Sorin, Lord of Innistrad MTG Card


Sorin excels at generating board presence with lifelink vampires, ensuring sustained card advantage. Resource acceleration is key, as his emblems permanently power up creatures, rewarding strategic plays. Sorin’s impact persists with emblem buffs, forcing opponents into unfavorable instant speed decisions.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityMythic
TypeLegendary Planeswalker — Sorin
Loyalty 3

Text of card

+1: Put a 1/1 black Vampire creature token with lifelink onto the battlefield. -2: You get an emblem with "Creatures you control get +1/+0." -6: Destroy up to three target creatures and/or other planeswalkers. Return each card put into a graveyard this way to the battlefield under your control.


Cards like Sorin, Lord of Innistrad

In the realm of Magic: The Gathering, Sorin, Lord of Innistrad stands out among planeswalkers for its unique ability to marshal both vampire tokens and emblems to boost a player’s board position. In a direct comparison, we find Elspeth, Sun’s Champion, a card that similarly creates soldier tokens. Elspeth has the advantage of producing more tokens, yet it lacks the emblem ability which provides lasting benefits even if the planeswalker is removed from the field.

Another card that echoes Sorin’s capabilities is Ajani Steadfast. Ajani’s primary ability also offers a boost to creatures, but unlike Sorin’s emblems, the effect is not permanent and requires a sustained presence on the battlefield. Furthermore, Sorin’s versatility in affecting opponents’ life totals contrasts with Ajani’s singular focus on fortifying the user’s side of the battlefield.

When comparing Sorin’s strategic applications to its counterparts, this vampire planeswalker carves a niche with its dual ability to enhance creatures and disrupt opponents, adding a layer of depth to the gameplay. Evidently, Sorin, Lord of Innistrad holds its own within the diverse pantheon of MTG planeswalker cards, boasting both offensive and defensive advantages.

Elspeth, Sun's Champion - MTG Card versions
Ajani Steadfast - MTG Card versions
Elspeth, Sun's Champion - MTG Card versions
Ajani Steadfast - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Sorin, Lord of Innistrad by color, type and mana cost

Sorin, Vengeful Bloodlord - MTG Card versions
Sorin, Solemn Visitor - MTG Card versions
Kaya, Ghost Assassin - MTG Card versions
Kaya, Ghost Haunter - MTG Card versions
Kaya, Spirits' Justice - MTG Card versions
Sorin, Vengeful Bloodlord - MTG Card versions
Sorin, Solemn Visitor - MTG Card versions
Kaya, Ghost Assassin - MTG Card versions
Kaya, Ghost Haunter - MTG Card versions
Kaya, Spirits' Justice - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Sorin, Lord of Innistrad shines in this aspect by creating a stream of 1/1 black Vampire creature tokens with lifelink to maintain pressure and board presence. Given his +1 loyalty ability can be activated multiple times, this can quickly translate into a considerable advantage as your army grows, drawing attention away from your life total and onto your growing forces.

Resource Acceleration: Beyond the ability to generate creatures, his -2 loyalty ability offers an emblem with “Creatures you control get +1/+0,” effectively acting as a lasting resource that enhances your entire squad. The emblem persists even if Sorin is dealt with, granting ongoing benefits that compound with additional emblems and making your creatures more formidable in combat.

Instant Speed: While Sorin himself doesn’t operate at instant speed, his influence on the game can indirectly enhance your instant-speed interactions. A board bolstered by his emblems is a stronger deterrent, potentially forcing opponents to act hastily at instant speed. Other instant-speed spells in your arsenal become more concerning for the opposition when supported by Sorin’s emblems and his vigilant vampire tokens maintaining board control.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Though Sorin Lord of Innistrad does not directly require a discard, it’s important to manage your hand carefully when playing Planeswalkers. You’ll need to ensure you have the right balance of spells to protect and leverage Sorin’s abilities, which could lead you to make tough decisions about what to keep and what to discard.

