Lightning Shrieker MTG Card
2015-01-23 - Number 106
2019-11-07 - Number 1003
2020-07-17 - Number 345
2020-09-26 - Number FRF-106
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Dragon |
| Abilities | Flying,Haste,Trample |
| Power | 5 |
| Toughness | 5 |
Text of card
Flying, trample, haste At the beginning of the end step, Lightning Shrieker's owner shuffles it into his or her library.
Dragonslayers learned to keep silent about their deeds after seeing the terrible vengeance wrought by Kolaghan and her brood.
Cards like Lightning Shrieker
Lightning Shrieker stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a potent draconic force that sparks attention on the battlefield. Its dragon lineage slots it alongside impactful creatures like Sparktongue Dragon which, while slightly less powerful, offers a targeted damage ability when a kicker cost is paid. By contrast, Lightning Shrieker’s guarantee of returning to one’s deck adds a recurring threat dimension that Sparktongue Dragon lacks.
Delving further, we encounter Zephyr Charge, presenting an alternative method for granting flying to creatures, which Lightning Shrieker inherently possesses. However, Zephyr Charge requires continuous mana investment to maintain aerial dominance, unlike the self-sufficient Lightning Shrieker. Comparatively, Flame-Wave Phoenix introduces a recurring attack-phase trigger, but demands ferocious conditions differing from Lightning Shrieker’s straightforward cycling mechanic.
Ultimately, within the specific niche of aggressive flying creatures with an element of recurrence, Lightning Shrieker provides a straightforward and incendiary option. Its balance between raw power and the ability to threaten opponents turn after turn makes it a remarkable, if niche, choice in certain MTG decks focused on explosive plays.
Cards similar to Lightning Shrieker by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Instant Speed: Lightning Shrieker operates at instant speed, offering the flexibility to keep mana available for counterspells or removal until the best moment to summon it.
Resource Acceleration: While Lightning Shrieker itself does not accelerate resources, it does reintegrate into your library, avoiding the sometimes resource-draining downside of one-shot effects.
Card Advantage: Instead of providing traditional card draw, Lightning Shrieker maintains card parity by returning to the library, ensuring that it can potentially be drawn and played again, giving repeated opportunities for impact.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Lightning Shrieker doesn’t specifically demand a discard, it returns to the library unless you win the game, making it a recurring mana investment rather than a permanent board presence. This can drain your resources as you repeatedly spend mana to replay it.
Specific Mana Cost: Lightning Shriekers’ cost necessitates one red mana, which may not fit seamlessly into multi-color decks not heavily focusing on red mana. This inflexibility can be restrictive when deck building in diverse mana environments.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The five mana to cast Lightning Shrieker is quite steep, considering it doesn’t guarantee a long-term benefit on the board. Other creatures and spells at this mana range often provide more impactful and lasting effects, making this card’s cost-to-benefit ratio less advantageous.
Reasons to Include Lightning Shrieker in Your Collection
Versatility: Lightning Shrieker serves as a flexible choice for any red-based deck interested in a recurrent threat. Its ability to shuffle back into the library means it can be utilized turn after turn, offering a consistent flying attacker.
Combo Potential: Not only does Lightning Shrieker function as a stand-alone threat, but it also has potential as part of powerful combos. Pair it with cards that care about dragons, or those triggering from creatures entering or leaving the battlefield, for impactful plays.
Meta-Relevance: Within the right meta, particularly where slower, less aggressive decks prevail, this dragon offers a repetitive damage source that can easily slip through defenses. It can present a recurring challenge for opponents to address every turn, thus requiring answers to its persistent presence on the battlefield.
How to beat
Lightning Shrieker is a formidable creature card that can shake up the gameplay in Magic: The Gathering. This dragon terrorizes the battlefield with its flying and trample abilities, coupled with a considerable power of 5, making it a threat that can be difficult to handle. But like all cards, it has its weaknesses, and understanding these can turn the tide of the game in your favor.
One strategy to combat Lightning Shrieker is by utilizing instant-speed removal spells. These interrupts allow you to address the threat immediately before it inflicts damage. Consider cards like Path to Exile or Go for the Throat which can efficiently eliminate the creature at a relatively low cost. Another approach is to use creatures with deathtouch, ensuring that if Lightning Shrieker decides to attack, it will be met with a lethal defender, effectively neutralizing the threat. Lastly, employ cards that can exile Lightning Shrieker, such as Scavenger Grounds, to prevent it from returning to the deck. Keeping these strategies in your arsenal will help you ensure that Lightning Shrieker doesn’t dominate the game.
Being prepared for powerful threats such as Lightning Shrieker allows players to stay calm and collected, turning potential losses into definitive victories. With the right cards and timely plays, any player can keep their skies clear of this fiery dragon.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Lightning Shrieker MTG card by a specific set like Fate Reforged and Mystery Booster, 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 Shrieker 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 Shrieker Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2015-01-23 and 2020-07-17. Illustrated by Slawomir Maniak.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2015-01-23 | Fate Reforged | FRF | 106 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Slawomir Maniak | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1003 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Slawomir Maniak | |
| 3 | 2020-07-17 | Jumpstart | JMP | 345 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Slawomir Maniak | |
| 4 | The List | PLST | FRF-106 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Slawomir Maniak |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Lightning Shrieker has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Lightning Shrieker card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2014-11-24 | Lightning Shrieker’s owner shuffles it into their library only if it’s on the battlefield as its ability resolves. |