Weaver of Lightning MTG Card
2016-07-22 - Number 149
2020-07-17 - Number 371
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Shaman |
| Abilities | Reach |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
Reach Whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell, Weaver of Lightning deals 1 damage to target creature an opponent controls.
"Lightning in a bottle? That's not where I need it."
Cards like Weaver of Lightning
Weaver of Lightning stands as an intriguing support card for spell-heavy decks. Comparable to cards like Firebrand Archer, it also deals damage to opponents whenever a noncreature spell is cast. However, Weaver of Lightning elevates the game with its added utility of potentially dealing one extra point of damage to target creature upon casting an instant or sorcery spell, offering an edge in creature control.
Electrostatic Field serves a similar role with its damage-dealing ability upon casting instants or sorceries. But unlike Weaver of Lightning, it does not provide the flexibility to target creatures, making Weaver a superior choice for interactive strategies. Guttersnipe is another alternative, which causes more damage to each opponent, yet it’s less tailored for tactical creature removal that the Weaver can handle proficiently.
When considering utility and adaptability in spell-based strategies, Weaver of Lightning secures an esteemed place. Its unique blend of offense and defense is somewhat unmatched in red creature cards, steering spell-slinging decks towards more dynamic and controlling playstyles.
Cards similar to Weaver of Lightning by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The inherent ability of Weaver of Lightning to deal extra damage whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell can deter smaller creatures and lead to advantageous board states without additional card costs.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing mana or acceleration, the reach provided by this card can indirectly conserve resources by alleviating the need for additional spells or creatures to manage opposing flying threats.
Instant Speed: This creature’s static ability synergizes with instant spells, allowing you to leverage its damage output at instant speed, thus maximizing the potential of your other instants and sorceries during unforeseen moments in the match.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Although Weaver of Lightning does not force a discard, certain decks may require discarding as a synergy, which the card does not inherently support. This lack of discard synergy could be a drawback in specific strategies centered around leveraging each card played for maximum value.
Specific Mana Cost: Weaver of Lightning demands both generic and red mana for casting, which may reduce its applicability across a variety of decks. Players running multi-color decks or non-red themes might find this card less useful, as it necessitates a dedication to red mana sources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, including one red, Weaver of Lightning could be considered costly for its utility. Considering its 1/4 stats and specific ability that requires additional instant or sorcery spells to be cast for incremental damage, the card can be outclassed by lower-cost creatures or more impactful spells in the same mana range.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Weaver of Lightning can seamlessly adapt to various red deck strategies, particularly those that capitalize on instants and sorceries. Its ability to deal extra damage to opposing creatures can shift the tide in many combat scenarios.
Combo Potential: This card works exceedingly well with decks built around spell-slinging synergies. Each noncreature spell you cast endows you with the potential to pick off enemy tokens or weakened creatures, bolstering your board presence one ping at a time.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where small creature swarms are prevalent, Weaver of Lightning provides a persistent threat to those strategies, making it a relevant choice for sideboards or even main deck consideration in the right meta.
How to beat Weaver of Lightning
Weaver of Lightning is an intriguing creature that can provide a strong defensive presence in Magic: The Gathering. It pairs particularly well with instant and sorcery spells, thanks to its ability to deal damage to target creature whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell. This feature makes it a subtle but significant threat, especially in decks focused on spell casting.
Confronting this card, it’s wise to leverage removal spells that can bypass its triggered ability. Using spells that provide instant-speed removal can disrupt your opponent’s strategy and eliminate Weaver of Lightning before it becomes a major nuisance. It’s critical to manage your resources efficiently to outpace the potential damage output and control the board. Additionally, consider sideboarding in cards that neutralize creatures with abilities, which can help you regain the upper hand. By keeping pressure and establishing a strong board presence, you can tip the scales in your favor against a deck featuring Weaver of Lightning.
In summary, beating Weaver of Lightning requires swift actions, judicious use of removals, and maintaining a robust board control. It’s not just about overpowering; it’s about smart play to dismantle your opponent’s strategies involving this pesky creature.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Weaver of Lightning MTG card by a specific set like Eldritch Moon and Jumpstart, 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 Weaver of Lightning 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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Printings
The Weaver of Lightning Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2016-07-22 and 2020-07-17. Illustrated by John Stanko.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2016-07-22 | Eldritch Moon | EMN | 149 | 2015 | Normal | Black | John Stanko | |
| 2 | 2020-07-17 | Jumpstart | JMP | 371 | 2015 | Normal | Black | John Stanko |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Weaver of Lightning has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Weaver of Lightning card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2016-07-13 | Weaver of Lightning’s triggered ability resolves before the spell that caused it to trigger, but after targets for that spell have been chosen. |