Lantern of Insight MTG Card
2004-06-04 - Number 135
2020-03-08 - Number 104
2020-09-26 - Number 5DN-135
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Artifact |
Text of card
Each player plays with the top card of his or her library revealed. , Sacrifice Lantern of Insight: Target player shuffles his or her library.
Each eye sees a different possibility for tomorrow.
Cards like Lantern of Insight
The Lantern of Insight is a unique artifact within the Magic: The Gathering game, offering players the ability to see the top card of each player’s library at any time. This can be compared to Ghoulcaller’s Bell, which also allows players to peak into their libraries, but instead forces everyone to mill the top card, potentially disrupting strategies. Lantern of Insight provides a constant source of information without affecting the card positions, unlike the Bell’s single-use effect.
Other cards with similar peeking abilities include Codex Shredder, which offers a targeted version of library manipulation. While it allows players to look at only one library at a time, it also has the added feature of retrieving a card from one’s graveyard, adding an extra layer of utility. Moreover, Wizened Arbiter’s reveal and draw mechanics offer advantage over Lantern of Insight by not only revealing the top card of libraries but also allowing the player to draw a card. However, the Arbiter does not provide the same constant stream of information.
Examining the differences and utility of these cards reveals the Lantern’s unique position in Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to illuminate the unknown continuously can present strategic advantages that are unmatched by similar cards.
Cards similar to Lantern of Insight by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Lantern of Insight. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Lantern | Modern | Lantern | Modern Preliminary 2024-03-25 |
| Golgari Control | Modern | Lantern | Spring Modern Championship |
| Lantern Control | Modern | Lantern | 1 Torneio - 10 Liga Arena Guardians |
 | Tron | Modern | Tron | Modern Showcase Challenge 2024-01-06 |
 | Coward's Lantern | Free form | d00mwake's Pure Modern Subscriber Tournament #4 | |
| Decklist | Free form | d00mwake's Pure Modern Subscriber Tournament #4 | |
| Colorless Prison | Modern | Tron | Modern Magic at the Mausoleum |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Lantern of Insight provides constant informational advantage by allowing you to see the top card of every player’s library, effectively letting you anticipate and prepare for incoming threats or strategize around upcoming resources.
Resource Acceleration: This artifact can function as a form of resource acceleration in decks designed around manipulating both players’ libraries, enabling quicker access to combo pieces or disruption tools based on the revealed top cards.
Instant Speed: While Lantern of Insight itself isn’t an instant, it enables instant speed interaction by allowing you to respond knowledgeably to the current state of play, coordinating optimally with cards like mill effects or shufflers to control both your own and your opponent’s draws.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Lantern of Insight necessitates a specific setup to fully maximize its potential. The card reveals the top card of each player’s library, which can compel strategical discard decisions, potentially disrupting your own game plan if not carefully managed.
Specific Mana Cost: The Lantern requires a colorless mana to cast. While this seems flexible, in mana-tight situations or decks that heavily rely on colored mana sources, it could be challenging to consistently have the colorless mana available when needed.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although Lantern of Insight has a relatively low casting cost, its impact on the game may not mirror such an investment. With a mana value of one, it offers subtle strategic advantage rather than immediate board presence or game-changing effects, which some players may deem as not cost-effective.
Reasons to Include Lantern of Insight in Your Collection
Versatility: Lantern of Insight is a flexible card that can be slotted into any deck interested in information gathering. Seeing the top card of each player’s library allows for strategic planning and counterplay, making it a useful tool in a variety of matchups.
Combo Potential: This card plays a key role in famous combos, especially in conjunction with cards like Codex Shredder and Ghoulcaller’s Bell, setting up lock-down scenarios that can cripple opponents’ strategies and shuffle unwanted cards away from their draws.
Meta-Relevance: With its ability to predict and disrupt your opponent’s plays, Lantern of Insight remains a relevant option in environments where knowledge of the next draw can give players a significant edge, making it a smart addition for those aiming to stay ahead in the ever-evolving metagame.
How to Beat Lantern of Insight
Lantern of Insight is a unique artifact card in Magic: The Gathering that offers both players a revealing advantage – the ability to see the top card of each other’s library at all times. This open information can decisively impact the game, as it allows the controller to strategize and plan around the opponent’s future moves. To effectively counter Lantern of Insight, consider incorporating instant-speed shuffle effects in your deck. These can disrupt your opponent’s knowledge by changing the top card of your library when it’s most advantageous.
Artifact removal spells are also a direct and effective way to deal with Lantern of Insight. Cards that specifically target artifacts can swiftly remove Lantern of Insight from the battlefield, negating its effect entirely. Lastly, playing cards that benefit from your opponent having information about your library can turn Lantern of Insight’s advantage into your gain. This strategic approach requires embracing the card’s transparency, building around it with mechanics like Miracle, or using library manipulation that benefits from foresight.
While Lantern of Insight operates within a unique niche, understanding and integrating these strategies will help maintain control over the flow of information and turn the tides of the game in your favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Lantern of Insight MTG card by a specific set like Fifth Dawn and Mystery Booster Retail Edition Foils, 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 Lantern of Insight and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Printings
The Lantern of Insight Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2004-06-04 and 2020-03-08. Illustrated by Tim Hildebrandt.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2004-06-04 | Fifth Dawn | 5DN | 135 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Tim Hildebrandt | |
| 2 | 2020-03-08 | Mystery Booster Retail Edition Foils | FMB1 | 104 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Tim Hildebrandt | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | 5DN-135 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Tim Hildebrandt |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Lantern of Insight has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Lantern of Insight card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2013-04-15 | If the top card of your library changes while you’re casting a spell or activating an ability, the new top card won’t be revealed until you finish casting that spell or activating that ability. |
| 2013-04-15 | The top card of your library isn’t in your hand, so you can’t suspend it, cycle it, discard it, or activate any of its activated abilities. |
| 2013-04-15 | When playing with the top card of your library revealed, if an effect tells you to draw several cards, reveal each one before you draw it. |