Specific Mana Cost: Sorin’s casting cost demands a specific combination of one black and one white mana in addition to two other mana. This can restrict deck-building options, as you need to ensure a mana base that consistently provides both colors to cast him on curve.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a four mana value—two of which are color-specific—Sorin Lord of Innistrad can be considered a significant investment in the early to mid-game turns. While his impact on the game is appreciable, players must weigh it against other four-mana plays that could advance their board state or disrupt opponents more immediately.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Sorin, Lord of Innistrad offers a flexible role in any deck that appreciates life gain, token generation, and board control — characteristics that shine in various deck archetypes.

Combo Potential: Sorin’s ability to create Vampire tokens synergizes well with strategies that capitalize on creature count, such as sacrifice or anthem effects, making it a key piece in several potent combos.

Meta-Relevance: Given Sorin’s capacity to impact the battlefield and provide consistent advantage, he remains relevant in many meta environments, adapting well to shifts in competitive play.


How to Beat

Sorin, Lord of Innistrad is an impactful planeswalker card that can be quite challenging to overcome in Magic: The Gathering. Key to prevailing against it is understanding its abilities and preparing a strategy in advance. One efficient method is using direct damage spells to lower Sorin’s loyalty counters, such as Lightning Bolt or Dreadbore. These cards are perfect for quickly removing Sorin before he can create a significant advantage.

Another tactic is to apply continuous pressure on the opponent, forcing them to use Sorin defensively rather than offensively. Creatures with flying or those that can’t be blocked by tokens, like Adanto Vanguard, are particularly useful as they can bypass the vampire tokens generated by Sorin and directly attack the planeswalker.

Using removal spells that can target multiple creatures or planeswalkers—such as Supreme Verdict or Damnation—is also effective, especially after Sorin has created several tokens. By wiping the board clean, you not only get rid of the potential blocker army but also open a path to attack Sorin directly. Always be ready to counter or remove Sorin as soon as he enters the battlefield to prevent your opponent from gaining the upper hand.


BurnMana Recommendations

Unveiling the depths of Sorin, Lord of Innistrad’s potential can give your deck the edge you’ve been searching for. With abilities that create lasting advantages, it’s a card that demands attention, strategically placed to turn the tides in your favor. Whether you’re new to MTG or a seasoned player, Sorin offers a blend of board control and life-gain that can redefine matchups. Immerse yourself in deck-building strategies and gameplay tactics that highlight your playstyle. Keen to refine your techniques and unlock the full potential of your collection? Dive into our expert insights and sharpen your skills with Sorin, Lord of Innistrad.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Sorin, Lord of Innistrad MTG card by a specific set like Dark Ascension and Duel Decks: Sorin vs. Tibalt, 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 Sorin, Lord of Innistrad and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Sorin, Lord of Innistrad Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2012-02-03 and 2023-11-17. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12012-02-03Dark AscensionDKA 1422003NormalBlackMichael Komarck
22013-03-15Duel Decks: Sorin vs. TibaltDDK 12003NormalBlackChase Stone
32023-11-17The Lost Caverns of Ixalan CommanderLCC 2892015NormalBlackMichael Komarck

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Sorin, Lord of Innistrad has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Sorin, Lord of Innistrad card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2011-01-22 If Sorin, Lord of Innistrad somehow becomes a creature, it can be chosen as a target of its own third ability. If Sorin, Lord of Innistrad is still on the battlefield when that ability resolves, it will then destroy Sorin and return him to the battlefield under your control.
2011-01-22 If a creature with undying is destroyed by Sorin, Lord of Innistrad's third ability, the undying ability will trigger, but the creature will already have been returned to the battlefield by Sorin. The undying ability won't do anything when it resolves.
2011-01-22 The emblems are cumulative. If you get two of them, creatures you control will get +2/+0.
2011-01-22 You can target a token creature with Sorin, Lord of Innistrad's third ability, but it won't return to the battlefield.