Hydra OmnivoreHow it works & interactions with other cards

Unpacking the Hydra's Strike

Hydra Omnivore features a triggered ability that triggers specifically when it deals combat damage to an opponent. Unlike most creatures that hit one person at a time, this Hydra replicates that damage across every other opponent you have. If you are in a four-player game and hit one player for 8 damage, the other two opponents will also take 8 damage each. This makes it a high-priority threat that demands an answer before it can swing.

Resolution Step-by-Step

First, Hydra Omnivore must deal combat damage to an opponent during the combat damage step. Once that damage is dealt, the triggered ability is placed on the stack. When the ability resolves, it checks how much damage was actually dealt to the original opponent. It then deals that exact amount of damage to every other opponent. Importantly, the secondary damage is not considered combat damage; it is effect-based damage dealt by the creature.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is assuming the secondary damage will trigger 'whenever a creature deals combat damage' abilities. Because the damage dealt to the 'other' opponents is not combat damage, it won't trigger Hydra Omnivore again, preventing an infinite loop. Additionally, if the combat damage is prevented or reduced to 0, the ability will not trigger because no combat damage was actually dealt.

Strategic Timing

Hydra Omnivore is best played when you have a clear path to the opponent with the weakest defenses. You do not need to attack the player with the most life; you only need to hit the player most likely to let the damage through. By targeting the vulnerable player, you effectively bypass the blockers of every other player at the table.

Interaction examples

Bypassing the Plant Wall

Avenger of Zendikar

Suppose Opponent A has cast Avenger of Zendikar and has a massive wall of Plant tokens, while Opponent B has no creatures. You attack Opponent B with Hydra Omnivore. When the Hydra deals 8 combat damage to Opponent B, its ability triggers. Even though Opponent A has a formidable defense, they will still take 8 damage directly from the Hydra's ability, as the ability does not care about their blockers.

The Untap Engine

Seedborn Muse

With Seedborn Muse on the battlefield alongside Hydra Omnivore, you ensure your mana and Hydra remain ready for defense after your aggressive turn. If you use a spell to give your Hydra vigilance or an extra combat phase, Seedborn Muse ensures you have the resources to protect your Hydra between turns so it can continue triggering its global damage ability every time your combat phase rolls around.

Single Target, Multiple Victims

In a standard game, you attack an opponent who has no blockers. Hydra Omnivore deals 8 combat damage. The trigger goes on the stack, and upon resolution, every other opponent in the game is dealt 8 damage simultaneously. This effectively triples the Hydra's damage output in a four-player game.