Sunstrike Legionnaire MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Human Soldier |
| Released | 2003-02-03 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Legions |
| Set code | LGN |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 22 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Mark Zug |
Text of card
Sunstrike Legionnaire doesn't untap during your untap step. Whenever another creature comes into play, untap Sunstrike Legionnaire. : Tap target creature with converted mana cost 3 or less.
Cards like Sunstrike Legionnaire
The Sunstrike Legionnaire from Magic: The Gathering is an intriguing card that brings interesting elements to the battlefield. This card allows players to tap another target creature and has the potential to completely alter the flow of combat. In comparison, cards like Gideon’s Lawkeeper or Master Decoy also offer similar tapping abilities. However, the Sunstrike Legionnaire stands out with its ability to tap creatures without summoning sickness due to its echo cost, giving it an edge in controlling the field from the moment it arrives.
Cards like Blinding Mage present a similar mechanic, but the Legionnaire doesn’t require mana for activation, which can be a tremendous advantage in the late game when resources are critical. Meanwhile, another comparable card is Icy Manipulator, which can tap any artifact, creature, or land, providing broader control but at the cost of mana for each activation.
When it comes to maintaining a strategic upper hand, Sunstrike Legionnaire presents a valuable proposition for players looking to lock down opponent’s strategies and manipulate combat in their favor, all without the added burden of mana costs for its ability.
Cards similar to Sunstrike Legionnaire by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Sunstrike Legionnaire offers a unique advantage on the battlefield by providing an ongoing ability to tap or untap a target creature. This feature opens up strategic opportunities for card interactions and combo potentials, potentially disrupting your opponent’s strategies while setting up favorable conditions for your plays.
Resource Acceleration: Although the Sunstrike Legionnaire itself doesn’t directly generate mana or tokens, its untap ability can be cleverly paired with cards that benefit from becoming untapped. This can effectively ramp up your resources, as it allows reuse of permanents with tap abilities for additional mana or effects within a single turn cycle.
Instant Speed: The capability to use Sunstrike Legionnaire’s abilities at instant speed adds a layer of versatility. You can strategically tap an opponent’s creature during their attack phase or untap your creatures for a surprise block. This ability to react on the fly significantly enhances tactical depth, giving the player more control of the battlefield dynamic at crucial moments.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Sunstrike Legionnaire does not directly impose a discard requirement, providing a slight edge in card advantage over those that do. Remember to always consider the balance in your deck.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring a combination of white mana, Sunstrike Legionnaire necessitates a committed mana base that may not seamlessly fit into multi-colored decks, potentially restricting its playability across various deck types.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana cost, Sunstrike Legionnaire faces stiff competition from other low-cost creatures offering more immediate board presence or impact. This can be a determining factor in its inclusion in optimized deck lists where mana efficiency is key.
Reasons to Include Sunstrike Legionnaire in Your Collection
Versatility: Sunstrike Legionnaire can seamlessly slot into a variety of decks, particularly those that lean on tapping and untapping mechanics. Its ability to consistently lock down opponents’ creatures lends it utility in control and stax strategies alike.
Combo Potential: This card has a synergistic edge, especially with cards that untap permanents or that trigger upon tapping. This gives it the capacity to be a linchpin in various infinite combo setups, elevating game-changing strategies.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where creatures reign supreme, Sunstrike Legionnaire’s ability to repeatedly tap creatures without summoning sickness makes it a tactical asset. It aligns well with the meta’s pace, allowing you to take control by dictating combat interactions and board states.
How to beat
Sunstrike Legionnaire is an intriguing card that can immobilize creatures by tapping them, preventing them from participating in combat. Despite this ability, there are ways to diminish its impact on the game. Engaging a strategy that focuses on non-creature spells or abilities can bypass the legionnaire’s reach. Moreover, ramping up the speed of your deck to outpace the mana curve of your opponent could present difficulties for them to establish control with the Legionnaire.
Another effective approach involves using removal spells that can target the Legionnaire despite its low mana cost. Cards such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile can deal with it efficiently. It’s also worth considering the advantage of creature abilities that trigger from entering the battlefield or other effects that don’t hinge on attacking or blocking to minimize the Legionnaire’s influence. In the battlefield context, this means prioritizing versatility and foreseeing the potential of your opponent’s plays to maintain tempo and control of the game.
In essence, outmaneuvering the Sunstrike Legionnaire requires foresight, a versatile deck composition, and the ability to execute a proactive game plan that minimizes its tapping ability while maximizing your own strategic advantages.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Sunstrike Legionnaire MTG card by a specific set like Legions, 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 Sunstrike Legionnaire 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Sunstrike Legionnaire has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |