Wizard's Lightning MTG Card

Wizard’s Lightning offers card advantage via cost reduction when paired with a Wizard. Instant speed provides flexibility and disruption potential during any phase. Mana specificity limits use to red-centric decks, affecting deck building.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Instant
Released	2018-04-27
Set symbol
Set name	Dominaria
Set code	DOM
Number	152
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Grzegorz Rutkowski

Text of card

This spell costs less to cast if you control a Wizard. Wizard's Lightning deals 3 damage to any target.

"The study of magic began when the first mage taught herself to throw lightning." —Naban, dean of iteration

Cards like Wizard's Lightning

Wizard’s Lightning is a dynamic inclusion in the burn spell arsenal for Magic: The Gathering players. It invites comparison with Lightning Bolt, a classic favorite, offering the same potential damage of three at an identical mana cost. However, Wizard’s Lightning introduces an innovative twist – it costs three mana, but if you control a Wizard, the cost is reduced to a single red mana, echoing the efficiency of the beloved Lightning Bolt.

Another akin card, Lightning Strike, deals the same damage but lacks the cost-reduction feature that Wizard’s Lightning brings to the table, remaining at two mana. Then there’s Searing Spear, yet another equivalent that also inflicts three damage at two mana, but does not offer the possibility of a cost decrease. This highlights Wizard’s Lightning’s unique advantage when strategically paired with Wizards.

Comparatively, Wizard’s Lightning not only fortifies a Wizard-centric deck but also performs admirably as a standalone damage dealer. Its versatility and the potential for mana cost optimization ensure its position as a highly regarded choice among similar burn spells within the diverse world of Magic: The Gathering.

Cards similar to Wizard's Lightning by color, type and mana cost

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Decks using this card

MTG decks using Wizard's Lightning. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

Name	Format	Archetype	Event
Gruul Aggro	Pioneer	Gruul Aggro	Pioneer Challenge 32 2024-05-10 (1)
Boros Aggro	Pioneer	Boros Aggro	Pioneer Showcase Challenge 2024-05-12
Mono-Red Aggro	Pioneer	Mono-Red Aggro	Pioneer League 2024-05-10
Izzet Prowess	Pioneer	Izzet Prowess	Pioneer Challenge 32 2024-05-10 (1)

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Wizard’s Lightning doesn’t directly allow you to draw cards, casting it for its reduced cost when you control a Wizard means spending less mana for the same effect, effectively giving you an advantage over opponents by saving resources for other cards in your hand.

Resource Acceleration: Not typically a resource accelerator, but in the context of decks with Wizards, it effectively accelerates your mana usage by costing less, enabling you to utilize your mana in more versatile ways throughout your turn.

Instant Speed: Wizard’s Lightning can be cast at instant speed, providing the flexibility to disrupt your opponent’s plays or remove key threats on the fly, all while leaving your options open until it’s the most opportune moment to strike.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Wizard’s Lightning doesn’t require a discard, but it does necessitate having a wizard on the battlefield to take advantage of its reduced cost ability. Without a wizard, you miss out on that extra value.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s mana cost is anchored in red, meaning only red or red-inclusive decks can harness its power. This specificity reduces its versatility across the vast array of deck types.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At three mana, Wizard’s Lightning may seem economical, but when you’re not controlling a wizard, it’s a less efficient burn spell compared to others that cost less for the same damage output.

Reasons to Include Wizard’s Lightning in Your Collection

Versatility: Wizard’s Lightning offers a powerful option for various deck builds in MTG. This Instant card is particularly suited for spell-heavy and wizard-centric strategies, providing cost reduction that can turn the tide of the game.

Combo Potential: This card pairs well with wizard tribal decks and can be a key component in creating devastating spell combos. Its reduced cost when controlling a wizard makes it a staple in any deck looking to optimize spell synergies.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where fast pacing and quick responses are crucial, Wizard’s Lightning shines. It’s an excellent tool against aggressive creature decks, allowing you to maintain board control without falling behind on tempo.

How to beat

Wizard’s Lightning is a potent instant spell in Magic: The Gathering, offering a substantial burst of damage that mimics the iconic Lightning Bolt, with the primary difference being its higher base casting cost which can be reduced under specific conditions. When facing this spell, it’s essential to adapt strategies that mitigate the impact of direct damage or prevent it altogether.

One effective approach is utilizing cards that grant you hexproof, such as Shalai, Voice of Plenty, which shields you from being targeted by spells like Wizard’s Lightning. Additionally, countering the spell is always a viable play, with affordable options like Spell Pierce for early game protection. Playing creatures with toughness greater than 3 can also help as it keeps them out of range of this particular burst of damage.

For those preferring a proactive approach, utilizing enchantments like Leyline of Sanctity from the get-go can offer permanent immunity from such targeted spells. Keep in mind, beating a card isn’t just about surviving its effects, but also about efficiently managing your resources to maintain the upper hand in the match.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Wizard's Lightning MTG card by a specific set like Dominaria, 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 Wizard's Lightning and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Wizard's Lightning has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historicbrawl	Legal
Commander	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Timeless	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2018-04-27	Once you announce that you’re casting Wizard’s Lightning, no player may take other actions until the spell’s been paid for. Notably, players can’t try to raise the spell’s cost by removing your Wizards.