Soltari Lancer MTG Card
1997-10-14 - Number 44
2015-05-06 - Number 30
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Soltari Knight |
| Abilities | Shadow |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Shadow (This creature can block or be blocked by only creatures with shadow.) First strike when attacking
"In times of war the victors rarely save their best for last." —Gerrard of the *Weatherlight*
Cards like Soltari Lancer
Exploring the evasive capabilities of creatures within Magic: The Gathering, Soltari Lancer has staked its claim amongst the spectral ranks of shadow creatures. Its uniqueness derives from the shadow ability, allowing it to slip through defenses much like its kin, Soltari Monk and Soltari Priest. These relatives share the trait that only creatures with shadow can block them, making them a headache for opponents without shadow creatures.
Given Soltari Lancer’s potential for direct and consistent damage, it parallels other powerful third-turn options such as Blade Splicer, which introduces a formidable golem token and boosts other golems. While Blade Splicer offers more board presence, the Lancer’s unblockable nature can often guarantee damage. Another comparison lies in Dauthi Slayer, which, like the Lancer, is unblockable except by creatures with shadow. However, it has the drawback of being required to attack each turn, a limitation the more flexible Lancer doesn’t share.
In strategic terms, Soltari Lancer establishes its value by fitting smoothly into decks that capitalize on elusive creatures. Its shadow ability, especially in the right deck, can be leveraged to bypass ground stalls and maintain a consistent offensive front.
Cards similar to Soltari Lancer by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Soltari Lancer is crafted to synergize well with decks focusing on creature strategies. Its shadow ability makes it nearly unblockable, allowing for consistent damage to opponents and maintaining pressure, which indirectly contributes to card advantage by steadily depleting the opponent’s resources.
Resource Acceleration: A key strength of Soltari Lancer lies in its efficiency. With a relatively low mana cost and an impactful presence, it accelerates your on-board resources. This allows players to quickly escalate their offensive strategies without compromising the development of their mana base.
Instant Speed: While Soltari Lancer itself isn’t an instant, its shadow ability complements decks that operate at instant speed. Due to its inherent evasion, the player can confidently allocate mana towards instant speed interactions, knowing the Lancer can remain a consistent threat without the need to commit additional resources to protect it during combat.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Despite the shadow ability offering virtual unblockability, the Soltari Lancer falls short due to the need to maintain enough hand size to support its discard mechanic, which can be a significant drawback during late-game scenarios or against decks that force discarding.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring a solid inclusion of white mana, this card can impose deck-building restrictions, particularly in multi-color decks that may not consistently produce the necessary white mana early enough to deploy the Lancer effectively.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For its cost of three mana, the Soltari Lancer’s stats and abilities may be overshadowed by other creatures in the same mana range. Given its 2/2 body, players may find it less impactful on the board when compared to other options that don’t necessitate the same level of resource commitment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Soltari Lancer is an efficient addition to decks focusing on shadow mechanics or need evasive creatures. Its shadow ability ensures it can be both an effective attacker in combat and a reliable defender against other shadow creatures.
Combo Potential: With its flanking ability, Soltari Lancer enhances strategies around creatures controlling combat outcomes. It pairs well with equipment and auras that benefit creatures that are difficult to block, potentially leading to powerful synergies in a player’s favor.
Meta-Relevance: In prevalent creature-based metas, Soltari Lancer’s evasive capabilities make it a staple for dealing consistent damage. It can bypass most blockers and can stand strong against decks that rely heavily on ground forces, giving it a strategic edge in matches.
How to beat
Navigating the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering requires strategic savvy, especially when facing the Soltari Lancer. This creature brings the shadow ability to the table, a mechanism allowing it to dodge most blockers — a trait that makes it elusive in combat. To counter this, consider employing creatures with the same shadow ability, as they can block each other. Alternatively, having removal spells within reach can handle the Lancer before it causes too much trouble. Direct damage spells, kill spells, or even board wipes sweep the Lancer away effectively, making them key components in your arsenal.
Ensnaring the Lancer calls for a focus on indirect strategies as well. Utilize spells that can target without relying on the combat phase. A well-timed “Doom Blade” or “Path to Exile” can clear the path for your victory march. Enchantments like “Ghostly Prison” can be especially vexing for opponents relying on shadow creatures, as they can hinder their assault. Players might also opt for artifact equipment that grants reach or flying to blockers, broadening their defensive options.
Thus, with an arsenal equipped with the right spells and strategies, enduring a match against Soltari Lancer becomes an achievable conquest. Understanding the Lancer’s strengths and weaknesses is the key to crafting a winning game plan in Magic: The Gathering.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Soltari Lancer MTG card by a specific set like Tempest and Tempest Remastered, 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 Soltari Lancer and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
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- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
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Printings
The Soltari Lancer Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1997-10-14 and 2015-05-06. Illustrated by Matthew D. Wilson.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1997-10-14 | Tempest | TMP | 44 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Matthew D. Wilson | |
| 2 | 2015-05-06 | Tempest Remastered | TPR | 30 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Matthew D. Wilson |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Soltari Lancer has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Soltari Lancer card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2008-04-01 | For a time, the ability that granted it first strike was a triggered ability. It has been restored to a static ability that applies continuously while the Lancer is attacking. There is never a time when the Lancer is attacking but doesn’t have first strike. |