Leech Fanatic MTG Card


Leech Fanatic - Strixhaven: School of Mages
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Human Warlock
Released2021-04-23
Set symbol
Set nameStrixhaven: School of Mages
Set codeSTX
Power 2
Toughness 2
Number75
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred bySean Sevestre

Key Takeaways

  1. Leech Fanatic’s card draw ability rewards players for successful combat, bolstering their hand.
  2. Its lifelink ability offers strategic resource acceleration, adding depth to combat phases.
  3. The card’s specific mana cost and discard condition require thoughtful deck construction.

Text of card

As long as it's your turn, Leech Fanatic has lifelink.

"Everyone thinks that leeches maintain a strictly sanguivorous diet, but in fact, most freshwater leeches are carnivores. Wait, where are you going?"


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Leech Fanatic offers a unique mechanic that can provide you with an extra card draw. Each time Leech Fanatic deals combat damage to a player, you may draw a card, rewarding you for successful attacks and helping to sustain your hand throughout the duel.

Resource Acceleration: By integrating Leech Fanatic into your deck, you’re not only playing a creature card but potentially accelerating your resources. Leech Fanatic’s ability to convert life points gained from its lifelink ability into further tactical advantages means that each attack can contribute to your overarching strategy, beyond just dealing damage.

Instant Speed: Leech Fanatic may not directly be an instant, but its synergy with instant speed spells is notable. For decks that run combat tricks or removals at instant speed, Leech Fanatic becomes a bigger threat during the combat phase. When opponents must consider the potential enhancements you could cast on Leech Fanatic in the midst of battle, it makes their decisions during your turn that much more complex.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Leech Fanatic’s ability necessitates discarding a card, which can be particularly taxing when your hand is already depleted. Strategically, this can lead to tough choices about which resources to sacrifice, potentially disrupting your game plan.

Specific Mana Cost: Leech Fanatic demands a precise mana arrangement to cast, often necessitating a dedicated deck build to optimize its use. This can pose challenges in constructing a versatile and adaptive mana base, especially in multicolored decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana cost situated on the higher end of the spectrum, Leech Fanatic competes with other options in the same mana range which might provide more impactful effects or better board presence. This balance between cost and benefit is a crucial consideration when deciding on its inclusion in your deck.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Leech Fanatic can be a strong addition across various deck builds, particularly in those that capitalize on life gain strategies or require a robust defense against aggressive opponents.

Combo Potential: This card can synergize with mechanics that trigger on life gain, such as bolstering creatures or enabling alternate win conditions, making it a strategic piece for inventive combo decks.

Meta-Relevance: Given the shifting dynamics of the game, Leech Fanatic’s ability to provide a consistent life swing can be crucial in outlasting opponents in the current landscape where draining opponents can be as effective as outright destruction.


How to beat Leech Fanatic

Leech Fanatic is a card that can be tricky to deal with given its unique lifelink ability in Magic: The Gathering. This capability allows it to be both an offensive and defensive asset on the battlefield, gaining you life as it deals damage. However, there are strategies to effectively counter this card and minimize its impact on the game. To beat Leech Fanatic, consider using removal spells that can bypass its lifelink by not engaging it in combat. Cards like Doom Blade or Go for the Throat can remove it directly from the battlefield without giving your opponent the chance to gain life.

An alternative strategy is to negate its abilities with cards like Frogify or Turn to Frog, which neutralize its potent effects. Disabling Leech Fanatic before it becomes a thorn in your side is key. Additionally, employing creatures with deathtouch can serve as a potent deterrent, ensuring any combat engagement results in Leech Fanatic’s demise. Keeping these tactics in mind will help maintain control of the board and fend off the challenges posed by Leech Fanatic.


Cards like Leech Fanatic

Leech Fanatic finds its place among the unique lifelink creatures in the vast catalog of Magic: The Gathering cards. It bears similarity to cards like Vampire Nighthawk, which not only offers lifelink but also flying and deathtouch, giving it a multifaceted edge in combat scenarios. However, Leech Fanatic stands out for its synergistic potential within decks that capitalize on +1/+1 counters or lifegain strategies.

Another card for comparison is Ajani’s Pridemate, a creature that grows stronger each time you gain life. While Pridemate’s power can snowball, Leech Fanatic provides a stable lifegain from the outset and can be a consistent source of life points. Bloodthirsty Aerialist follows a similar growth pattern to Ajani’s Pridemate but adds flying into the mix, though it starts without the guaranteed lifegain Leech Fanatic ensures from turn one.

Looking at these comparisons, Leech Fanatic may not boast the auxiliary abilities of its counterparts but offers a steady, reliable option for decks focused on maintaining life total and scaling through synergies that reward you for gaining life and adding counters across your board presence.

Vampire Nighthawk - MTG Card versions
Ajani's Pridemate - MTG Card versions
Bloodthirsty Aerialist - MTG Card versions
Vampire Nighthawk - MTG Card versions
Ajani's Pridemate - MTG Card versions
Bloodthirsty Aerialist - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Leech Fanatic MTG card by a specific set like Strixhaven: School of Mages, 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 Leech Fanatic and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Leech Fanatic has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
TimelessLegal