Herald of Secret Streams
Creature — Merfolk Warrior
Creatures you control with +1/+1 counters on them can't be blocked.
*"You might as well try to stop the waterfall."*
Power/Toughness: 2/3
Set
The Lost Caverns of Ixalan Commander
Rarity
Rare
Mana Value
4
Artist
Sara Winters
Collector #
158
Why Play Herald of Secret Streams
Aggressive creature decks that can reliably generate +1/+1 counters gain a powerful finishing tool that turns every enhanced creature into an unblockable threat. The four-mana investment pays dividends when you can push through multiple creatures for lethal damage, especially in board stalls where ground combat becomes ineffective. Timing is crucial—deploy Herald when you already have counter-enhanced creatures ready to attack, or when you can immediately follow up with counter-generating effects to capitalize on the unblockable ability.Format Notes
Commander represents Herald's strongest format, where longer games allow time to establish counter engines and the multiplayer environment rewards evasive creatures that can target specific opponents. Pioneer and Modern occasionally see Herald in +1/+1 counter-focused builds, though the four-mana cost competes with other powerful threats in these faster formats. The card has maintained steady casual popularity without ever dominating competitive metas enough to warrant restriction.Combos & Synergies
Hardened Scales multiplies counter generation to enable explosive unblockable turns, while Winding Constrictor provides similar acceleration in decks with access to black mana. Walking Ballista creates immediate synergy as both a counter sink and an unblockable threat that can direct damage precisely where needed. Proliferate effects like Contagion Engine turn Herald into a repeatable win condition by continuously expanding your unblockable army across multiple combat steps.Featured in These Decks
- Explorers of the Deep Commander
