Leonin Skyhunter MTG Card


Leonin Skyhunter’s flying ability enables it to be an agile attacker and a strategic defender. Optimal for mono-white or dual decks, but less versatile in others due to specific mana requirements. While powerful, various strategies and cards can effectively counter the Leonin Skyhunter’s impact.
Card setsReleased in 6 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Cat Knight
Abilities Flying
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

Flying

The skyhunters were born when the first leonin gazed at the heavens and wished to hunt the birds overhead.


Cards like Leonin Skyhunter

The Leonin Skyhunter is a beloved card among players who favor aerial aggression in Magic: The Gathering. Its most direct comparison is to other two-cost creatures like Welkin Hawk, which also offers flying but has lower power and lacks the capacity to soar into the battlefield as quickly. On the flip side, the Stormfront Pegasus stands as a worthy rival, mirroring the stats and abilities of the Leonin Skyhunter, but it’s this mirrored strength that fosters debate on preference.

Examining further, we notice Suntail Hawk as another kin in the realm of low-cost flyers, providing an early game presence but falling short in strength when juxtaposed with our feline aviator. Then comes Kor Skyfisher, a card that, while sharing the same power, extends its utility through its ability to return a permanent to its owner’s hand, allowing for strategic redeployments. This added utility offers a different blend of tactics to the battlefield.

Assessing each card’s individual perks and versatility within the game, the Leonin Skyhunter maintains a prominent standing among two-mana creatures with flying, especially in decks that aim to establish aerial dominance swiftly and effectively.

Welkin Hawk - MTG Card versions
Stormfront Pegasus - MTG Card versions
Suntail Hawk - MTG Card versions
Kor Skyfisher - MTG Card versions
Welkin Hawk - MTG Card versions
Stormfront Pegasus - MTG Card versions
Suntail Hawk - MTG Card versions
Kor Skyfisher - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Leonin Skyhunter by color, type and mana cost

White Knight - MTG Card versions
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Soltari Monk - MTG Card versions
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Voice of the Blessed - MTG Card versions
Stoneforge Mystic - MTG Card versions
Drannith Magistrate - MTG Card versions
Leonin Lightscribe - MTG Card versions
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Silverflame Squire // On Alert - MTG Card versions
Flumph - MTG Card versions
Cloudreach Cavalry - MTG Card versions
Samite Healer - MTG Card versions
Kor Firewalker - MTG Card versions
Revered Dead - MTG Card versions
Starlight Invoker - MTG Card versions
White Knight - MTG Card versions
Soul Shepherd - MTG Card versions
Soltari Monk - MTG Card versions
Keeper of the Light - MTG Card versions
Faith Healer - MTG Card versions
Angelic Page - MTG Card versions
Spirit Weaver - MTG Card versions
Voice of the Blessed - MTG Card versions
Stoneforge Mystic - MTG Card versions
Drannith Magistrate - MTG Card versions
Leonin Lightscribe - MTG Card versions
Silver Knight - MTG Card versions
Longbow Archer - MTG Card versions
Silverflame Squire // On Alert - MTG Card versions
Flumph - MTG Card versions
Cloudreach Cavalry - MTG Card versions
Samite Healer - MTG Card versions
Kor Firewalker - MTG Card versions
Revered Dead - MTG Card versions
Starlight Invoker - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Leonin Skyhunter is adept at slipping through defenses to land critical hits, which can be pivotal in pressuring opponents and maintaining upper hand in field presence.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly enhancing your mana pool, Leonin Skyhunter’s efficient mana cost allows for a quicker deployment alongside other spells or abilities, providing a strategic speed to your gameplay.

Instant Speed: While Leonin Skyhunter itself may not have instant speed, its flying ability makes it an excellent blocker against other instant-speed flying threats, allowing for tactical defensive plays during your opponent’s turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Leonin Skyhunter does not have a discard requirement, players seeking to optimize their deck performance often scrutinize each card for maximum value. Cards that have direct or potential resource trade-off may be less appealing.

Specific Mana Cost: Leonin Skyhunter requires both white mana for casting, thus restricting its seamless inclusion to mono-white or two-color decks that include white. Decks not centered around white mana may find this card less functional within their strategy.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of two white mana, Leonin Skyhunter’s mana efficiency could be debated. In the two-drop slot, players might expect more impactful abilities or stronger stats to compete effectively in the current gameplay environment.


Reasons to Include Leonin Skyhunter in Your Collection

Versatility: Leonin Skyhunter boasts the flying ability, allowing it to operate as both an offensive and defensive asset. Its notable evasion makes it a formidable attacker in decks that strive for quick aerial victories.

Combo Potential: This card plays well with other abilities or card effects that reward you for having creatures with flying. Pairing it with equipment or auras that bolster flying creatures can establish a powerful presence on the board.

Meta-Relevance: Given its cost-effectiveness and flying trait, it can seamlessly integrate into White Weenie or aggro strategies which are frequently prominent in various metagames. The two-mana slot efficiency helps maintain tempo and apply pressure in fast-paced games.


How to beat Leonin Skyhunter

Leonin Skyhunter is a popular card among MTG deck builders, revered for its combination of a fairly low mana cost and the flying ability, allowing it to sail over ground-based defenses. This card can quickly become a thorn in your side if left unchecked on the battlefield.

Handling Leonin Skyhunter effectively requires strategic planning and a good understanding of the game’s mechanics. Incorporation of creatures with reach or any spell that can deal damage to flying creatures can mitigate the advantage Leonin Skyhunter provides to your opponent. A card like Plummet is a precise answer, designed to bring down winged threats.

Countering this card can also be done through board control tactics. Sweepers, like Wrath of God or Day of Judgment, can clear the board of all creatures, including those pesky fliers. Alternatively, spot removal spells like Doom Blade or Path to Exile offer single-target solutions, allowing you to regain the upper hand. Creatures with deathtouch serve as another formidable deterrent, with their ability to destroy any attacker regardless of its power.

In essence, though Leonin Skyhunter may be a formidable flyer, a well-constructed deck with appropriate countermeasures can neutralize its impact in the game, ensuring that your strategy remains on the winning path.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Leonin Skyhunter MTG card by a specific set like Mirrodin and Ninth Edition, 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 Leonin Skyhunter and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Leonin Skyhunter Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2003-10-02 and 2011-04-01. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12003-10-02MirrodinMRD 112003NormalBlackKev Walker
22005-07-29Ninth Edition9ED 252003NormalWhiteKev Walker
32005-07-29Ninth Edition9ED 25★2003NormalBlackKev Walker
42005-08-22Salvat 2005PSAL L522003NormalWhiteKev Walker
52011-02-04Mirrodin BesiegedMBS 112003NormalBlackJana Schirmer & Johannes Voss
62011-04-01Duel Decks: Knights vs. DragonsDDG 72003NormalBlackKev Walker

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Leonin Skyhunter has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal