Can Lava Spike Hit Planeswalkers?
Direct Answer
The simple answer to the question is no, Lava Spike cannot directly hit planeswalkers. According to the flavor text on the card, it’s not the most subtle incantation, but it gets the point across. The card itself only deals 3 damage to the target player.
Redirecting Damage to Planeswalkers
However, damage dealt to a player by Lava Spike can be redirected to a planeswalker they control. This can be done only by the player controlling the planeswalker, not the player being targeted by Lava Spike. This ability allows the player to bypass the normal rules of magic, redirecting the damage intended for them to the planeswalker instead.
Damage Dealt to Planeswalkers
Lava Spike, as a spell that deals damage to a target player, cannot directly harm a planeswalker. It does not have the required ability to target a planeswalker, as it specifies a player as the target. When the spell is played, it will hit the player, not the planeswalker. The player’s response is to redirect the damage to the planeswalker if they control one, making it seem like Lava Spike actually hits the planeswalker.
Legality and Intent
The text of Lava Spike explicitly states that the target must be a player, and it does not allow targeting a planeswalker directly. This is intentionally written by the game’s creators to maintain the delicate balance between players and planeswalkers. The cards and mechanics are designed to have planeswalkers participate in the game as opponents, not as targets.
Alternatives to Attacking Planeswalkers
If you need to attack a planeswalker, there are other options available in the game. For example, Earthquake, a spell that says "Each player", does not specify a player or planeswalker as its target. This allows for direct targeting of planeswalkers, as it explicitly says each player, meaning every player, including those with planeswalkers under their control.
Additional Facts and Considerations
Here are some additional key points to consider:
• Compleated Planeswalkers: After the Mending, planeswalkers no longer have invulnerability, immortality, or shapeshifting.
• Summoning Sickness: Planeswalkers do not have summoning sickness, unlike regular creatures.
• Legacy Planeswalkers: With the introduction of compleated planeswalkers, there are no longer plans for future planeswalkers in the game.
In conclusion, Lava Spike cannot directly hit planeswalkers, and instead deals damage to players who can then redirect that damage to their planeswalker(s). If you’re looking for ways to directly target planeswalkers, Earthquake offers a solution.