Are Players Considered Planeswalkers in MTG? A Comprehensive Guide
No, players are not considered Planeswalkers within the rules of Magic: The Gathering (MTG). This is a crucial distinction to understand, despite the thematic connection. While the marketing and lore might refer to players as “Planeswalkers,” the actual game mechanics treat them as entirely separate entities. Players are, well, players. Planeswalkers are a specific type of permanent card on the battlefield, vulnerable to attacks and removal, but ultimately distinct from the people wielding the decks. Let’s delve deeper into this distinction and explore some frequently asked questions to clarify any confusion.
Planeswalkers: Cards, Not People
The heart of the matter is in the rules engine. For targeting purposes, a spell that affects a “player” cannot directly target a Planeswalker unless it explicitly states it can. Think of it this way: the Planeswalker card represents a powerful, traveling mage that you control. You, the player, are still you. It’s like controlling a creature – the creature isn’t you, but it’s your tool in the game.
This separation allows for interesting gameplay dynamics. You can attack a Planeswalker your opponent controls, forcing them to lose loyalty counters. Some spells let you redirect damage meant for a player to a Planeswalker they control. This interplay creates strategic decisions and adds complexity to the game. This also has implications for GamesLearningSociety.org, as it impacts strategic decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I target a Planeswalker as a player?
No. A spell can only target what the spell explicitly states it can target. If a spell says “target player,” you cannot target a Planeswalker. However, as mentioned, some effects allow damage meant for a player to be redirected to a Planeswalker they control.
2. Are Planeswalkers opponents?
No, Planeswalkers are not considered opponents. An “opponent” is always another player. This distinction matters for cards that affect “opponents” specifically.
3. Does damage to a Planeswalker count as damage to a player?
No, damage dealt to a Planeswalker only affects that Planeswalker, reducing its loyalty counters. It does not directly impact the player’s life total.
4. Can you split damage between a Planeswalker and a player with a single source?
No, you cannot split the damage from a single source, like one attacking creature, between a Planeswalker and a player. However, if you have multiple creatures attacking, you can declare that some are attacking the player and others are attacking a Planeswalker they control.
5. How do Planeswalkers “die”?
Planeswalkers have loyalty counters. When they take damage, they lose loyalty counters equal to the damage dealt. If a Planeswalker’s loyalty reaches zero, it is put into its owner’s graveyard. This is often referred to as “dying.”
6. Can you have multiple Planeswalkers at once?
Yes, there is no limit to the number of Planeswalker permanents you can have in play. The only restriction is that you can’t have two Planeswalkers with the exact same name on the battlefield simultaneously.
7. What’s the deal with Planeswalker uniqueness?
The “Planeswalker Uniqueness Rule” used to restrict players to having only one Planeswalker of a specific subtype (e.g., one “Garruk” Planeswalker) in play at a time. This rule has been replaced by the legend rule, which applies to all legendary permanents, including Planeswalkers. Now, you can have multiple Planeswalkers with the same subtype as long as their names are different (e.g., Garruk, Unleashed and Garruk, Cursed Huntsman).
8. How do loyalty abilities work?
Planeswalkers have loyalty abilities, denoted by a plus (+) or minus (-) symbol and a number. The symbol indicates whether activating the ability adds or removes loyalty counters from the Planeswalker. You can only activate one loyalty ability of a Planeswalker you control during your main phase, and only if the stack is empty. You must pay the loyalty cost listed on the ability.
9. Can you put counters on Planeswalkers besides loyalty counters?
No, Planeswalkers can only have loyalty counters placed on them. They cannot have other types of counters, such as +1/+1 counters or -1/-1 counters.
10. Does Deathtouch affect Planeswalkers?
No, Deathtouch only affects creatures. Because Planeswalkers are not creatures, Deathtouch does not instantly destroy them. You need other card effects, such as the ability of Vraska, Swarm’s Eminence, to make Deathtouch damage apply to Planeswalkers.
11. Are Planeswalkers permanents?
Yes, Planeswalkers are one of the five permanent types in Magic: The Gathering, along with creatures, enchantments, artifacts, and lands.
12. Can non-Planeswalkers have loyalty abilities?
While unusual, a permanent can technically have a loyalty ability even if it isn’t a Planeswalker. However, the rules still restrict you to activating only one loyalty ability of that permanent per turn. This is uncommon and generally found on cards specifically designed for that interaction.
13. Can I use Lightning Bolt on a Planeswalker?
Yes, you can use Lightning Bolt (or any spell that says “deal damage to any target”) on a Planeswalker. The “any target” phrasing encompasses Planeswalkers as valid targets.
14. Do Planeswalkers get summoning sickness?
No, Planeswalkers do not get summoning sickness because they are not creatures. You can activate their loyalty abilities or attack them the turn they enter the battlefield (assuming you haven’t already activated a loyalty ability).
15. If I copy a Planeswalker ability, does it affect the Planeswalker’s loyalty?
No, copying a Planeswalker’s ability doesn’t change the Planeswalker’s loyalty. Adjusting loyalty is part of paying the cost of the ability, not part of the ability’s effect itself. The copy functions separately, mimicking the effects of the ability but not requiring loyalty counter manipulation.
Planeswalkers: A Strategic Layer
Understanding the relationship (or lack thereof) between players and Planeswalkers is critical for successful MTG gameplay. Planeswalkers offer a unique strategic layer, providing powerful abilities and presenting an alternative target for your opponent. Mastering their use and knowing how to interact with them effectively separates novice players from seasoned veterans. Resources like the Games Learning Society can provide additional insights into strategic gameplay (Games Learning Society).
Conclusion
While the lore of Magic: The Gathering paints players as Planeswalkers, the in-game rules maintain a clear distinction. Players are not Planeswalkers, and Planeswalkers are a specific type of permanent on the battlefield. This seemingly simple distinction has significant implications for gameplay, strategy, and deck construction. Hopefully, this detailed exploration and the accompanying FAQs have clarified any confusion and enhanced your understanding of this vital aspect of MTG.