Leonin Warleader MTG Card


Leonin Warleader enhances board state with attacking-triggered lifelink Cat tokens for strategic advantage and life gain. The card demands precise mana, competing in the four-mana slot with other impactful play options for deckbuilders. Effective removal and control strategies are key to countering Leonin Warleader’s token-generating capability in MTG.
Card setsReleased in 6 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Cat Soldier
Power 4
Toughness 4

Text of card

Whenever Leonin Warleader attacks, create two 1/1 white Cat creature tokens with lifelink that are tapped and attacking.

When one leonin hunts, many more are surely nearby.


Cards like Leonin Warleader

Leonin Warleader is a notable card in Magic: The Gathering that stands out within the realm of creature cards with token-generating abilities. In comparison to the renowned Hero of Bladehold, Leonin Warleader shares the key feature of producing extra creatures upon attacking, essentially bolstering your forces on the battlefield. While Hero of Bladehold gives you two 1/1 white Soldier creature tokens with battle cry, Leonin Warleader offers a slightly different edge—creating two 1/1 white Cat creature tokens with lifelink. This means that not only do you widen your army with every attack, but you also gain life, increasing your resilience as the game progresses.

When looking at other similar cards, Brimaz, King of Oreskos, springs to mind as a close counterpart. Though Brimaz’s strength lies in token generation both on attacking and blocking, the tokens lack the lifelink advantage that Leonin Warleader’s tokens possess. As a result, Leonin Warleader might be preferred in scenarios where life gain is crucial. On the contrary, Brimaz has the upper hand in defensive strategies due to its dual token generation.

Determining the right card between Leonin Warleader and its counterparts boils down to a player’s strategy and deck synergy. Yet, in terms of sheer ability to change the tide of combat with life-gaining tokens, Leonin Warleader proves to be a powerhouse in creature-focused decks within Magic: The Gathering.

Hero of Bladehold - MTG Card versions
Brimaz, King of Oreskos - MTG Card versions
Hero of Bladehold - MTG Card versions
Brimaz, King of Oreskos - MTG Card versions

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Carrier Pigeons - MTG Card versions
Tormented Angel - MTG Card versions
Seasoned Marshal - MTG Card versions
Coalition Honor Guard - MTG Card versions
Mangara, the Diplomat - MTG Card versions
Akroma's Devoted - MTG Card versions
Aven Cloudchaser - MTG Card versions
Seht's Tiger - MTG Card versions
Valor - MTG Card versions
Guardian Seraph - MTG Card versions
Cho-Manno, Revolutionary - MTG Card versions
Hero of Bladehold - MTG Card versions
Mausoleum Guard - MTG Card versions
Galepowder Mage - MTG Card versions
Kor Cartographer - MTG Card versions
Sunspire Gatekeepers - MTG Card versions
Akroan Mastiff - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Leonin Warleader. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Boros AggroBoros Aggro GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 12 2024
Azorius ControlAzorius Control ModernAzorius ControlDEN24 Sat 9:00 - U.S. Regional Championship - presented by Laughing Dragon

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Leonin Warleader comes alive by creating two 1/1 White Cat creature tokens with lifelink whenever it attacks. This not only gives you more creatures on the battlefield to overwhelm your opponents but also increases your life total, which can be pivotal in outlasting them in the match.

Resource Acceleration: The tokens generated by Leonin Warleader can be utilized as a resource for various synergies within your deck. They work particularly well with mechanics that capitalize on having a high number of creatures or creatures entering the battlefield, turning your Warleader into a valuable engine for aggression and board presence.

Instant Speed: While the Leonin Warleader itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, the lifelink tokens it creates can be a surprise boost during combat, often requiring your opponent to reassess their blocks and attacks on the fly. Additionally, when combined with cards that flash in creatures or spells that activate at instant speed, the tokens can become unexpected contributors to your battlefield strategy.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Although Leonin Warleader doesn’t require a discard on its own, it can become a burden when combined with spells or abilities that necessitate discarding as part of the cost to cast or activate. This situation can lead to a painful choice between keeping your powerful creature or advancing your board state with another spell.

