Stampeding Horncrest

Stampeding Horncrest was released in 2018 as part of the Rivals of Ixalan set for the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Developed by Wizards of the Coast, the set serves as the conclusion to the two-set Ixalan block, which focuses on a plane defined by its vibrant, Mesoamerican-inspired geography and the conflict between factions including pirates, vampires, and dinosaurs. As a common card, it was designed to support the set's 'Enrage' mechanic, providing players with a repeatable way to trigger creature abilities in the Limited formats of Sealed and Draft.

The card's striking illustration was crafted by artist Jonathan Kuo, who aimed to capture the kinetic intensity of the creature’s charge through dynamic composition and earthy tones. Within the game's lore, the Horncrest is depicted as a beast of burden and a combatant for the Sun Empire, a civilization that maintains a symbiotic relationship with the dinosaurs that roam their territory. Upon its release, the card was received as a functional, reliable inclusion for green-aligned decks, praised for its ability to pressure opponents while synergizing with the set's overarching tribal themes.