# Magic: The Gathering Challenge Deck – Face the Hydra

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2013
- **BGG Rating**: 7.1
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 1-2 (Best with: 1)
- **Duration**: 15 min
- **Weight**: 2.29 / 5
- **Designers**: (Uncredited)
- **Artists**: Alex Horley, Igor Kieryluk, Jason Engle, Jesper Ejsing, Mike Sass, Richard Wright, Scott Chou, Steve Prescott
- **Publishers**: Wizards of the Coast
- **Categories**: Card Game, Expansion for Base-game, Fantasy, Fighting
- **Mechanics**: Cooperative Game

## Verdict
Perfect for those who want to test their Magic decks in a cooperative 'boss fight' scenario.Unique boss fight experienceGreat for deck testingSmooth cooperative modeRequires own Magic decksLanguage barrier for someFOR GENRE FANS

## Description
Ever wanted the experience of facing a colossal boss alone or with your crew? That's exactly what 'Face the Hydra' offers. Unlike traditional Magic duels, you aren't facing another player, but a 'programmed' deck that simulates the intelligence of a hungry Hydra. The goal is simple yet brutal: destroy all of the creature's heads before it drains all your health. 

The gameplay is very dynamic. The Hydra deck doesn't play cards in the conventional way; every turn, a card is drawn and its effect is applied immediately. The real danger lies in the 'Hydra Head' cards. Once they enter play, each head automatically deals damage to the player every single round. Your strategy must be to focus fire on one head at a time to eliminate it, but be careful: destroying a head triggers the drawing of two new cards. If any of those are more heads, the Hydra regenerates, turning the fight into a race against time and luck. 

One crucial point: this is not a deck for you to mix with your standard game cards. The Hydra cards have distinct backs specifically to avoid confusion and to ensure the automation system works. Additionally, to play, you (and your friends, if playing cooperatively) must have your own Magic: The Gathering decks ready. It's like an MMO 'raid boss' on your table, testing your deck's resilience and your ability to survive under pressure. If you love the Magic universe and want to push your limits without needing a human opponent, this challenge is the perfect fit.

## FAQ
### Can I use the Hydra cards in my normal deck?
No! They have distinct backs and specific mechanics for the challenge mode; they aren't for standard competitive play.

### Do I need other cards to play?
Yes, each player must have their own Magic: The Gathering deck to face the Hydra.

### Can I play solo?
Absolutely! The game is designed for both solo play and cooperation between two players.

### How long does a game last?
Games are quick, usually around 15 minutes, depending on the power of your deck.

### Is it very difficult?
The weight is moderate (2.28), but the difficulty depends on how strong your Magic deck is.