Specific Mana Cost: The Leonin Warleader demands a specific mana configuration of two white and two generic mana. This requirement can be restrictive for multicolored decks that might struggle to consistently produce the necessary white mana, potentially causing the card to sit idly in hand.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost of four, Leonin Warleader competes with other impactful cards at this same spot in the curve. Decks looking to be lean and efficient may find the cost prohibitive, especially in formats defined by quick plays and low-mana strategies.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Leonin Warleader is a flexible card that can seamlessly integrate into a variety of white or multicolor decks. Its ability to create multiple 1/1 white Cat creature tokens with lifelink offers not just board presence, but also a steady life gain, which can be crucial for stabilizing against aggressive strategies.

Combo Potential: This card shines when combined with effects that capitalize on creature tokens’ entry to the battlefield. This potential dramatically increases when synergized with anthem effects or cards like “Anointed Procession” that can duplicate your token generation, turning a single Warleader into an overwhelming force.

Meta-Relevance: In a metagame filled with creature-based strategies, Leonin Warleader fortifies your board quickly, demanding an answer from your opponent. Its recurring token creation makes it a thorn in the side for control decks and a formidable blocker against aggro decks while you build towards a victorious late game.


How to beat

The Leonin Warleader is a powerful cat soldier in the world of Magic: The Gathering, known for its ability to quickly amplify your board presence. When it attacks, it creates two 1/1 white Cat creature tokens with lifelink, which are especially beneficial in cat tribal or token strategies. To combat this warleader, removal spells are highly effective. Direct damage spells or targeted removal, such as Murder or Lightning Strike, can eliminate the warleader before it creates additional tokens on assault.

Another strategy is to limit the warleader’s attacking opportunities with pacifism effects or by using cards that prevent it from attacking unless its controller pays additional resources. Countering it upon casting with spells like Counterspell or Essence Scatter can also negate the threat altogether. Cards like Settle the Wreckage can act as a deterrent for an attack or punish overextension. Remembering to control the battlefield and eliminate the Leonin Warleader as soon as it enters the battlefield will ensure your opponent won’t benefit from its potent token-creating ability.

Considering the multiple axes on which the Leonin Warleader operates, having a versatile removal suite and a proactive game plan to control or outpace the creation of cat tokens is key. Facing this MTG card requires foresight and timely reaction to keep the board under control.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the dynamics of Leonin Warleader in MTG is essential for any player aiming to fortify their deck with a creature that can sway the tides of battle. Whether it’s amplifying your forces or gaining crucial life points, incorporating the Warleader can be a significant advantage. If you’re intrigued by the potential this card holds for token-based strategies or simply seek an edge in creature-heavy matchups, we’re here to guide you. There are still untapped synergies and strategies to explore with Leonin Warleader, so join us for deeper insights and to discover how to maximize its impact in your MTG endeavors.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Leonin Warleader MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2019 and Core Set 2019 Promos, 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 Warleader and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Leonin Warleader Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2018-07-13 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12018-07-13Core Set 2019M19 232015NormalBlackJakub Kasper
22018-07-13Core Set 2019 PromosPM19 23s2015NormalBlackJakub Kasper
32018-07-13Core Set 2019 PromosPM19 23p2015NormalBlackJakub Kasper
42019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 222015NormalBlackJakob Eirich
52020-08-13Arena Beginner SetANB 132015NormalBlackJakub Kasper
62022-12-02Jumpstart 2022J22 2082015NormalBlackJakub Kasper

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Leonin Warleader has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2018-07-13 Although the tokens are attacking, they were never declared as attacking creatures (for the purposes of abilities that trigger whenever a creature attacks, for example).
2018-07-13 You choose which players or planeswalkers the two tokens are attacking. They don’t have to be attacking the same player or planeswalker that Leonin Warleader is attacking, and they can each be attacking different players and/or planeswalkers.