Mikaeus, the Lunarch MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 8 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityMythic
TypeLegendary Creature — Human Cleric
Power 0
Toughness 0

Key Takeaways

  1. Card advantages include managing battlefield presence and the ability to enhance creatures, making each presence count.
  2. Instant speed interactions allow Mikaeus to surprise opponents, using counter movements to create strategic advantages.
  3. Despite its versatility, it requires specific mana and may lead to a reduced tempo due to its cost.

Text of card

Mikaeus, the Lunarch enters the battlefield with X +1/+1 counters on it. : Put a +1/+1 counter on Mikaeus. , Remove a +1/+1 counter from Mikaeus: Put a +1/+1 counter on each other creature you control.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Mikaeus the Lunarch stands out in his ability to manage and expand your battlefield presence. He enters the game with +1/+1 counters corresponding to the mana invested in him, directly influencing how many creatures you can empower. This flexibility can translate to a significant card advantage, as it enables you to bolster your existing creatures, making each card you have on the field more formidable.

Resource Acceleration: With Mikaeus, your mana can go a long way toward establishing board control. By strategically placing +1/+1 counters, you can accelerate the potency of your creatures, effectively converting mana into immediate increases in power and toughness. This not only speeds up your creatures’ growth but also can activate abilities or synergies that depend on counter placement, further enhancing your resource efficiency.

Instant Speed: Although Mikaeus himself may not have flash, the ability to add or move counters at instant speed gives you reactive options during your opponent’s turn. This means you can wait until the last possible moment to make strategic adjustments to your creatures’ power, thereby creating surprise blockers or unexpectedly overpowering threats. Mikaeus fits into a game plan that values flexibility and the element of surprise, keeping opponents guessing and off-balance.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Mikaeus the Lunarch doesn’t have a discard mechanic itself, it often requires substantial card support to maximize efficiency. Decks running it may need to discard other valuable cards to fulfill the synergy, which can be a strategic setback.

Specific Mana Cost: Mikaeus the Lunarch’s mana cost requires white mana exclusively. This restricts its integration primarily to mono-white or white-inclusive multicolor decks, limiting its versatility across the broad spectrum of MTG archetypes.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Starting at one mana to cast, Mikaeus can be a significant investment as more mana is required to place additional +1/+1 counters on it. In matches where tempo is crucial, players might find more immediate board impact from lower cost creatures or spells.


Reasons to Include Mikaeus the Lunarch in Your Collection

Versatility: Mikaeus the Lunarch offers flexibility in deck construction and play style. Its ability to distribute +1/+1 counters makes it a strong addition to decks focusing on creature growth or those that capitalize on counter synergies.

Combo Potential: This card’s capacity for incrementally increasing creature strength creates potential for explosive turns. Whether used to bolster a single creature or to empower an entire battlefield, it can be the lynchpin in a devastating combo.

Meta-Relevance: In a game that often rewards adaptability, Mikaeus the Lunarch stands out for its ability to interact beneficially with a variety of prevalent strategies, making it a wise choice as the meta evolves.


How to beat

Mikaeus the Lunarch can be a game-changer when it hits the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. This powerful creature thrives on boosting your creatures’ power, and with its ability to accumulate +1/+1 counters, it can quickly escalate the threat level. However, no card is unbeatable.

A key strategy to counter Mikaeus is to prioritize removals or counterspells that can handle him before he gets out of control. Efficient spot removals like Path to Exile or Fatal Push can take care of him on the spot, negating the advantage he would provide. Board wipes are also effective as they can address Mikaeus along with other creatures on your opponent’s field simultaneously.

Moreover, don’t underestimate the value of timing when playing against decks utilizing Mikaeus the Lunarch. Playing proactively and keeping mana open for responses when Mikaeus enters the fray can be the difference between a defeat and a victory. With a well-thought-out plan and responsive play, the allure of Mikaeus the Lunarch’s can be effectively contained.


