Leonin Shikari MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Cat Soldier
Power 2
Toughness 2

Key Takeaways

  1. Leonin Shikari’s instant speed equipment manipulation translates into unexpected card advantage on the battlefield.
  2. Paired with mana-producing artifacts, it indirectly accelerates resource availability for more strategic plays.
  3. Its unique ability offers a responsive edge in combat, making creatures equipped for any scenario.

Text of card

You may play equip abilities any time you could play an instant.

Her instinct is as sharp as her blade.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Leonin Shikari itself doesn’t directly allow you to draw cards, its ability to manipulate equipment at instant speed can effectively translate into card advantage. It makes equipment-related cards more valuable and versatile, ensuring that your resources can adapt on the fly to the ever-changing battlefield of an MTG game.

Resource Acceleration: Although not directly involved in resource acceleration, Leonin Shikari’s synergy with mana-producing equipment or effects that untap creatures can result in an improved pace of play. This, in turn, leads to faster deployment of threats or answers, providing a form of indirect acceleration that can give you the upper hand.

Instant Speed: The characteristic that sets Leonin Shikari apart is its unique ability to equip artifacts at instant speed. This flexible control over your artifacts allows you to respond to your opponents’ actions with unparalleled timing, turning your equipped creatures into adaptable powerhouses ready for any situation, defensive or offensive, that unfolds during a match.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Leonin Shikari doesn’t require a discard itself, it often partners with equipment strategies that might force discards, putting you at a card disadvantage if not managed well.

Specific Mana Cost: Leonin Shikari demands white mana, which could restrict deck-building options, making it less flexible for multicolored or colorless equipment-centric decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of two white mana, Leonin Shikari might compete with other two-drops in your curve, potentially delaying more impactful plays or early board development.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Leonin Shikari’s ability to shuffle equipment at instant speed allows it to adapt seamlessly within various strategies, providing protective maneuvers or offensive boosts precisely when needed.

Combo Potential: This feline friend shines when paired with equipment that has potent ‘equip’ triggers or abilities, enabling on-the-fly interactions that can catch opponents off-guard and potentially lead to game-winning combos.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where combat tricks and equipment-heavy tactics prevail, Leonin Shikari holds its ground by offering strategic flexibility and ensuring your equipped creatures are always battle-ready.


How to beat

Leonin Shikari is a key card in many Magic: The Gathering equipment strategies, offering the unique ability to attach equipment at instant speed. To effectively counter this card, it is important to disrupt the synergy it provides. Priority targets for removal should be the Shikari itself or the key equipment pieces in your opponent’s arsenal. Spot removal spells that can eliminate creatures or artifacts regardless of their toughness or hexproof status – like Abrupt Decay or Krosan Grip – are particularly useful.

Another strategy involves hindering the player’s ability to pay for equip costs. Effects that require the opponent to pay more to activate abilities, such as those from cards like Thorn of Amethyst, can make it costly and cumbersome for your opponent to utilize the Shikari’s capability optimally. Lastly, since combat is where Leonin Shikari shines, board control through sweepers like Supreme Verdict helps reset the playing field and limits the card’s impact. By anticipating the key interactions and preparing the right answers, you can tip the scales in your favor against a Leonin Shikari-driven offense.


BurnMana Recommendations

With card advantages, resource acceleration, and instant speed flexibility, Leonin Shikari is a master of adaptability on the MTG battlefield. It shines brightest in equipment-focused decks, where its ability to equip artifacts instantly can turn the tide of any match. From bolstering your defenses to launching surprise attacks, the strategic options it provides are vast. Understanding its place within your collection and the current meta is crucial for leveraging its full potential. If you’re aiming to refine your strategy and maintain an edge during the heat of battle, diving deeper into the intricacies of Leonin Shikari is a smart move. Journey with us as we unpack more strategies and insider tips to optimize your gameplay experience. Harness the power of Leonin Shikari and become a formidable force across the planes.


Cards like Leonin Shikari

Leonin Shikari stands out as a unique fixture in Magic: The Gathering, especially for enthusiasts who indulge in equipment strategies. Its distinct ability to allow equipment to be attached to creatures at instant speed offers a tactical advantage unmatched by many. Comparable to the prowess of Puresteel Paladin, which also encourages a deck heavy with equipment, the Paladin instead offers the perk of drawing cards when those equipments are played, not the reactive versatility the Shikari provides.

Similarly, Brass Squire draws a parallel with its ability to attach equipment freely but does so at a slower, more predictable rate as it requires tapping. Alternatively, Auriok Windwalker brings a similar game utility, providing the option to attach equipment at instant speed, yet it’s limited to once per turn and comes with higher casting requirements compared to Leonin Shikari’s constant readiness.

When it comes to optimizing equipment in your MTG deck, Leonin Shikari’s ability to adapt to swiftly changing battle conditions often gives it an upper hand. The discrete tactical flexibility it offers by modifying equipped creatures on the fly ensures its valuable position amidst its contemporaries in terms of strategic depth and surprise gameplay maneuvers.

Puresteel Paladin - MTG Card versions
Brass Squire - MTG Card versions
Auriok Windwalker - MTG Card versions
Puresteel Paladin - New Phyrexia (NPH)
Brass Squire - Mirrodin Besieged (MBS)
Auriok Windwalker - Fifth Dawn (5DN)

Cards similar to Leonin Shikari by color, type and mana cost

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Keeper of the Light - MTG Card versions
Faith Healer - MTG Card versions
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White Knight - Duel Decks: Knights vs. Dragons (DDG)
Soul Shepherd - Weatherlight (WTH)
Soltari Monk - Tempest (TMP)
Keeper of the Light - Exodus (EXO)
Faith Healer - Urza's Saga (USG)
Angelic Page - Urza's Saga (USG)
Spirit Weaver - Invasion (INV)
Voice of the Blessed - Innistrad: Crimson Vow (VOW)
Stoneforge Mystic - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Drannith Magistrate - Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths (IKO)
Leonin Lightscribe - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Silver Knight - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Longbow Archer - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Silverflame Squire // On Alert - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Flumph - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Cloudreach Cavalry - Legions (LGN)
Samite Healer - Ninth Edition (9ED)
Kor Firewalker - DCI Promos (PDCI)
Revered Dead - Planar Chaos (PLC)
Starlight Invoker - Tenth Edition (10E)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Leonin Shikari MTG card by a specific set like Darksteel and Salvat 2005, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Leonin Shikari and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Leonin Shikari Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2004-02-06 and 2017-08-25. Illustrated by Wayne England.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12004-02-06DarksteelDST 62003normalblackWayne England
22005-08-22Salvat 2005PSAL L372003normalwhiteWayne England
32017-08-25Commander 2017C17 662015normalblackWayne England

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Leonin Shikari has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Leonin Shikari card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

DateText
2004-12-01 An equip ability uses the keyword ability “equip.” Normally, equip abilities can be activated only any time you could cast a sorcery.
2004-12-01 Leonin Shikari allows you to move your Equipment around during the combat phase or in response to a spell or ability. You’re still subject to any other restrictions on activating equip abilities.

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