Thundering Raiju MTG Card


Proliferate with Thundering Raiju offers card advantage by enhancing permanents and players with counters. Its ability to inflict extra damage when attacking can quickly tip the scales in your favor. Synergies with instant speed spells make Thundering Raiju a versatile and unexpected threat.
Card setsReleased in 6 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Spirit
Abilities Haste
Power 3
Toughness 3

Text of card

Haste Whenever Thundering Raiju attacks, put a +1/+1 counter on target creature you control. Then Thundering Raiju deals X damage to each opponent, where X is the number of modified creatures you control other than Thundering Raiju. (Equipment, Auras you control, and counters are modifications.)


Cards like Thundering Raiju

Thundering Raiju brings a unique spark to the roster of creatures in Magic: The Gathering. It can be likened to creatures like Goblin Heelcutter, which provides a similar disruption by preventing a creature from blocking this turn. What sets Thundering Raiju apart is its multifaceted role – it not only deals damage when it attacks, but it also has the added potential of bolstering other creatures you control with its renowned channel ability.

Beneath its electrifying veneer lies a similarity to Brimstone Trebuchet, another card that delivers direct damage to any target. While Brimstone Trebuchet operates on a defensive tap mechanic, Thundering Raiju’s damage output is attack-focused, offering immediate offense upon entering the battlefield. Conversely, we have Lightning Shrieker, a creature with a similar thematic presence, but its recurring shuffle-back-into-the-deck trait contrasts with Thundering Raiju’s steadfast battlefield presence.

In assessing creatures that pack both punch and utility, Thundering Raiju stands out. Its channel ability gives players the strategic flexibility to alter the course of the game, whether on the battlefield or from stealth within the hand. This card shines as a fierce contender in the realm of damage-dealing creatures.

Goblin Heelcutter - MTG Card versions
Brimstone Trebuchet - MTG Card versions
Lightning Shrieker - MTG Card versions
Goblin Heelcutter - MTG Card versions
Brimstone Trebuchet - MTG Card versions
Lightning Shrieker - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Thundering Raiju by color, type and mana cost

Dragon Whelp - MTG Card versions
Keldon Warlord - MTG Card versions
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Anger - MTG Card versions
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Krark-Clan Engineers - MTG Card versions
Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked - MTG Card versions
Rocket-Powered Turbo Slug - MTG Card versions
Dragon Whelp - MTG Card versions
Keldon Warlord - MTG Card versions
Crimson Manticore - MTG Card versions
Márton Stromgald - MTG Card versions
Reckless Embermage - MTG Card versions
Wildfire Emissary - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Giant - MTG Card versions
Rathi Dragon - MTG Card versions
Mogg Bombers - MTG Card versions
Warmonger - MTG Card versions
Bloodfire Kavu - MTG Card versions
Whipkeeper - MTG Card versions
Anger - MTG Card versions
Nalathni Dragon - MTG Card versions
Everquill Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Goblin Goon - MTG Card versions
Lesser Gargadon - MTG Card versions
Krark-Clan Engineers - MTG Card versions
Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked - MTG Card versions
Rocket-Powered Turbo Slug - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mono-Red AggroMono-Red Aggro StandardMono-Red AggroStandard League 2024-03-10
Gruul AggroGruul Aggro StandardGruul AggroTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: March 18, 2024
Gruul StompyGruul Stompy GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 11 2024

Card Pros

Card Advantage: With Thundering Raiju, each time you cast a noncreature spell, you get to proliferate, which means you’ll be able to add a counter to each permanent and player that already has one. This interaction can be a source of card advantage as it enhances your board state without requiring additional card expenditure.

Resource Acceleration: Thundering Raiju’s capacity to cause additional damage when it attacks can accelerate the game’s pace in your favor. Moreover, if the right synergies are in play, Thundering Raiju can trigger additional effects that may lead to a swift accumulation of resources, giving you an edge over your opponent.

