In-hand effect
In-hand effects are card effects which are active while they are in the player's hand, rather than while in the battlefield. In-hand effects are notable for being exceptions to the general game rule that cards do not become active until played or otherwise put into play.
Most cards with in-hand effects have a variable mana cost that changes in response to game conditions, as with Molten Giant or Knight of the Wild. Other effects include increasing stats (as with Bolvar Fordragon or Blubber Baron), transforming into other cards (as with Shifter Zerus and Molten Blade), or directly causing an effect outside of the card itself (as with Cursed!).
Because mana cost modifications are lost upon being played, the consequences of most in-hand effects exist only while in the hand. Modifications made to the card itself other than mana cost tend to survive into the battlefield, although they will be lost if returned to the hand. Most in-hand effects are calculated on an ongoing basis, depending on certain events within the game; these provide their values regardless of when they were brought into the hand. Others activate at specific times, only recording the number of times the triggering event has taken place while they were in the hand.
In-hand effects are distinguished from on-draw effects, which activate when they are drawn from the deck, but not otherwise while they are in the player's hand. However, since on-draw effects must first be drawn into the player's hand in order to activate, they are in a sense in-hand effects.
Notes[edit | edit source]
- While some in-hand effects, like those of Frost Giant or Arcane Giant, appear to respond to events taking place while the card is still in the player's deck, the effect is in fact not triggered until the card enters the player's hand.[1]
Cards[edit | edit source]
Name / Desc | Rarity | Type | Subtype | Class | Cost | Atk | HP | Description | |||||||||||
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Dread Corsair | Common | Minion | Pirate | Any | 4 | 3 | 3 | Taunt. Costs (1) less per Attack of your weapon. "Yarrrr" is a pirate word that means "Greetings, milord." | |||||||||||
Blood Herald | Common | Minion | General | 5 | 1 | 1 | Whenever a friendly minion dies while this is in your hand, gain +1/+1. "Red Blood, it gives you wings." | ||||||||||||
Cutting Class | Common | Spell | 5 | Draw 2 cards. Costs (1) less per Attack of your weapon. When you actually are the sharpest tool in the shed | |||||||||||||||
Fel Guardians | Common | Spell | Demon Hunter | 7 | Summon three 1/2 Demons with Taunt. Costs (1) less whenever a friendly minion dies. What happened after the guardians tripped? They Fel. | ||||||||||||||
Aeroponics | Rare | Spell | Druid | 5 | Draw 2 cards. Costs (2) less for each Treant you control. Good seeds can go far. | ||||||||||||||
Bladed Lady | Rare | Minion | Demon | Demon Hunter | 6 | 6 | 6 | Rush Costs (1) if your hero has 6 or more Attack. While you were busy learning magic, she studied the blade. | |||||||||||
Umbral Owl | Rare | Minion | Beast | Druid | 7 | 4 | 4 | Rush Costs (1) less for each spell you've cast this game. It sleeps with one eye open. | |||||||||||
Mogu Fleshshaper | Rare | Minion | General | Shaman | 9 | 3 | 4 | Rush. Costs (1) less for each minion on the battlefield. He's here to shape *clap* you up! | |||||||||||
Ringmaster's Baton | Epic | Weapon | Warrior | 2 | 1 | 3 | After your hero attacks, give a Mech, Dragon, and Pirate in your hand +1/+1. A mech, a dragon, and a pirate walk into an Old God's gaping maw. The mech was too crunchy, the dragon was too hot, but the pirate was just right. | ||||||||||||
Anubisath Defender | Epic | Minion | General | Druid | 5 | 3 | 5 | Taunt. Costs (0) if you've cast a spell that costs (5) or more this turn. Also comes running when he hears a can opener. | |||||||||||
Malevolent Strike | Epic | Spell | Rogue | 5 | Destroy a minion. Costs (1) less for each card in your deck that didn't start there. "I don't know how those got in there, but I'm blaming you two." | ||||||||||||||
Tent Trasher | Epic | Minion | Dragon | Warrior | 5 | 5 | 5 | Rush. Costs (1) less for each friendly minion with a unique minion type. "I consider it redecorating." | |||||||||||
Flesh Giant | Epic | Minion | General | 8 | 8 | 8 | Costs 1 less for each time your hero's Health changed during your turns. "A BIG mistake." | ||||||||||||
Mana Giant | Epic | Minion | Elemental | Mage | 8 | 8 | 8 | Costs (1) less for each card you've played this game that didn't start in your deck. Spell more and save more with a GIANT discount! | |||||||||||
Jumbo Imp | Epic | Minion | Demon | Warlock | 10 | 8 | 8 | Costs (1) less whenever a friendly Demon dies while this is in your hand. Jumbo in size! Huge in E.V.I.L.! | |||||||||||
Sea Giant | Epic | Minion | General | Any | 10 | 8 | 8 | Costs (1) less for each other minion on the battlefield. See? Giant. | |||||||||||
Bandersmosh | Legendary | Minion | General | Shaman | 5 | 5 | 5 | Each turn this is in your hand, transform it into a 5/5 copy of a random Legendary minion. The Shudderwock finds him particularly frumious. | |||||||||||
Showing all 17 cards |
Wild format
This section contains information exclusive to Wild format.
