Leonin Skyhunter MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 6 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 2 |
Rarity | Uncommon |
Type | Creature — Cat Knight |
Abilities | Flying |
Power | 2 |
Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Flying
The skyhunters were born when the first leonin gazed at the heavens and wished to hunt the birds overhead.
Cards like Leonin Skyhunter
The Leonin Skyhunter is a beloved card among players who favor aerial aggression in Magic: The Gathering. Its most direct comparison is to other two-cost creatures like Welkin Hawk, which also offers flying but has lower power and lacks the capacity to soar into the battlefield as quickly. On the flip side, the Stormfront Pegasus stands as a worthy rival, mirroring the stats and abilities of the Leonin Skyhunter, but it’s this mirrored strength that fosters debate on preference.
Examining further, we notice Suntail Hawk as another kin in the realm of low-cost flyers, providing an early game presence but falling short in strength when juxtaposed with our feline aviator. Then comes Kor Skyfisher, a card that, while sharing the same power, extends its utility through its ability to return a permanent to its owner’s hand, allowing for strategic redeployments. This added utility offers a different blend of tactics to the battlefield.
Assessing each card’s individual perks and versatility within the game, the Leonin Skyhunter maintains a prominent standing among two-mana creatures with flying, especially in decks that aim to establish aerial dominance swiftly and effectively.
Cards similar to Leonin Skyhunter by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Leonin Skyhunter is adept at slipping through defenses to land critical hits, which can be pivotal in pressuring opponents and maintaining upper hand in field presence.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly enhancing your mana pool, Leonin Skyhunter’s efficient mana cost allows for a quicker deployment alongside other spells or abilities, providing a strategic speed to your gameplay.
Instant Speed: While Leonin Skyhunter itself may not have instant speed, its flying ability makes it an excellent blocker against other instant-speed flying threats, allowing for tactical defensive plays during your opponent’s turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Leonin Skyhunter does not have a discard requirement, players seeking to optimize their deck performance often scrutinize each card for maximum value. Cards that have direct or potential resource trade-off may be less appealing.
Specific Mana Cost: Leonin Skyhunter requires both white mana for casting, thus restricting its seamless inclusion to mono-white or two-color decks that include white. Decks not centered around white mana may find this card less functional within their strategy.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of two white mana, Leonin Skyhunter’s mana efficiency could be debated. In the two-drop slot, players might expect more impactful abilities or stronger stats to compete effectively in the current gameplay environment.
Reasons to Include Leonin Skyhunter in Your Collection
Versatility: Leonin Skyhunter boasts the flying ability, allowing it to operate as both an offensive and defensive asset. Its notable evasion makes it a formidable attacker in decks that strive for quick aerial victories.
Combo Potential: This card plays well with other abilities or card effects that reward you for having creatures with flying. Pairing it with equipment or auras that bolster flying creatures can establish a powerful presence on the board.
Meta-Relevance: Given its cost-effectiveness and flying trait, it can seamlessly integrate into White Weenie or aggro strategies which are frequently prominent in various metagames. The two-mana slot efficiency helps maintain tempo and apply pressure in fast-paced games.
How to beat Leonin Skyhunter
Leonin Skyhunter is a popular card among MTG deck builders, revered for its combination of a fairly low mana cost and the flying ability, allowing it to sail over ground-based defenses. This card can quickly become a thorn in your side if left unchecked on the battlefield.
Handling Leonin Skyhunter effectively requires strategic planning and a good understanding of the game’s mechanics. Incorporation of creatures with reach or any spell that can deal damage to flying creatures can mitigate the advantage Leonin Skyhunter provides to your opponent. A card like Plummet is a precise answer, designed to bring down winged threats.
Countering this card can also be done through board control tactics. Sweepers, like Wrath of God or Day of Judgment, can clear the board of all creatures, including those pesky fliers. Alternatively, spot removal spells like Doom Blade or Path to Exile offer single-target solutions, allowing you to regain the upper hand. Creatures with deathtouch serve as another formidable deterrent, with their ability to destroy any attacker regardless of its power.
In essence, though Leonin Skyhunter may be a formidable flyer, a well-constructed deck with appropriate countermeasures can neutralize its impact in the game, ensuring that your strategy remains on the winning path.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Leonin Skyhunter MTG card by a specific set like Mirrodin and Ninth Edition, 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 Skyhunter 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Leonin Skyhunter Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2003-10-02 and 2011-04-01. Illustrated by 3 different artists.
# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2003-10-02 | Mirrodin | MRD | 11 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
2 | 2005-07-29 | Ninth Edition | 9ED | 25 | 2003 | Normal | White | Kev Walker | |
3 | 2005-07-29 | Ninth Edition | 9ED | 25★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
4 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | L52 | 2003 | Normal | White | Kev Walker | |
5 | 2011-02-04 | Mirrodin Besieged | MBS | 11 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Jana Schirmer & Johannes Voss | |
6 | 2011-04-01 | Duel Decks: Knights vs. Dragons | DDG | 7 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Leonin Skyhunter has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Commander | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Paupercommander | Legal |
Modern | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Pauper | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Predh | Legal |
Penny | Legal |