Lantern of the Lost MTG Card
2021-11-19 - Number 259
2022-01-28 - Number 526
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Artifact |
Text of card
When Lantern of the Lost enters the battlefield, exile target card from a graveyard. , , Exile Lantern of the Lost: Exile all cards from all graveyards, then draw a card.
Cards like Lantern of the Lost
Lantern of the Lost shines as a unique artifact in the MTG universe. Its closest relatives, such as Tormod’s Crypt, play a crucial role in graveyards’ manipulation, albeit with slight differences. Tormod’s Crypt provides the zero-mana advantage for a one-off graveyard exile command, immediate and impactful during a game, but it doesn’t replace itself like Lantern of the Lost does upon its activation.
Relic of Progenitus is another artifact comparison, providing players with ongoing graveyard control or a one-time graveyard sweep while also drawing a card. It allows for more strategic plays over time, distinguishing it from the one-time use and self-replacements of Lantern of the Lost. Yet, each stands out for their versatile utility in disrupting opponents’ graveyard-centric strategies.
Evaluating these artifacts within MTG reveals Lantern of the Lost as a modest yet powerful tool for players keen on hindering graveyard strategies while maintaining card equality. Its easy-to-use yet effective design ensures it holds a secure place among its counterparts.
Cards similar to Lantern of the Lost by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Lantern of the Lost. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Orzhov Midrange | Standard | Orzhov Midrange | Standard League 2024-05-13 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Lantern of the Lost provides the ability to exile cards from an opponent’s graveyard, which can be a subtle form of card advantage. By removing key components that an opponent may rely on for various strategies such as recursion or delve mechanics, you are effectively diminishing their potential plays.
Resource Acceleration: While the Lantern of the Lost doesn’t directly accelerate your mana resources, it can be a vital tool in disrupting an opponent’s resource acceleration. Exiling ramp spells or creatures that may be returned from the graveyard keeps you at pace or ahead in the resource game.
Instant Speed: The artifact can be activated at instant speed, allowing for flexibility and strategic plays. You can respond to graveyard triggers or wait until the most opportune moment to disrupt an opponent’s plans, ensuring you’re always one step ahead.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Lantern of the Lost compels you to exile a card from your hand in order to activate its ability. While this can fuel delve or escape mechanics, it might deplete your hand, leaving you at a disadvantage if you’re in need of multiple options or holding a crucial strategy element.
Specific Mana Cost: This artifact demands one mana of any color for its activation, which could be a hurdle in decks that aim for a strict colorless or monochromatic build. Consistency in mana availability is key, and requiring a colored mana can sometimes disrupt a game plan.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The upfront cost to cast Lantern of the Lost is two mana, which might not seem steep, but there are alternative artifacts and spells that perform graveyard disruption or card advantage for less. When put up against these options, Lantern of the Lost may not always be the most efficient choice for the slot, especially in formats where mana curve and speed are critical.
Reasons to Include Lantern of the Lost in Your Collection
Versatility: Lantern of the Lost offers a strategic advantage to nearly any deck that emphasizes graveyard manipulation or denial. Its ability to exile cards from graveyards can be a flexible tool against a variety of opponents, making it a safeguard against strategies that rely on graveyard recursion.
Combo Potential: This card enables combos by disrupting opponent’s graveyard-based strategies. It works well in tandem with cards that care about the number of cards in graveyards or those that allow you to capitalize on an opponent’s depleted resources.
Meta-Relevance: As metagames often include decks that harness the power of the graveyard, having a Lantern of the Lost at your disposal ensures you have a response to these common threats. Its ability to exile a card from a graveyard with each activation makes it pertinent in a variety of competitive scenes.
How to beat
Lantern of the Lost emerges in MTG as a unique artifact that has carved out its place for disrupting opponents’ strategies. It stands firm with its ability to exile cards from graveyards, making it a potent sideboard card against strategies that hinge on graveyard interactions.
Confronting this artifact requires a blend of swift actions and strategic planning. High-speed enchantment removal like Disenchant or Nature’s Claim are efficient tools to demolish the Lantern before its light extinguishes the potential of your graveyard. Alternatively, cards such as Pithing Needle can render it useless without having to remove it from the battlefield.
Outsmarting Lantern of the Lost might also involve adapting your playstyle to rely less on the graveyard or to employ decoy tactics to bait its activation prematurely. In this way, you protect your more valuable resources while forcing the opponent to squander the Lantern’s power. As with any challenge in Magic: The Gathering, it is about timing, preparation, and knowing when to make your move against artifacts like Lantern of the Lost.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Lantern of the Lost MTG card by a specific set like Innistrad: Crimson Vow and Innistrad: Double Feature, 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 the Lost and other MTG cards:
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- 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
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Printings
The Lantern of the Lost Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2021-11-19 and 2022-01-28. Illustrated by Chris Cold.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2021-11-19 | Innistrad: Crimson Vow | VOW | 259 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Cold | |
| 2 | 2022-01-28 | Innistrad: Double Feature | DBL | 526 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Cold |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Lantern of the Lost has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |