Lightwalker MTG Card
2015-03-27 - Number 24
2018-06-08 - Number 95
2019-11-07 - Number 161
2020-07-17 - Number 118
2020-09-26 - Number BBD-95
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Warrior |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Lightwalker has flying as long as it has a +1/+1 counter on it.
"The greatest gift Dromoka gives is the ability to fly without wings." —Urdnan, Dromoka warrior
Cards like Lightwalker
Lightwalker heralds its unique place in Magic: The Gathering with a distinctive ability amongst white creatures. This capability is reminiscent of creatures like Skyhunter Skirmisher, which shares the keyword flying but diverges in its double strike feature. Lightwalker, however, requires bolster to gain flying, an action that demands a +1/+1 counter to be placed on the creature with the least toughness among creatures you control.
Much like Lightwalker, Ainok Bond-Kin presents an interesting angle with its ability to receive counters for an added advantage. While Ainok Bond-Kin can grant itself and other creatures with +1/+1 counters the first strike, the Bond-Kin doesn’t naturally possess flying, making Lightwalker favorable in decks aiming for aerial superiority. Additionally, Abzan Falconer provides a similar function, enabling creatures with +1/+1 counters to fly, yet it doesn’t have the inherent potential to take to the skies on its own accord.
Ultimately, Lightwalker stands out for its conditional flight ability in a Magic: The Gathering match. It shines in scenarios where bolster strategies and +1/+1 counter manipulations are pivotal, allocating a tactical edge in battles fought above the fray.
Cards similar to Lightwalker by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Lightwalker. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Azorius Midrange | Pauper | BLUE - SAT - 1PM - Chicago Pauper Cup |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Lightwalker empowers players by offering critical card filtering capabilities. By effectively scrying, you refine your deck, ensuring that the cards in your hand are the ones you need to lead you to victory.
Resource Acceleration: This card shines in resource acceleration by potentially untapping lands. This effect gives you access to extra mana, facilitating faster deployment of your strategies and allowing you to cast more spells within a single turn.
Instant Speed: The instant nature of Lightwalker means you can react swiftly to shifting battlefield conditions. It enables you to wait until the optimal moment, such as during an opponent’s end step, to execute your move, keeping your adversaries guessing and your options open.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Lightwalker challenges players with a discard stipulation, compelling you to lose another card from your hand to leverage its effects. This hurdle can prove particularly taxing if your hand is already dwindling, as it forces tough decisions about resource management and can potentially disrupt your game plan.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a focused mana arrangement, requiring not just any mana, but specific colors to cast. This designates Lightwalker as a better fit for decks aligned with its color identity, potentially leaving out a swath of mono-colored or other decks not within its mana spectrum.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When evaluating the mana investment against the abilities provided, Lightwalker might not emerge as the most mana-efficient choice. The mana you pour into casting it could perhaps be invested in alternative cards that yield more immediate or impactful returns, making it a less attractive option for players aiming to optimize every mana spent.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Lightwalker has the unique attribute of gaining flying ability as long as it has a +1/+1 counter on it. This characteristic makes it a flexible choice for decks focusing on counter strategies or requiring aerial blockers and attackers.
Combo Potential: This card excels in synergies with bolster and other counter manipulation mechanics. It’s a perfect fit for decks that look to create strong synergistic plays and exploit the potential of +1/+1 counters to create powerful interactions on the battlefield.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where flying creatures dominate or where modestly costed creatures with growth potential are key, Lightwalker proves to be a tactical asset. Its ability to evolve and adapt to the board state makes it relevant in numerous metagame scenarios.
How to Beat
The Lightwalker card presents a unique challenge on the battlefield. As a creature with the bolster ability, it can quickly become a threat if left unchecked. To effectively counter Lightwalker, players need to adopt a strategy that neutralizes its growing power. Removal spells are key here—cards like Doom Blade or Path to Exile can dispatch Lightwalker before its bolster ability activates. Alternatively, controlling the pace of creature growth through countermeasures such as Essence Scatter to prevent it from entering play, or pacifism effects that neutralize it without requiring it to leave the field, are also effective.
Managing the board state is crucial. Keeping the number of creatures low, especially those with +1/+1 counters, will limit the scenarios in which Lightwalker can be bolstered. Sudden Shock is another excellent tool, as it can respond to the bolster trigger by removing Lightwalker before it gets buffed, thanks to its split second ability preventing opponents from responding with their own tricks.
In sum, while Lightwalker can be formidable, it is by no means unbeatable. With the right spells and strategic foresight, players can mitigate the risks it poses and maintain control over the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Lightwalker MTG card by a specific set like Dragons of Tarkir and Battlebond, 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 Lightwalker 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 Lightwalker Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2015-03-27 and 2020-07-17. Illustrated by Winona Nelson.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2015-03-27 | Dragons of Tarkir | DTK | 24 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Winona Nelson | |
| 2 | 2018-06-08 | Battlebond | BBD | 95 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Winona Nelson | |
| 3 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 161 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Winona Nelson | |
| 4 | 2020-07-17 | Jumpstart | JMP | 118 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Winona Nelson | |
| 5 | The List | PLST | BBD-95 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Winona Nelson |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Lightwalker has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |