Top 10 Life Gain Cards in MTG for a Strong and Sustainable Gameplay

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Discover the best life gain cards in MTG for a strong defense and strategic advantage. Build your deck with these powerful options today!


Life gain cards are an essential part of any Magic: The Gathering deck. They provide a crucial buffer against aggressive strategies and can keep you in the game long enough to mount a comeback. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which life gain cards are worth including in your deck. In this article, we will explore some of the best life gain cards in MTG, providing insight into their strengths, weaknesses, and how they can be used to gain a significant advantage over your opponents.

First up on our list is Ajani's Pridemate. This card is a staple in many white decks, and for good reason. Whenever you gain life, Ajani's Pridemate gets a +1/+1 counter, making it an ever-growing threat that can quickly get out of hand. The best part about this card is that it triggers off of any life gain, whether it's from spells, abilities, or even equipment.

Another fantastic life gain card is Soul Warden. This one-drop creature may seem unassuming, but it can quickly become a problem for your opponent. Every time another creature enters the battlefield under your control, you gain one life. This ability can generate a lot of life over the course of a game, especially if you have multiple copies of Soul Warden on the board.

If you're looking for a life gain card that can also provide some utility, look no further than Sphinx's Revelation. This instant allows you to gain X life and draw X cards, making it an excellent option for decks that need to dig for answers. The amount of life gained and cards drawn can be huge, especially in the late game when you have a lot of mana to work with.

For green decks, there's no better life gain card than Feed the Clan. This instant allows you to gain five life, but it has an additional clause that makes it even better. If you control a creature with power 4 or greater, you gain ten life instead. This card can be an absolute game-changer in decks that rely on big creatures to win.

If you're playing a black deck, you might want to consider Blood Artist. This creature doesn't gain you life directly, but it can still provide a lot of value. Whenever another creature dies, you gain one life, and your opponent loses one life. This ability can help you stabilize the board while also chipping away at your opponent's life total.

Another great black life gain card is Gray Merchant of Asphodel. This creature enters the battlefield and drains each opponent for X life, where X is your devotion to black. Not only does this card gain you a significant amount of life, but it can also swing the game heavily in your favor if you have a lot of black permanents on the board.

In blue decks, one of the best life gain cards is Aetherflux Reservoir. This artifact allows you to gain one life every time you cast a spell, but it also has an activated ability that can be deadly. By paying 50 life, you can deal 50 damage to any target. This ability can be used to take out a troublesome creature or finish off your opponent when they least expect it.

For red decks, there's no better life gain card than Flame Rift. This sorcery deals four damage to each player, but it can be a lifesaver in a pinch. If you're behind on life and need to clear the board, Flame Rift is an excellent option that can buy you some time.

If you're playing a multicolor deck, you might want to consider Siege Rhino. This creature enters the battlefield and gains you three life, but it also deals three damage to your opponent. This ability can help you stabilize the board while also chipping away at your opponent's life total.

Finally, we have Archangel of Thune. This creature is a bit pricey, but it can be an absolute powerhouse in the right deck. Whenever you gain life, all creatures you control get a +1/+1 counter. This ability can quickly turn your creatures into unstoppable forces, and it synergizes well with other life gain cards like Ajani's Pridemate.

In conclusion, life gain cards are an important part of any MTG deck, and there are plenty of great options to choose from. Whether you're looking for a card that can provide utility, a creature that can grow out of control, or a spell that can swing the game in your favor, there's something for everyone on this list. So next time you're building a deck, don't forget to include some life gain cards – they might just be the key to victory!


Introduction

Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is a collectible card game that has been around for decades. It involves players casting spells and summoning creatures to defeat their opponents. One of the key strategies in MTG is gaining life points, which allows players to survive longer and ultimately win the game. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best life gain cards in MTG.

Soul Warden

Soul Warden is a one-mana creature that allows you to gain one life point every time another creature enters the battlefield under your control. This card is great for decks that focus on creature spamming and can generate a significant amount of life points over the course of a game.

Ajani's Pridemate

Ajani's Pridemate is a two-mana creature that gets a +1/+1 counter every time you gain life. This means that it can quickly become a formidable threat on the battlefield, especially if paired with other life gain cards.

Prism Ring

Prism Ring is a one-mana artifact that allows you to gain one life point every time you cast a spell of the chosen color. This card is great for mono-colored decks and can provide a steady stream of life points throughout the game.

Sphinx's Revelation

Sphinx's Revelation is a powerful instant that allows you to gain X life and draw X cards, where X is the amount of mana you spent to cast the spell. This card is great for control decks that can afford to spend a lot of mana in one turn.

Archangel of Thune

Archangel of Thune is a five-mana creature that gets a +1/+1 counter every time you gain life. Additionally, it gives all of your other creatures a +1/+1 counter whenever you gain life. This card can quickly turn the tide of a game and is a must-have for any life gain deck.

Chalice of Life

Chalice of Life is a two-mana artifact that allows you to gain one life point every time you cast a spell. Additionally, if you have at least 10 more life than your starting life total, you can transform Chalice of Life into Chalice of Death, which deals 5 damage to your opponent. This card is great for decks that focus on defensive play and can provide a win condition in the late game.

Wall of Reverence

Wall of Reverence is a four-mana creature that allows you to gain life equal to its toughness every time it attacks. Additionally, it has defender and vigilance, making it a great blocker as well. This card is great for decks that focus on stalling the game and gaining life points over time.

Well of Lost Dreams

Well of Lost Dreams is a four-mana artifact that allows you to draw a card every time you gain life. This card is great for decks that focus on gaining large amounts of life points in a single turn.

Felidar Sovereign

Felidar Sovereign is a six-mana creature that wins you the game if you have at least 40 life at the beginning of your upkeep. This card is great for decks that focus on gaining life points and can provide a win condition in the late game.

Spike Feeder

Spike Feeder is a two-mana creature that allows you to gain two life points every time you put a +1/+1 counter on it. Additionally, you can remove a +1/+1 counter from Spike Feeder to put another +1/+1 counter on it. This card is great for decks that focus on generating a lot of +1/+1 counters and can provide a steady stream of life points over time.

Conclusion

There are many life gain cards in MTG, but these ten are some of the best. Whether you're looking to stall the game, generate a lot of life points, or win the game outright, these cards can help you achieve your goals. So next time you're building a deck, consider adding some of these powerful life gain cards to your arsenal.


Understanding Life Gain in MTGIn Magic: The Gathering, life gain is the act of increasing your own life total. It can be a crucial component of any deck, providing a buffer against aggressive opponents and allowing you to survive for longer periods of time. However, not all life gain cards are created equal. Some offer temporary boosts or require specific conditions to be met, while others provide steady increments over time. In this article, we’ll explore the best life gain cards in MTG, from essential staples to powerful combos and synergies.Essential Life Gain Cards for Every DeckBefore delving into the various categories of life gain cards, it’s important to highlight the essential staples that should be included in almost every deck. These are cards that offer consistent and reliable life gain without requiring too much investment or setup.First on the list is [[Soul Warden]], a one-drop creature that triggers whenever another creature enters the battlefield under your control. This means that every time you play a creature, you gain 1 life, which can quickly add up in a creature-heavy deck. Similarly, [[Soul's Attendant]] offers the same effect but for your opponent’s creatures as well.Another classic life gain card is [[Ajani's Pridemate]]. This two-drop creature gets a +1/+1 counter every time you gain life, making it a potent threat that can quickly spiral out of control. Combine it with Soul Warden and you have a powerful engine for both life gain and creature growth.[[Prism Ring]] is a cheap artifact that grants you 1 life every time you cast a spell of a chosen color. While it doesn’t offer a lot of life gain on its own, it can be a solid inclusion in mono-colored decks or those with a heavy emphasis on a specific color.The Power of Lifelink in MTGLifelink is a keyword ability that allows a creature to gain life equal to its power whenever it deals damage. This means that a creature with lifelink can be a powerful source of life gain, especially if it has high power or can attack multiple times.[[Ajani's Sunstriker]] is a two-drop creature with lifelink and a respectable 2/2 body. It’s a solid early game play that can help you stabilize against aggressive opponents while also chipping away at their life total.[[Archangel of Thune]] is a powerful five-drop angel that not only has lifelink but also grants all your creatures +1/+1 counters whenever you gain life. This means that every time you attack with a creature that has lifelink, you not only gain life but also pump up your entire team.[[Baneslayer Angel]] is another iconic five-drop angel with lifelink, along with first strike and protection from demons and dragons. It’s a formidable threat that can easily swing the game in your favor, especially if you’re facing off against black or red decks.Creature-Based Life Gain: A Comprehensive GuideAs mentioned earlier, creatures like Soul Warden and Ajani's Pridemate can be potent sources of life gain. However, there are many other creatures that offer unique and powerful life gain effects.[[Auriok Champion]] is a two-drop creature with protection from black and red, along with the ability to gain you 1 life whenever another creature enters the battlefield under your control. This means that not only does it trigger Soul Warden and similar effects, but it also protects itself from common removal spells.[[Wall of Reverence]] is a four-drop creature with defender that gains you life equal to its toughness whenever it attacks. This means that you can use it as a wall to stall the game while still gaining life, or as an unexpected source of burst life gain if your opponent isn’t prepared.[[Kokusho, the Evening Star]] is a legendary dragon that deals damage to each opponent equal to the number of dragons you control when it dies. This means that not only does it provide life gain by dealing combat damage with its 5/5 flying body, but it also punishes your opponent for killing it.Instant Life Gain Spells to Save the DaySometimes, you need a quick burst of life gain to survive a lethal attack or turn the tide of the game. Instant spells can provide just that, allowing you to gain life at instant speed and surprise your opponent.[[Healing Salve]] is a simple one-mana instant that gains you 3 life. While it’s not the most efficient life gain spell, it can be a useful inclusion in budget decks or those that lack better options.[[Rest for the Weary]] is a two-mana instant that gains you 4 life. However, it has the added bonus of also allowing you to play a land from your hand, making it a versatile option that can help you hit your land drops while also gaining life.[[Revitalize]] is a two-mana instant that gains you 3 life and lets you draw a card. While it’s not the most impactful life gain spell, the card draw can be valuable in decks that need to maintain a steady stream of resources.The Best Enchantment Cards for Life GainEnchantments can be powerful sources of steady life gain, often providing incremental boosts over time or offering potent effects that synergize with other cards in your deck.[[Rhox Faithmender]] is a four-drop enchantment creature that doubles all the life gain you receive. This means that every Soul Warden trigger, Ajani's Pridemate counter, or lifelink attack becomes twice as effective, quickly snowballing into a massive life total.[[Curse of Vitality]] is a three-mana enchantment aura that grants the enchanted player 3 life at the beginning of their upkeep. While it does give your opponent life as well, it can be a useful tool in political games or when you need to stabilize against aggressive decks.[[Ethereal Armor]] is a one-mana aura that grants the enchanted creature +1/+1 and first strike, along with the ability to gain you 1 life whenever it deals combat damage. This means that not only does it provide a solid boost to your creature, but it also allows you to gain life every time it connects with your opponent.Artifact Cards for Steady Life GainArtifacts can also offer reliable sources of life gain, often providing passive effects that don’t require any additional investment or setup.[[Basilisk Collar]] is a two-mana equipment that grants the equipped creature deathtouch and lifelink. This means that not only can it easily kill off opposing creatures, but it also provides a steady stream of life gain as long as the creature is attacking or blocking.[[Exquisite Blood]] is a five-drop artifact that triggers whenever an opponent loses life, gaining you that much life instead. This means that if your opponent takes damage from any source, whether it’s combat, spells, or abilities, you gain life equal to that amount.[[Well of Lost Dreams]] is a four-drop artifact that allows you to draw a card whenever you gain life. This means that it can be a valuable tool in decks that rely on life gain as a resource, allowing you to dig deeper into your library and find the cards you need.Planeswalkers for Life Gain and ControlPlaneswalkers are powerful cards that offer a variety of effects, including life gain and control. While not all planeswalkers are created equal, there are several that stand out as potent sources of life gain.[[Sorin, Solemn Visitor]] is a four-drop planeswalker that grants all your creatures lifelink and +1/+0 until end of turn, along with allowing you to gain life equal to the damage dealt by your creatures that turn. This means that it can be a potent finisher in creature-heavy decks, while also providing valuable life gain and board presence.[[Elspeth, Sun's Champion]] is a six-drop planeswalker that creates three 1/1 soldier tokens and gives all your creatures +1/+1 until end of turn, along with allowing you to gain 2 life for each creature you control. This means that it can quickly flood the board with threats while also providing a solid boost to your life total.[[Ajani Goldmane]] is a four-drop planeswalker that allows you to gain 2 life whenever you activate one of his abilities, along with granting your creatures +1/+1 until end of turn and making them indestructible. This means that it can be a valuable tool for both life gain and protecting your board from removal spells.Combos and Synergies: Maximizing Life GainWhile individual life gain cards can be powerful on their own, they can become even more potent when combined with other cards and synergies.[[Felidar Sovereign]] is a four-drop creature that wins you the game if you have 40 or more life at the beginning of your upkeep. Combine it with Exquisite Blood to gain life whenever your opponent loses life, and you have a powerful combo that can quickly close out the game.[[Archangel of Thune]] and [[Spike Feeder]] is another potent combo that can quickly spiral out of control. Spike Feeder can remove +1/+1 counters from itself to gain you 2 life, while Archangel of Thune grants all your creatures +1/+1 counters whenever you gain life. This means that as long as you have the mana to activate Spike Feeder’s ability, you can quickly pump up your entire team and gain a massive amount of life.[[Prism Ring]] and [[Chromatic Sphere]] is a simple yet effective synergy that can provide a steady stream of life gain in mono-colored decks. Chromatic Sphere allows you to draw a card and gain 1 colorless mana by sacrificing it, while Prism Ring grants you 1 life every time you cast a spell of a chosen color. This means that you can cycle through your deck while also gaining life, providing a valuable resource for both offense and defense.Life Gain and Deckbuilding: Tips and TricksWhen building a deck focused on life gain, there are several tips and tricks to keep in mind.First, try to include a mix of sources of life gain, from creatures to spells to artifacts. This ensures that you have a consistent stream of life gain throughout the game, while also allowing you to adapt to different situations.Second, consider including other cards that synergize with life gain, such as those that trigger whenever you gain life or those that benefit from +1/+1 counters. These can help maximize the value of your life gain cards and provide additional threats for your opponent to deal with.Finally, be aware of the potential drawbacks of life gain. While it can be a powerful tool for survival and offense, it can also lead to complacency and overconfidence. Make sure to balance your life gain with other tools for defense and disruption, and don’t rely too heavily on it as your sole win condition.In conclusion, life gain is an essential component of many MTG decks, providing a buffer against aggressive opponents and allowing you to survive for longer periods of time. Understanding the different types of life gain cards, from creatures to spells to planeswalkers, and the various combos and synergies that can be created, can help you maximize the value of your deck and achieve victory.

Best Life Gain Cards in MTG: A Point of View

Introduction

Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is a popular collectible card game that has been around for decades. One of the most important aspects of the game is managing your life total. In this article, we will discuss the best life gain cards in MTG and their pros and cons.

Top 5 Best Life Gain Cards in MTG

1. [[Serra Ascendant]] - This card is a one-drop that can become a 6/6 flying creature with lifelink if you have 30 or more life. It's a great early-game play that can quickly put you ahead in terms of life total.

2. [[Kitchen Finks]] - This creature enters the battlefield with two +1/+1 counters and persist, which means it comes back to the battlefield with a -1/-1 counter if it dies. It's a great value card that can gain you some life and stick around for a while.

3. [[Archangel of Thune]] - This creature has lifelink and whenever you gain life, it puts a +1/+1 counter on each creature you control. It's a powerful card that can quickly turn the tide of the game in your favor.

4. [[Courser of Kruphix]] - This creature has lifelink and lets you play the top card of your library if it's a land. It's a great way to gain some life and fix your mana at the same time.

5. [[Rest for the Weary]] - This instant spell gains you four life for only one mana. It's a cheap and efficient way to gain some life when you need it.

Pros and Cons of Best Life Gain Cards in MTG

Pros

- Life gain can help you survive longer in the game, giving you more time to build up your board and win the game.

- Many life gain cards have additional benefits, such as creature tokens or card draw.

- Some life gain cards are efficient spells that can be played at instant speed, allowing you to gain life when your opponent least expects it.

Cons

- Life gain cards don't directly impact the board state, so they can be seen as do-nothing cards by some players.

- Some life gain cards require a significant investment of mana or resources to gain a meaningful amount of life.

- Life gain cards can be countered or removed by your opponent, negating their effect.

Comparison Table for Best Life Gain Cards in MTG

Card Mana Cost Type Effect
Serra Ascendant W Creature 6/6 flying lifelink if you have 30 or more life
Kitchen Finks 1GW Creature Gain 2 life, enters with two +1/+1 counters, persist
Archangel of Thune 3WW Creature Lifelink, puts a +1/+1 counter on each creature you control when you gain life
Courser of Kruphix 1GG Creature Lifelink, play the top card of your library if it's a land
Rest for the Weary W Instant Gain 4 life

Conclusion

In conclusion, life gain is an important aspect of MTG and there are many great cards that can help you gain life and stay ahead in the game. The best life gain cards in MTG have pros and cons, but they can be powerful tools to help you win the game.

The Best Life Gain Cards in Magic: The Gathering

Thank you for visiting our blog and reading about the best life gain cards in Magic: The Gathering. We hope that this article has been helpful for you in understanding the importance of life gain in the game and how to use it to your advantage. As you continue to play and build your deck, keep these cards in mind and consider adding them to your collection.

It's important to remember that life gain is not a win condition in itself, but rather a tool to help you survive longer and outlast your opponents. While some may argue that life gain is not necessary, it can be a valuable asset in certain matchups and can give you the edge you need to come out on top.

One of the key factors in using life gain effectively is timing. Knowing when to use your life gain cards can make all the difference in a game. For example, using a card like Feed the Clan too early in a game may not be as beneficial as saving it for a crucial moment when you really need the extra life.

Another important aspect of life gain is synergy with other cards in your deck. Cards like Ajani's Pridemate and Soul Warden work best in decks that focus on creature-based strategies, while cards like Lone Missionary and Rest for the Weary are better suited for control decks that want to stall the game and gain incremental advantages.

When building a deck that focuses on life gain, it's also important to consider the colors you're using. White and green are the primary colors for life gain in MtG, with many of the strongest life gain cards being found in these colors. However, other colors like black and blue also have their own unique life gain options that can be effective in certain decks.

Some of the best life gain cards in Magic: The Gathering include Serra Ascendant, Chalice of Life, and Archangel of Thune. These cards not only provide significant life gain, but also have additional effects that can help you win the game.

It's also worth noting that life gain is not just limited to gaining life points. Cards like Aetherflux Reservoir and Felidar Sovereign offer alternative win conditions that are based on life gain, making them great options for decks that focus on this strategy.

Ultimately, the best life gain cards in MtG will depend on your personal play style and the type of deck you're building. Experimentation is key, and trying out different combinations of cards will help you find the ones that work best for you.

In conclusion, life gain may not be the most glamorous aspect of Magic: The Gathering, but it can be a crucial tool in winning games and surviving tough matchups. By understanding the importance of timing, synergy, and color choices, you can make the most of your life gain cards and come out on top in your next match.

Thank you again for visiting our blog and we hope that this article has been informative and helpful for you. Good luck in your future games!


People Also Ask About Best Life Gain Cards in MTG

What Are the Best Life Gain Cards in MTG?

There are several life gain cards in MTG that are considered some of the best. These include:

  1. Serra Ascendant: This card is a one-drop creature that starts as a 1/1 with flying and lifelink. However, if you have 30 or more life, Serra Ascendant becomes a 6/6 creature with flying and lifelink.
  2. Ajani's Pridemate: This two-drop creature gains +1/+1 counters every time you gain life. It starts as a 2/2, but can quickly grow into a formidable creature.
  3. Souls Warden: This one-drop creature allows you to gain life every time a creature enters the battlefield under your control. It starts as a 1/1 and can help you gain a lot of life over the course of a game.
  4. Archangel of Thune: This five-drop creature has flying and lifelink, and whenever you gain life, all of your creatures gain +1/+1 counters. This can quickly make your entire board state much more powerful.
  5. Felidar Sovereign: This four-drop creature has the ability At the beginning of your upkeep, if you have 40 or more life, you win the game. While it can be difficult to get to 40 life, Felidar Sovereign can be a game-ending threat if left unchecked.

How Do Life Gain Cards Help in MTG?

Life gain cards can be helpful in a variety of ways in MTG. They can:

  • Increase your life total, which can help you survive longer against aggro decks or burn spells.
  • Trigger other abilities or effects that activate when you gain life.
  • Provide a source of recurring life gain that can keep you in the game over a long period of time.
  • Help you reach a high enough life total to activate certain win conditions, such as Felidar Sovereign or Test of Endurance.

What Are Some Common Cards That Counter Life Gain in MTG?

There are several cards in MTG that can counter life gain strategies. These include:

  • Surgical Extraction: This card allows you to remove all copies of a card from an opponent's graveyard, which can be useful for removing key life gain cards like Serra Ascendant or Ajani's Pridemate.
  • Tormod's Crypt: This artifact allows you to exile all cards from a target player's graveyard. This can be helpful for removing life gain cards that rely on creatures being in the graveyard, like Souls Warden.
  • Rakdos Charm: This instant has multiple modes, one of which deals damage to each opponent equal to the number of creatures in their graveyard. This can be useful for removing life gain cards that rely on creatures being in the graveyard, like Souls Warden or Kalitas, Traitor of Ghet.
  • Skullcrack: This instant prevents opponents from gaining life during the next turn, which can be useful for turning off life gain strategies temporarily.