Lightning Storm MTG Card
2006-07-21 - Number 89
2020-03-08 - Number 54
2020-09-26 - Number CSP-89
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Lightning Storm deals X damage to target creature or player, where X is 3 plus the number of charge counters on it. Discard a land card: Put two charge counters on Lightning Storm. You may choose a new target for it. Any player may play this ability but only if Lightning Storm is on the stack.
Cards like Lightning Storm
Lightning Storm is a unique instant in the vast world of Magic: The Gathering. It bears some resemblance to other damage-dealing spells, like Lightning Bolt, which also inflicts direct damage but at a lower cost and fixed damage rate. Lightning Storm, on the other hand, allows for damage adjustment by discarding land cards, offering strategic flexibility not seen in Lightning Bolt.
Comparing it to Fireball offers a closer look at this flexibility. Fireball can deal damage divided among any number of targets, yet it does so at a sorcery speed and can become mana-intensive. Lightning Storm retains instant speed and can potentially do more damage due to its discarding mechanic, crucial during the late game when land cards are abundant.
Chain Lightning is yet another comparable card, with the capability to deal 3 damage to any target at a low cost. Unlike Lightning Storm, its effect is singular and does not offer the same potential for damage escalation. The instant nature of Lightning Storm gives it an edge during critical phases of the game, highlighting its value among red direct damage spells.
Cards similar to Lightning Storm by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Lightning Storm. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Ad Nauseam | Modern | Ad Nauseam | $20K RCQ (Top 4) - Modern - SCG CON Cincinnati - Saturday - 10:00 am |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Lightning Storm can be a key card for tipping the scales in long games. Its ability to deal damage while allowing you to dig deeper into your deck by discarding lands boosts your potential to pull further ahead of your opponent by accessing more of your resources.
Resource Acceleration: With every land card discarded to activate Lightning Storm’s additional cost, you’re effectively converting a land from your hand into immediate damage, bypassing the usual one land per turn rule and accelerating your damage output without the need to invest in multiple turns for setup.
Instant Speed: The strength of Lightning Storm shines through its instant speed casting ability, providing flexibility to respond to threats at a moment’s notice or potentially ending the game on your opponent’s turn. The element of surprise and tactical depth offered by this speed can be a game-changer, allowing you to adapt to the unfolding match with precision.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: When playing Lightning Storm, players must discard a land card for each activation of the card’s special ability. This can significantly deplete a player’s land resources, making it difficult to sustain longer games or cast other spells.
Specific Mana Cost: Lightning Storm requires an exact combination of two colorless and one red mana to play. This specific mana requirement can be restrictive, especially for decks that operate on a multicolor basis, limiting the card’s versatility across different deck types.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, Lightning Storm’s initial impact may seem underwhelming compared to other instant cards with similar or lower mana costs that can provide immediate board influence or player advantage.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Lightning Storm can adapt to different deck styles, fitting smoothly into strategies that require direct damage or as a tool for controlling the board. Its adjustable damage output makes it a dynamic choice for dealing with various threats.
Combo Potential: This card excels when combined with ways to increase the number of land cards in a player’s hand, thereby enhancing its damage capability. It can be a critical component in a combo that aims to win the game by dealing massive damage in a single turn.
Meta-Relevance: Given its ability to potentially end the game when played correctly, Lightning Storm remains a relevant card, especially in formats where instant-speed responses are crucial to navigate through combo-centric or aggro metas.
How to Beat
Understanding how to counter the Lightning Storm MTG card can give players a strategic edge in the game. This red instant is unique because it allows players to control where the damage goes even after the spell has been cast. However, there are ways to navigate its impact. Counterspells are your first line of defense, shutting it down before it ever takes effect. Alternative strategies include gaining life to offset its damage, or using damage prevention effects like those found on certain white cards or artifacts.
Another tactic is to utilize cards that redirect or nullify the damage to a different target. This can include spells and abilities that change the target of spells, or even creatures with protection from red that are immune to Lightning Storm’s damage. Lastly, players can keep a careful count of the number of lands in play, as Lightning Storm’s strength depends on land discard. With fewer lands or measures to return lands from the graveyard, the potential damage can be largely mitigated.
Being one step ahead of this powerful instant spell means understanding your deck’s resources and planning around the flexibility Lightning Storm brings to the table. While it poses a real threat, with the right insight and preparation, its thunder can certainly be quieted.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Lightning Storm MTG card by a specific set like Coldsnap and Mystery Booster Retail Edition Foils, 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 Storm 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 Lightning Storm Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2006-07-21 and 2020-03-08. Illustrated by Luca Zontini.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2006-07-21 | Coldsnap | CSP | 89 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Luca Zontini | |
| 2 | 2020-03-08 | Mystery Booster Retail Edition Foils | FMB1 | 54 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Luca Zontini | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | CSP-89 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Luca Zontini |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Lightning Storm has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Lightning Storm card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2006-07-15 | After an instance of Lightning Storm’s activated ability resolves, the active player (not Lightning Storm’s controller) receives priority. |
| 2006-07-15 | Lightning Storm has an activated ability that can be activated only while the spell is on the stack. Any player may activate that ability. When the ability is activated, it goes on the stack on top of Lightning Storm. When the ability resolves, the Lightning Storm spell is affected. |
| 2006-07-15 | When Lightning Storm leaves the stack, its charge counters go away. |
| 2006-07-15 | When Lightning Storm’s activated ability resolves, if there are no other legal targets to choose for the Lightning Storm spell, you must leave the target the same, even if it’s now an illegal target. |
| 2006-07-15 | When you cast Lightning Storm, you immediately have a chance to activate its ability since you’ll have priority. If you don’t, and all other players pass, the spell will resolve. You won’t receive priority again — and thus won’t get another chance to activate its ability — unless someone else activates Lightning Storm’s activated ability, casts some other spell, or activates some other ability. |