BurnMana Recommendations

Delving into the intricate world of MTG, Mikaeus the Lunarch emerges as a card that shines in its versatility and potential for strategic gameplay. Whether you’re orchestrating a creature-focused deck or seeking cards that alter game dynamics with counters, Mikaeus can elevate your play to new heights. Its particular place in a white mana strategy makes it a compelling choice for certain deck archetypes. Embrace the journey of continuously refining your collection and gameplay strategies. At BurnMana, we dive deep into analyzing and understanding cards like Mikaeus, optimizing your deck’s performance. Join us in our quest for MTG mastery and discover innovative ways to claim victory with Mikaeus the Lunarch’s commanding presence.


Cards like Mikaeus, the Lunarch

Mikaeus the Lunarch holds a unique position among creature cards in Magic: The Gathering, being a versatile tool for counter-based strategies. While its ability to distribute +1/+1 counters might invite comparisons with other creatures like Gavony Township, which also puts a +1/+1 counter on each creature you control, Mikaeus offers more control by targeting specific creatures or growing itself to become a formidable threat.

Another card worth mentioning in the same conversation is Triskelion. Both share a relationship with counters, but Triskelion allows for direct damage by removing its counters. While Mikaeus doesn’t inherently deal damage, it serves a more flexible role in empowering your board presence over time. If synergy with undying creatures is the goal, Mikaeus clearly outshines Triskelion by potentially giving your creatures multiple lives.

Assessing Mikaeus the Lunarch’s place among MTG creatures adept at manipulating counters, it’s evident that his adjustable nature makes him a valuable asset in decks that aim to use counters as a resource for victory, giving players dynamic options every turn.

Gavony Township - MTG Card versions
Triskelion - MTG Card versions
Gavony Township - Innistrad (ISD)
Triskelion - Antiquities (ATQ)

Cards similar to Mikaeus, the Lunarch by color, type and mana cost

Savannah Lions - MTG Card versions
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Kor Duelist - MTG Card versions
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Savannah Lions - Collectors' Edition (CED)
Benalish Hero - Fourth Edition (4ED)
Icatian Infantry - Fallen Empires (FEM)
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Icatian Javelineers - Masters Edition II (ME2)
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Trade Caravan - Homelands (HML)
Vigilant Martyr - Mirage (MIR)
Honor Guard - Ninth Edition (9ED)
Volunteer Militia - Portal Second Age (P02)
Nomads en-Kor - World Championship Decks 1998 (WC98)
Soul Warden - Historic Anthology 1 (HA1)
Resistance Fighter - Classic Sixth Edition (6ED)
Honorable Scout - Planeshift (PLS)
Devoted Caretaker - Odyssey (ODY)
Faerie Guidemother // Gift of the Fae - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Kor Duelist - Wizards Play Network 2009 (PWP09)
Yoshimaru, Ever Faithful - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Mother of Runes - The List (PLST)
Daru Mender - Legions (LGN)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Mikaeus, the Lunarch MTG card by a specific set like From the Vault: Legends and Innistrad, 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 Mikaeus, the Lunarch and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Mikaeus, the Lunarch Magic the Gathering card was released in 7 different sets between 2011-08-26 and 2023-04-21. Illustrated by Steven Belledin.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12011-08-26From the Vault: LegendsV11 62003normalblackSteven Belledin
22011-09-30InnistradISD 232003normalblackSteven Belledin
32020-07-17JumpstartJMP 1232015normalblackSteven Belledin
42021-09-24Midnight Hunt CommanderMIC 892015normalblackSteven Belledin
52022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 7002015normalblackSteven Belledin
62022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 182015normalblackSteven Belledin
72022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 4192015normalblackSteven Belledin
82023-04-21March of the Machine CommanderMOC 1972015normalblackSteven Belledin

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Mikaeus, the Lunarch has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
GladiatorLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

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