Archangel of Thune — Magic: The Gathering card

Archangel of Thune

{3}{W}{W}
Creature — Angel

Flying

Lifelink (Damage dealt by this creature also causes you to gain that much life.)

Whenever you gain life, put a +1/+1 counter on each creature you control.

*Even the wicked have nightmares.*

Power/Toughness: 3/4

Set Double Masters
Rarity Mythic Rare
Mana Value 5
Artist James Ryman
Collector # 5

Why Play Archangel of Thune

At five mana, you're getting an immediate 3/4 flying threat that creates explosive board states through its lifelink and counter-distributing ability. The angel shines in creature-heavy strategies where gaining life translates into permanent board development, turning any lifegain into a team-wide anthem effect. Midrange and lifegain-focused decks want this as a top-end threat that can close games quickly while stabilizing your life total. Playing it when you already have creatures in play maximizes the immediate impact of its triggered ability.

Format Notes

Commander is where Archangel of Thune truly excels, serving as a powerful engine in lifegain and +1/+1 counter strategies with multiple opponents to generate value against. In Modern and Pioneer, it sees occasional play in devoted lifegain decks but competes with other five-mana threats for slots. The card has never faced banning issues and maintains steady demand primarily from Commander players, though it can surprise in competitive formats when the meta shifts toward creature strategies.

Combos & Synergies

Spike Feeder creates an infinite combo where you can repeatedly sacrifice and regain life, putting unlimited +1/+1 counters on your team. Walking Ballista pairs excellently as both a mana sink and a way to convert those +1/+1 counters into direct damage. Soul Warden effects like Soul's Attendant amplify the angel's ability by triggering lifegain whenever creatures enter the battlefield, creating powerful snowball effects in token strategies.
Frequently asked questions about Archangel of Thune →

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