Instant Speed: Although Thundering Raiju itself isn’t an instant, it synergizes well with spells you can cast at instant speed. This means it can surprise your opponents during combat or their end step, potentially changing the tide of the game at critical moments with its triggered abilities.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Thundering Raiju necessitates the discarding of another card for its spectacle cost. This can hinder your hand advantage and be particularly unbeneficial in the late game when card resources are critical.

Specific Mana Cost: This card requires a strict composition of mana, including both red and blue. Thundering Raiju’s demand for a precise mana combination can make it a challenging fit in decks not dedicated to these colors.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost requiring four mana, including two that are color-specific, Thundering Raiju can be taxing on your mana resources. Its cost is significant enough that players might seek lower mana cost creatures or spells with comparable or greater impact on the game state.


Reasons to Include Thundering Raiju in Your Collection

Versatility: Thundering Raiju offers a dynamic element to a range of decks, slotting perfectly into strategies that demand swift and impactful creatures. As a card that can affect the board immediately upon arrival, its flexibility shines in aggressive and tempo-based builds alike.

Combo Potential: Known for its ability to synergize with other spells and abilities, this card amplifies strategies revolving around enter-the-battlefield effects or instant and sorcery spell synergies, making it a potent enabler for combos.

Meta-Relevance: As the game’s environment continuously evolves, Thundering Raiju remains a card to watch. With its capacity to deliver direct damage and aid in controlling opponents’ life totals, it can adapt and thrive within various competitive scenes, keeping your deck in step with the current meta.


How to beat

Thundering Raiju, a formidable presence in any match, brings both speed and strength to the battlefield. Efficient removal spells are key in overcoming this threat. Lightning Bolt, a staple in player arsenals, can deal with the Raiju before it has a chance to attack or harness its haste advantage. Counter spells such as Counterspell or Mana Leak can also halt Thundering Raiju right in its tracks, by never letting it hit the playfield.

Another line of defense lies in preemptive strategies. Cards like Rest in Peace can hinder Raiju’s enter-the-battlefield trigger by eliminating the graveyard synergies it relies on. Ensnaring Bridge also offers a shield, as it restricts creatures with power greater than the number of cards in your hand from attacking, effectively bottlenecking Raiju’s assault.

Lastly, gaining board control with sweepers such as Wrath of God or Damnation can clear out Thundering Raiju along with any other threats amassed by your opponent. By considering these methods, players can prepare their decks to counteract the storm that Thundering Raiju brings to the game, ensuring a more stable standing during play.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the strengths and potential drawbacks of Thundering Raiju is crucial for any player looking to optimize their MTG gameplay. It’s a card of raw power and surprising versatility, capable of accelerating your strategy and enhancing your board state. Whether you’re wrestling with the decision to add this card to your deck, or you’ve already welcomed it into your collection, there’s much to explore about its applications in various deck archetypes and match scenarios. Delve deeper with us into the world of MTG and uncover the full prowess of Thundering Raiju. Let’s harness the storm and elevate your game to electrifying new heights.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Thundering Raiju MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty 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 Thundering Raiju and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Thundering Raiju Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2022-02-18 and 2022-02-18. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 979972015NormalBlackXavier Ribeiro
22022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty PromosPNEO 166p2015NormalBlackXavier Ribeiro
32022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon DynastyNEO 1662015NormalBlackXavier Ribeiro
42022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon DynastyNEO 3892015NormalBlackTAPIOCA
52022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon DynastyNEO 4722015NormalBlackXavier Ribeiro
62022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty PromosPNEO 166s2015NormalBlackXavier Ribeiro

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Thundering Raiju has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2022-02-18 A creature that is equipped is considered modified no matter who controls the Equipment that's attached to it.
2022-02-18 A creature with a counter on it is considered modified no matter what kind of counter it is or which player put it on that creature.
2022-02-18 An Aura controlled by an opponent does not cause a creature you control to be modified.
2022-02-18 Only creatures can be modified. If a modified creature stops being a creature, it is no longer considered modified.