Ajani's Sunstriker MTG Card

Magic 2013 (M13)
2012-07-13 - Number 2

Conspiracy (CNS)
2014-06-06 - Number 66

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Cat Cleric
Abilities	Lifelink
Power	2
Toughness	2

Key Takeaways

Ajani’s Sunstriker’s lifelink grants sustained advantage against aggressive strategies, pivotal for early game survival.
Its specific mana cost requires careful deck construction, emphasizing the importance of mana management.
Despite its utility, there are alternative creatures that may provide better efficiency and versatility in a deck.

Text of card

Lifelink (Damage dealt by this creature also causes you to gain that much life.)

"Ajani goes where he is needed most and in his name we keep his lands safe."

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Ajani’s Sunstriker features lifelink, turning each attack into a potential source of life point gains, bolstering your survival chances and indirectly leading to card advantage as you stall your opponent’s aggression.

Resource Acceleration: While not a direct source of mana, Ajani’s Sunstriker’s low cost aids in resource acceleration, setting the stage for larger plays sooner by fitting into the curve and conserving resources for other spells.

Instant Speed: Although Ajani’s Sunstriker is a creature and not cast at instant speed, its low mana value allows for it to be played alongside other instant-speed interactions within your turn, maintaining the dynamic nature of your gameplay.

Card Cons

Specific Mana Cost: Ajani’s Sunstriker comes with a mana cost that includes two white symbols. This specificity necessitates a deck built around white mana or a carefully balanced manabase to ensure consistent play, possibly restricting its inclusion in more diverse multicolor decks.

Discard Requirement: While Ajani’s Sunstriker doesn’t actually have a discard requirement itself, it’s important for players to note that including cards with specialized mana costs could constrain hand flexibility and may indirectly lead to situations where potential discards are less optimal, emphasizing hand management.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Bearing a converted mana cost of two may appear economical, but in a game where efficiency is key, there are alternative creatures that offer similar lifelink abilities with added benefits or for a lower mana investment, potentially overshadowing Ajani’s Sunstriker’s effectiveness in competitive play.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Ajani’s Sunstriker is a flexible card that can be adapted into various deck builds, especially those focusing on life gain strategies. Its low casting cost allows for an early defensive presence on the board while also contributing to white’s thematic strengths of health and resilience.

Combo Potential: With its lifelink ability, this card works well in synergistic plays, pairing with enchantments or equipment that boost its power or provide additional effects based on life gain. This enhances its role in combo interactions within a deck.

Meta-Relevance: Given its capability to stabilize early game situations against aggressive decks, Ajani’s Sunstriker has utility in metas where quick starts are essential. Not only can it counteract initial onslaughts, but it also supports longer-term tactics that capitalize on incremental life gain.

How to beat

Ajani’s Sunstriker is known for its resilience on the battlefield, thanks to its lifelink ability, allowing players to gain life equal to the damage it deals. This capacity for life gain makes it a persistent presence in some Magic: The Gathering matchups, particularly if you’re running a deck with limited creature control.

To overcome Ajani’s Sunstriker, consider using removal spells that can bypass its lifelink ability by not dealing damage. Spells like Murder, which outright destroy a creature, or exile effects found in cards such as Path to Exile, swiftly remove it from play without triggering lifelink. Timing is critical, so it’s best to manage threats before they can swing the momentum in your opponent’s favor.

Additionally, blockers with higher toughness can stall Ajani’s Sunstriker, preventing it from dealing damage and nullifying lifelink. Including efficient kill spells or creatures with deathtouch will ensure Ajani’s Sunstriker is just a minor obstacle in your path to victory.

Cards like Ajani's Sunstriker

Ajani’s Sunstriker holds its ground among lifelink creatures in Magic: The Gathering. Positioned alongside creatures such as Healer’s Hawk, the Sunstriker offers solid stats with a 2/2 profile for the same converted mana cost. Nonetheless, Healer’s Hawk has flying, providing tactical aerial advantage over ground-based threats. The lifelink ability that both creatures share is a pivotal feature in strategies seeking to maintain a high life total.

Another counterpart could be the Trusted Pegasus, which although lacks lifelink, facilitates powerful board presence by allowing another creature to take to the skies with it during an attack. The synergy potential here is noteworthy when paired with creatures like Ajani’s Sunstriker, enhancing combat strategies. On the defensive, Lone Missionary offers immediate impact with its enter-the-battlefield effect, granting 4 life, though it’s less robust in ongoing combat situations with a smaller body.

Evaluating creatures in MTG that carry the lifelink ability, Ajani’s Sunstriker demonstrates resilience and staying power within this subset. Its straightforward cost and robust body for early lifegain make it a valuable choice for players crafting decks focused on life total as a resource.

Cards similar to Ajani's Sunstriker by color, type and mana cost

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Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ajani's Sunstriker MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2013 and Conspiracy, 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 Ajani's Sunstriker and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Ajani's Sunstriker Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2012-07-13 and 2014-06-06. Illustrated by Matt Stewart.