Do You Gain Life Attacking a Planeswalker?
When it comes to attacking a planeswalker, one of the most common questions that arise is whether or not you gain life when dealing damage to a planeswalker. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of attacking planeswalkers and whether or not you gain life as a result.
Direct Answer:
Yes, you gain life when attacking a planeswalker.
Why Does This Matter?
When attacking a planeswalker, you deal damage to it, and this damage can have significant consequences. As a result, understanding what happens when you attack a planeswalker is crucial in making strategic decisions during gameplay.
What Happens When You Attack a Planeswalker?
When you attack a planeswalker, the damage dealt to it is converted into the removal of loyalty counters. Loyalty counters are a new mechanic introduced in the Planechase set, and they are used to keep track of a planeswalker’s life total. For example, if a planeswalker has 4 loyalty counters, it has a life total of 4. When you attack a planeswalker, you deal damage to it, and this damage is subtracted from its loyalty counter total. If a planeswalker has no loyalty counters, it is removed from the game.
Lifelink: A Key Component
One of the key components that can affect the outcome of attacking a planeswalker is lifelink. Lifelink is a mechanic that allows a creature or planeswalker to gain life equal to the amount of damage dealt to it. This means that if you have a planeswalker with lifelink, you will gain life when you deal damage to it.
Examples of Planeswalkers with Lifelink
There are several examples of planeswalkers that have lifelink, including:
• Soulfire Grand Master: This planeswalker has lifelink, which means that when it deals damage to a creature or planeswalker, you gain life equal to the amount of damage dealt.
• Sorin, Vengeful Bloodlord: This planeswalker also has lifelink, which means that when it deals damage to a creature or planeswalker, you gain life equal to the amount of damage dealt.
Table: Planeswalkers with Lifelink
| Planeswalker | Lifelink |
|---|---|
| Soulfire Grand Master | Yes |
| Sorin, Vengeful Bloodlord | Yes |
Other Considerations
When attacking a planeswalker, there are several other considerations to keep in mind:
• Defending Against Damage: Planeswalkers can only be attacked, and they cannot be blocked. However, you can use other creatures to defend against the damage dealt to a planeswalker.
• Damage Dealt: When you attack a planeswalker, you deal damage to it, which is subtracted from its loyalty counter total.
• Loyalty Counter Total: A planeswalker’s loyalty counter total determines its life total. When you attack a planeswalker, you subtract the damage dealt from its loyalty counter total.
• Removal from the Game: If a planeswalker has no loyalty counters, it is removed from the game.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when you attack a planeswalker, you gain life equal to the amount of damage dealt to it, provided the planeswalker has lifelink. This mechanic is crucial in making strategic decisions during gameplay, and understanding how it works is essential in dominating your opponents.
Final Thoughts
Remember that attacking a planeswalker can have significant consequences, and understanding the intricacies of the game is crucial in making strategic decisions. When you attack a planeswalker, you deal damage to it, which is subtracted from its loyalty counter total. If a planeswalker has no loyalty counters, it is removed from the game.