Hikari, Twilight Guardian MTG Card


Hikari offers card advantage by enabling spells to be cast for free, enhancing deck performance. Resourceful in spirit-focused decks, Hikari’s flash ability allows strategic surprise plays. While powerful, Hikari requires careful deck construction due to its specific needs.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Spirit
Abilities Flying
Power 4
Toughness 4

Text of card

Flying Whenever you play a Spirit or Arcane spell, you may remove Hikari, Twilight Guardian from the game. If you do, return it to play under its owner's control at end of turn.


Cards like Hikari, Twilight Guardian

In the realm of Magic: The Gathering, Hikari, Twilight Guardian finds itself in a niche category of legendary creatures with flying. When you’re looking at spirits with protective abilities, this card stands tall. It can be compared to cards like Kira, Great Glass-Spinner, which also offers a guardian-like ability by countering the first spell or ability that targets a creature you control each turn. Hikari differentiates itself by providing temporary evasion, phasing out when you cast a spirit or arcane spell, potentially dodging removal or damage in a unique way.

Another comparable card is Selfless Spirit, which grants indestructibility to your creatures as a one-time effect when sacrificed. Hikari, on the other hand, offers repeatable protection for itself alone but requires specific types of spells to trigger the effect. Lastly, we have the ‘blink’ mechanic exemplified by cards like Flickerwisp, which temporarily exiles another target creature. While Flickerwisp affects other creatures and can be used tactically, Hikari takes care of itself and is more restrictive in its triggering conditions.

To sum up, Hikari, Twilight Guardian stands out as a resilient and tactical option for players who enjoy using spirits and arcane spells, leveraging its phasing ability to dodge threats and maintain a formidable presence on the board.

Kira, Great Glass-Spinner - MTG Card versions
Selfless Spirit - MTG Card versions
Flickerwisp - MTG Card versions
Kira, Great Glass-Spinner - MTG Card versions
Selfless Spirit - MTG Card versions
Flickerwisp - MTG Card versions

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Rashida Scalebane - MTG Card versions
Avenging Angel - MTG Card versions
Lancers en-Kor - MTG Card versions
Radiant, Archangel - MTG Card versions
Karmic Guide - MTG Card versions
Master Healer - MTG Card versions
Angel of Mercy - MTG Card versions
Serra Angel - MTG Card versions
Border Patrol - MTG Card versions
Enduring Angel // Angelic Enforcer - MTG Card versions
Sigardian Savior - MTG Card versions
Glory - MTG Card versions
Celestial Gatekeeper - MTG Card versions
Collector Protector - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Hikari, Twilight Guardian excels at providing card advantage by enabling you to potentially exile and cast a spell without paying its mana cost. This allows players to utilize cards from their deck without expending resources from their hand, maintaining a healthier card economy during play.

Resource Acceleration: As a unique spirit creature, Hikari can synergize with decks focused on this tribe, indirectly accelerating your resources. By potentially playing powerful spells for free, you can save mana for other impactful plays, keeping pressure on your opponent.

Instant Speed: This advantage is twofold; Hikari can be a game-changer during combat or at the end of your opponent’s turn. With flash, you’re given the flexibility to surprise your adversary, potentially swinging an entire match in your favor by placing a significant threat on the board at an unexpected moment.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Hikari, Twilight Guardian necessitates the loss of another card, adding an extra toll to your hand which could set you back, especially if your options are already thinning.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost is not only color-intensive but also requires a precise combination of mana types, potentially restricting its incorporation in multi-colored decks or those with a less stable mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana value, one might anticipate a more immediate impact on the game state. Other cards available might provide a similar or greater advantage for less investment, posing a vital consideration for deck builders.


Reasons to Include Hikari, Twilight Guardian in Your Collection

Versatility: Hikari, Twilight Guardian offers a unique mix of abilities that make it a solid inclusion in various deck builds, particularly those looking to capitalize on its flying and vigilance for both offensive and defensive strategies.

Combo Potential: Utilize Hikari’s capabilities to synergize with decks that focus on Spirit or Arcane spells. Players can craft combos that exploit her ability to leave and enter the battlefield, potentially untapping her or creating additional effects with each cast.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where non-creature strategies prevail, Hikari, Twilight Guardian stands out as a resilient threat. Her protection from Spirits complements any collection looking for answers to spirit-heavy decks or flying-based offenses.


How to beat

Hikari, Twilight Guardian poses a unique challenge on the battlefield. This card’s ability to become elusive makes direct removal tricky, as it can easily phase out of reality, dodging targeted spells or effects. Facing Hikari, it’s advisable to rely on non-targeted board wipes such as Supreme Verdict or Wrath of God, which are unaffected by phasing. Alternatively, employing graveyard disruption tactics can be effective, since cards like Leyline of the Void can prevent Hikari from returning after being sacrificed. If the situation allows, racing Hikari with faster aggressive strategies or deploying lock pieces like Grafdigger’s Cage can curtail its impact. Adjusting your strategy to minimize Hikari’s strengths will bolster your chances of overcoming this guardian’s challenge.

Considering the tempo disruption Hikari can cause, it’s also wise to hold onto instant-speed removal for the opponent’s other creatures while they are tapped out, since Hikari frees up mana by phasing out. Cards like Path to Exile or Fatal Push remain highly effective in maintaining board control amidst a skirmish with Hikari. Planning ahead and utilizing versatile answers ensure that your strategy remains unphased in the face of this twilight guardian.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Hikari, Twilight Guardian MTG card by a specific set like Champions of Kamigawa and Modern Masters 2015, 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 Hikari, Twilight Guardian and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Hikari, Twilight Guardian Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2004-10-01 and 2015-05-22. Illustrated by Glen Angus.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12004-10-01Champions of KamigawaCHK 122003NormalBlackGlen Angus
22015-05-22Modern Masters 2015MM2 182015NormalBlackGlen Angus

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Hikari, Twilight Guardian has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2004-12-01 If you exile Hikari, it leaves the battlefield before the spell that triggered it resolves its ability, so it will be unaffected by that spell.
2004-12-01 You may choose not to exile Hikari.