 Insect token. Note that simply sacrificing Sakura-Tribe Elder does not deal damage, so you must use a separate effect to cause the damage interaction.