Can you Lifelink off of Planeswalkers?

Can You Lifelink Off of Planeswalkers?

In the world of Magic: The Gathering, lifelink is a crucial ability that allows a player to gain life whenever they deal damage to an opponent. But have you ever wondered if you can lifelink off of planeswalkers? In this article, we’ll dive into the rules and mechanics of lifelink and planeswalkers to answer this question and provide some valuable insights.

Direct Answer: Yes, You Can Lifelink Off of Planeswalkers

According to rule 702.15 of the Magic: The Gathering Comprehensive Rules, lifelink is a static ability that causes a player to gain life whenever they deal damage to an opponent. This ability is not limited to creatures, but applies to any source of damage, including planeswalkers.

What Are Planeswalkers?

Before we dive deeper into the rules, let’s quickly define what planeswalkers are. Planeswalkers are a type of permanent that enters the battlefield under a player’s control. They have a unique set of abilities and powers that can be used to influence the game. Planeswalkers are not creatures, but they can still deal damage to opponents and gain life through lifelink.

How Does Lifelink Work?

Lifelink is a static ability that triggers whenever a player deals damage to an opponent. When a player deals damage to an opponent, they gain that much life. This ability can be triggered by any source of damage, including creatures, planeswalkers, and even spells.

Can Planeswalkers Deal Damage?

Yes, planeswalkers can deal damage to opponents. When a planeswalker is used to deal damage, it is considered to be dealing damage to the opponent. This means that the opponent will gain life equal to the amount of damage dealt, if the planeswalker has lifelink.

Examples of Planeswalkers with Lifelink

Here are a few examples of planeswalkers with lifelink:

• Liliana of the Veil: This planeswalker has a ability that allows her to deal 2 damage to a player and gain 2 life.
• Karn, the Great Creator: This planeswalker has a ability that allows him to deal 3 damage to a player and gain 3 life.
• Vraska, Swarm’s Eminence: This planeswalker has a ability that allows her to deal 2 damage to a player and gain 2 life.

Consequences of Lifelinking Off of Planeswalkers

When a player lifelinks off of a planeswalker, it can have significant consequences for the game. Here are a few examples:

• Increased Life Total: When a player gains life through lifelink, their life total increases. This can make it more difficult for their opponent to deal damage to them.
• Increased Board Control: When a player gains life through lifelink, they may have more resources to use to gain additional board control. This can allow them to play more spells and summon more creatures.
• Increased Opponent’s Life Total: When a player deals damage to an opponent through lifelink, the opponent’s life total decreases. This can make it easier for the player to win the game.

Conclusion

In conclusion, yes, you can lifelink off of planeswalkers. Planeswalkers can deal damage to opponents and gain life through lifelink, making them a powerful tool in the right deck. By understanding how lifelink works and how planeswalkers can be used to gain life, players can make more informed decisions during games and gain a strategic advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Can I lifelink off of a planeswalker that is not attacking me?
  A: Yes, you can lifelink off of a planeswalker that is not attacking you. As long as the planeswalker is dealing damage to an opponent, you can gain life through lifelink.
• Q: Can I lifelink off of a planeswalker that is being blocked by a creature?
  A: Yes, you can lifelink off of a planeswalker that is being blocked by a creature. The planeswalker is still dealing damage to the opponent, even if it is being blocked by a creature.
• Q: Can I lifelink off of a planeswalker that is being destroyed by a spell?
  A: No, you cannot lifelink off of a planeswalker that is being destroyed by a spell. The planeswalker must be on the battlefield and dealing damage to an opponent in order to trigger lifelink.

Additional Resources

• Magic: The Gathering Comprehensive Rules: This is the official rulebook for Magic: The Gathering. It contains detailed rules and mechanics for the game, including lifelink and planeswalkers.
• Magic: The Gathering Wiki: This is a fan-created wiki that contains information about Magic: The Gathering, including cards, mechanics, and strategies.
• Magic: The Gathering Online: This is an online version of Magic: The Gathering that allows players to play against each other online. It is a great way to practice and learn the game.