Green Sun's Zenith / Birthing Pod + Primordial Hydra

[Zinch]

If you play a Green Sun's Zenith or activate a Birthing Pod for a CMC of 4 for example, could you search for a Primordial Hydra?

Well, with GSZ I know you can, but it will enter play with 2 counters or not?

Thank you

[Julian23]

You can search for it with both as its converted mana cost inside your deck is equal to 2. However, once GSZ or Birthing Pod's ability has resolved, right before the active player would regain priority, state-based effects are checked and put the Hydra into it's owner's graveyard as it has zero toughtness. Hydra won't enter the battlefield with any counters on it because you didn't cast it and thus never had to chose a value for X.

Note that you will only be able to search for it with Birthing Pod if you search for a creature with converted mana cost equal to 2 as the Pod lacks the "...or less" clause of GSZ.