How Do You Destroy Planeswalkers in Magic: The Gathering?
In Magic: The Gathering, planeswalkers are powerful and formidable creatures that can significantly impact the game. However, there are times when you may need to destroy a planeswalker to gain an advantage. In this article, we will explore the different ways to destroy planeswalkers in MTG.
Direct Destruction
One way to destroy a planeswalker is through direct destruction. This can be done using spells, abilities, or other means that specifically target and destroy the planeswalker. Cards like Swift End and Murderous Rider can be used to destroy a planeswalker in this manner.
| Card Name | Mana Cost | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Swift End | 1R | Destroy target creature or planeswalker. |
| Murderous Rider | 2R | Destroy target creature or planeswalker. |
Removal Spells
Another way to destroy a planeswalker is through removal spells. These spells can target and destroy a planeswalker, as well as other creatures and permanents. Cards like Lightning Bolt and Path to Exile can be used to destroy a planeswalker using this method.
| Card Name | Mana Cost | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Lightning Bolt | 1R | Deal 3 damage to any target. |
| Path to Exile | 2W | Exile target creature or planeswalker. |
Loyalty Counters
Planeshifters, on the other hand, can be destroyed by reducing their loyalty counters to zero. This can be done through various means, such as dealing damage to the planeswalker or using abilities that reduce its loyalty counters. Cards like Abrupt Decay and Crucible of Worlds can be used to destroy a planeswalker in this manner.
| Card Name | Mana Cost | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Abrupt Decay | 2G | Destroy target nonland permanent with converted mana cost 3 or less. |
| Crucible of Worlds | 2U | Each player loses 2 life. If a player would lose life, they gain that much life instead. |
Combat
Finally, planeswalkers can also be destroyed through combat. When a planeswalker is blocked by a creature, the blocking creature will deal damage to the planeswalker. If the planeswalker’s loyalty counters are reduced to zero, it will be destroyed. Cards like Chandra, Torch of Defiance and Liliana, the Last Hope can be used to destroy a planeswalker in this manner.
| Card Name | Mana Cost | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Chandra, Torch of Defiance | 2R | Flying, trample. Whenever Chandra, Torch of Defiance deals combat damage to a player, that player discards a card. |
| Liliana, the Last Hope | 2B | Flying, deathtouch. Whenever Liliana, the Last Hope deals combat damage to a player, that player loses 2 life. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several ways to destroy planeswalkers in Magic: The Gathering. From direct destruction to removal spells, loyalty counters, and combat, each method has its own unique benefits and drawbacks. By understanding the different ways to destroy planeswalkers, you can improve your gameplay and make more informed decisions in your matches.