Lightning Runner MTG Card
2017-01-20 - Number 90
2017-01-20 - Number 90s
2024-06-14 - Number 215
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Mythic |
| Type | Creature — Human Warrior |
| Abilities | Double strike,Haste |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Double strike, haste Whenever Lightning Runner attacks, you get (two energy counters), then you may pay . If you pay, untap all creatures you control, and after this phase, there is an additional combat phase.
"Catch me if you can."
Cards like Lightning Runner
Lightning Runner is an intriguing card from the world of Magic: The Gathering, often compared to other energy-building creatures. It shares similarities with Voltaic Brawler, which also offers an energy-gaining component and a way to utilize that energy to boost its power. Nevertheless, Lightning Runner pushes the limit with its ability to grant extra combat phases, a feature not found in Voltaic Brawler.
Another card worth mentioning alongside Lightning Runner is Aetherwind Basker. Both cards generate energy and reward you for playing a creature-heavy style, but Aetherwind Basker takes it up a notch by creating energy per each creature’s power. Yet, it lacks the explosive repeated combat phase potential of Lightning Runner. A closer energy-based equivalent would be Bristling Hydra. It also gains energy and is designed to protect itself with that energy, unlike Lightning Runner’s offensive focus.
Overall, in the Energy archetype, Lightning Runner boasts a unique combination of energy accumulation and the thrilling ability to swing for multiple attacks in a single turn, making it an exciting choice for players harnessing the power of energy counters in their MTG strategies.
Cards similar to Lightning Runner by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Lightning Runner is a powerhouse when it comes to card advantage. Not only does it represent a threat on the board, but it also has the potential to provide repeated value every time it activates its ability to take an extra turn. This consistent threat often forces opponents to allocate resources to deal with it, which can lead to more advantageous board states for you.
Resource Acceleration: With the ability to gain two energy counters each time Lightning Runner attacks, it effectively works as a resource accelerator. These energy counters can be critical in powering up other energy-based mechanics within your deck, leading to faster and more efficient gameplay, which is especially beneficial in fast-paced formats.
Instant Speed: While Lightning Runner itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, its synergy in decks that support instant speed interactions can be game-changing. The instantaneous nature of many energy interactions can set up the stage for Lightning Runner to unleash its true potential during your untap step, leading to unexpected turns and a swift advantage for any player utilizing this card to its full extent.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: For Lightning Runner to achieve its full potential, a significant energy reserve is necessary, often requiring other cards to be played in advance, which can deplete your hand and resources.
Specific Mana Cost: Lightning Runner demands a precise mixture of energies, two red and three of any type, to be cast. This specific cost can be challenging in multicolored decks that may not consistently produce the required red mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of five mana, Lightning Runner is on the higher end of the curve, particularly considering its need for careful deck construction focused around energy production to fully utilize its abilities.
Reasons to Include Lightning Runner in Your Collection
Versatility: Lightning Runner can be a dynamic addition to energy-focused decks and those seeking a swift and impactful creature. Its ability to give you additional attack phases under the right conditions makes it adaptable across various strategies.
Combo Potential: When paired with energy generators, this card unlocks powerful multi-combat combos. Chain multiple attacks in a single turn to overrun opponents, using energy to fuel this relentless assault.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where accumulating energy counters is viable, Lightning Runner shines. Its potential to abruptly change the game’s pace can catch unprepared opponents off guard, making it a competitive choice for your arsenal.
How to Beat Lightning Runner
Lightning Runner presents an electrifying challenge on the battlefield with its ability to generate energy and potentially grant additional combat phases. To outpace this card, smart strategy and the right counters are essential. Efficient removal spells like Fatal Push can eliminate Lightning Runner before it accumulates enough energy to become a threat. Additionally, keeping a watchful eye on your opponent’s energy reserves is crucial, as depleting them through cards like Shielded Aether Thief can prevent the activation of Lightning Runner’s formidable abilities.
Counterspells also play a pivotal role in neutralizing Lightning Runner. Disallow and Negate can stop it from hitting the board in the first place, saving you from the headache of dealing with multiple attacks. Moreover, creatures with reach or those equipped with instant-speed buffs can serve as a formidable blockade, especially if they can survive the initial strike and retaliate.
Ultimately, tackling Lightning Runner requires a blend of preemptive control and reactive defense. By disrupting your opponent’s energy flow or using timely removal, you can ensure that Lightning Runner’s sprint across the battlefield is cut short, keeping you firmly in the race.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Lightning Runner MTG card by a specific set like Aether Revolt and Aether Revolt Promos, 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 Lightning Runner 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 Lightning Runner Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2017-01-20 and 2024-06-14. Illustrated by Raymond Swanland.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2017-01-20 | Aether Revolt | AER | 90 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Raymond Swanland | |
| 2 | 2017-01-20 | Aether Revolt Promos | PAER | 90s | 2015 | Normal | Black | Raymond Swanland | |
| 3 | 2024-06-14 | Modern Horizons 3 Commander | M3C | 215 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Raymond Swanland |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Lightning Runner has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Lightning Runner card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2017-02-09 | Energy counters are a kind of counter that a player may have. They’re not associated with specific permanents. (Other kinds of counters that players may have include poison and experience.) |
| 2017-02-09 | Energy counters aren’t mana. They don’t go away as steps, phases, and turns end, and effects that add mana “of any type” to your mana pool can’t give you energy counters. |
| 2017-02-09 | If an effect says you get one or more , you get that many energy counters. To pay one or more , you lose that many energy counters. Any effects that interact with counters a player gets, has, or loses can interact with energy counters. |
| 2017-02-09 | Keep careful track of how many energy counters each player has. You may do so by keeping a running count on paper, by using a die, or by any other clear and mutually agreeable method. |
| 2017-02-09 | Some triggered abilities state that you “may pay” a certain amount of . You can’t pay that amount multiple times to multiply the effect. You simply choose whether or not to pay that amount of as the ability resolves, and no player may take actions to try to stop the ability’s effect after you make your choice. |
| 2017-02-09 | You can’t pay more energy counters than you have. |
| 2017-02-09 | You untap all creatures you control, including ones that aren’t attacking. |
| 2017-02-09 | is the energy symbol. It represents one energy counter. |