Name / Desc | Rarity | Type | Subtype | Class | Cost | Atk | HP | Description | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cursed! | None | Spell | Warlock | 2 | While this is in your hand, take 2 damage at the start of your turn. | ||||||||||||||
Shifting Scroll | Common | Spell | Mage | Each turn this is in your hand, transform it into a random Mage spell. Next turn, this is going to be AMAZING. | |||||||||||||||
Dragon's Breath | Common | Spell | Mage | 5 | Deal 4 damage. Costs (1) less for each minion that died this turn. Dragons breathe fire, sure, but did you know they can also breathe Cotton Candy? It's harder to give them a reason to do that, though. | ||||||||||||||
Solemn Vigil | Common | Spell | Paladin | 5 | Draw 2 cards. Costs (1) less for each minion that died this turn. Each year, folk gather in front of Blackrock Mountain to mourn those who were mind-controlled into the lava. | ||||||||||||||
Nerubian Prophet | Common | Minion | General | Any | 6 | 4 | 4 | At the start of your turn, reduce this card's Cost by (1). It’s a self-reducing prophecy. | |||||||||||
Volcanic Drake | Common | Minion | Dragon | Any | 6 | 6 | 4 | Costs (1) less for each minion that died this turn. Volcanic Drakes breathe lava instead of fire. The antacid vendor at Thorium Point does a brisk business with them. | |||||||||||
Rabble Bouncer | Common | Minion | General | Any | 7 | 2 | 7 | Taunt Costs (1) less for each enemy minion. "Shirt? Shoes!? No service!" | |||||||||||
Molten Blade | Rare | Weapon | Warrior | 1 | 1 | 1 | Each turn this is in your hand, transform it into a new weapon. It’s a sword! It’s a knife! It’s a swizzle-stick! | ||||||||||||
Happy Ghoul | Rare | Minion | General | Any | 3 | 3 | 3 | Costs (0) if your hero was healed this turn. When life gives you snow… | |||||||||||
Obsidian Shard | Rare | Weapon | Rogue | 4 | 3 | 3 | Costs (1) less for each card you've played from another class. You know you’re a Rogue when a sharp rock makes you go “Ooh! Dagger!” | ||||||||||||
Second-Rate Bruiser | Rare | Minion | General | Any | 5 | 4 | 5 | Taunt. Costs (2) less if your opponent has at least three minions. He'll be a first-rate bruiser once he gets used to his contacts. | |||||||||||
Crystal Lion | Rare | Minion | General | Paladin | 6 | 5 | 5 | Divine Shield Costs (1) less for each Silver Hand Recruit you control. Standard issue recruit gear: 1 silver sword, 1 Lordaeron insignia, 2 bags of crystal kibble. | |||||||||||
Kabal Crystal Runner | Rare | Minion | General | Mage | 6 | 5 | 5 | Costs (2) less for each Secret you've played this game. "Listen, I can cut you in on a little of this premium mana, but you can't tell my boss." | |||||||||||
Thing from Below | Rare | Minion | General | Shaman | 6 | 5 | 5 | Taunt. Costs (1) less for each Totem you've summoned this game. Just can't resist the opportunity to hang around with a bunch of totems. | |||||||||||
Everyfin is Awesome | Rare | Spell | Shaman | 7 | Give your minions +2/+2.
Costs (1) less for each Murloc you control. Everyfin is cool when you're part of a murloc team! | ||||||||||||||
Knight of the Wild | Rare | Minion | General | Druid | 7 | 6 | 6 | Whenever you summon a Beast, reduce the Cost of this card by (1). He gets a discount on the tournament entry fee because he is his own horse. | |||||||||||
Mulchmuncher | Rare | Minion | Mech | Druid | 9 | 8 | 8 | Rush. Costs (1) less for each friendly Treant that died this game. The latest advancement in hippo-botany. | |||||||||||
Volcanic Lumberer | Rare | Minion | General | Druid | 9 | 7 | 8 | Taunt Costs (1) less for each minion that died this turn. The roots, the roots, the roots is on fire! | |||||||||||
Grave Horror | Rare | Minion | General | Priest | 12 | 7 | 8 | Taunt Costs (1) less for each spell you've cast this game. Trolls can regenerate lost limbs, but this is what they do with the leftovers. | |||||||||||
Blubber Baron | Epic | Minion | General | Any | 3 | 1 | 1 | Whenever you summon a Battlecry minion while this is in your hand, gain +1/+1. When oil, railroad, steel, robber, and red are all already taken, your options are limited. | |||||||||||
Arcane Tyrant | Epic | Minion | Elemental | Any | 5 | 4 | 4 | Costs (0) if you've cast a spell that costs (5) or more this turn. Tyrant is such a strong word. | |||||||||||
Corridor Creeper | Epic | Minion | Beast | Any | 7 | 2 | 5 | Costs (1) less whenever a minion dies while this is in your hand. It likes the smell of dead things, which is curious, as it has no visible nose. | |||||||||||
Crush | Epic | Spell | Warrior | 7 | Destroy a minion. If you have a damaged minion, this costs (4) less. Using this card on your enemies is one of the best things in life, according to some barbarians. | ||||||||||||||
Frost Giant | Epic | Minion | General | Any | 10 | 8 | 8 | Costs (1) less for each time you used your Hero Power this game. Don't ask him about the beard. JUST DON'T. | |||||||||||
Snowfury Giant | Epic | Minion | Elemental | Shaman | 11 | 8 | 8 | Costs (1) less for each mana crystal you've Overloaded this game. This minion goes all the way to 11! | |||||||||||
Arcane Giant | Epic | Minion | General | Any | 12 | 8 | 8 | Costs (1) less for each spell you've cast this game. Claims to be drawn to Karazhan because of the ley lines. Actually, just loves Moroes’ cooking. | |||||||||||
Clockwork Giant | Epic | Minion | Mech | Any | 12 | 8 | 8 | Costs (1) less for each card in your opponent's hand. He and Mountain Giant don't get along. | |||||||||||
Mountain Giant | Epic | Minion | Elemental | Any | 12 | 8 | 8 | Costs (1) less for each other card in your hand. His mother said that he was just big boned. | |||||||||||
Molten Giant | Epic | Minion | Elemental | Any | 20 | 8 | 8 | Costs (1) less for each damage your hero has taken. He gets terrible heartburn. BECAUSE HE IS FULL OF LAVA. | |||||||||||
Chameleos | Legendary | Minion | Beast | Priest | 1 | 1 | 1 | Each turn this is in your hand, transform it into a card your opponent is holding. He's everyone you want to be. | |||||||||||
Shifter Zerus | Legendary | Minion | General | Any | 1 | 1 | 1 | Each turn this is in your hand, transform it into a different minion. It's like being able to play with THREE angry chickens! | |||||||||||
Flobbidinous Floop | Legendary | Minion | General | Druid | 4 | 3 | 4 | While in your hand, this is a 3/4 copy of the last minion you played. Of all the scientists, he has the most knowledge (when measured in volume). | |||||||||||
Bolvar Fordragon | Legendary | Minion | General | Paladin | 5 | 1 | 7 | Whenever a friendly minion dies while this is in your hand, gain +1 Attack. Spoiler alert: Bolvar gets melted and then sits on an ice throne and everyone forgets about him. | |||||||||||
Skycap'n Kragg | Legendary | Minion | Pirate | Any | 7 | 4 | 6 | Charrrrrge Costs (1) less for each friendly Pirate. What's more boss than riding a parrot with a jawbone for a shoulderpad while wielding a giant hook-lance-thing and wearing a pirate hat? NOTHING. | |||||||||||
Shirvallah, the Tiger | Legendary | Minion | Beast | Paladin | 25 | 7 | 5 | Divine Shield, Rush, Lifesteal Costs (1) less for each Mana you've spent on spells. On bended knee Thekal placed his weapon upon Shirvallah’s altar, whereupon she slowly knocked it off with her paw. | |||||||||||
Showing all 35 cards |
Patch changes[edit | edit source]
Patch 15.0.0.32708 (2019-08-01): Anubisath Defender and Mogu Fleshshaper added.
Patch 14.0.0.29933 (2019-04-04): Jumbo Imp added.
Patch 13.0.0.27845 (2018-11-29): Grave Horror, Rabble Bouncer and Shirvallah, the Tiger added.
Patch 12.0.0.25770 (2018-08-02): Flobbidinous Floop and Mulchmuncher added.
Patch 10.0.0.22611 (2017-12-06): Arcane Tyrant, Crystal Lion, Corridor Creeper and Shifting Scroll added.
Patch 9.0.0.20457 (2017-08-08): Happy Ghoul and Snowfury Giant added.
Patch 8.0.0.18336 (2017-04-04) Molten Blade, Obsidian Shard (weapons) and Chameleos added.
Patch 7.0.0.15590 (2016-11-29): Blubber Baron, Kabal Crystal Runner and Second-Rate Bruiser added.
Patch 6.0.0.13921 (2016-08-09): Arcane Giant added.
Patch 5.0.0.12574 (2016-04-24): Shifter Zerus, Nerubian Prophet and Thing from Below added.
Patch 4.0.0.10833 (2015-11-10): Everyfin is Awesome and Cursed! added.
Patch 3.0.0.9786 (2015-08-18): Frost Giant, Knight of the Wild and Skycap'n Kragg added.
Patch 2.4.0.8311 (2015-03-31): Dragon's Breath, Volcanic Drake, Volcanic Lumberer and Solemn Vigil added.
Patch 2.0.0.7234 (2014-12-04): Clockwork Giant, Crush (first spell) and Bolvar Fordragon (first non-mana-related) added.
- Present during alpha: Molten Giant, Mountain Giant, and Sea Giant, as well as Dread Corsair.
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Chadd Nervig on Twitter. (2020-07-24).
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