Image courtesy of Scryfall.com
Lion Heart Across Expansions: Tracking Print Frequency and Power
If you’ve ever built a toolbox of equipment for a colorless or multi-colored shell, you know that some artifacts become perennial favorites while others shine briefly before slipping into the annals of limited prints. Lion Heart sits in that intriguing middle ground. This colorless Artifact — Equipment costs four mana, enters the battlefield with a promise to punch above its weight, and then lets you maneuver power with a steady hand. When it lands, it deals 2 damage to any target, a direct ping that can pressure opponents or cull a troublesome creature. Then your equipped creature gets +2/+1, turning a sturdy beater into a genuine threat on offense or defense. And when you’ve paid the Equip cost of 2, you’re ready to swing again with the same reliable engine. 🧙♂️🔥
From a design perspective, Lion Heart is a quintessential example of a flexible, late-game piece that remains quietly relevant across formats. Its mana cost of {4} sits in a sweet spot where you’re never throwing it away too early, but you’re not over-investing in a single piece that might eat a removal spell. The artifact type itself is inherently playable in any deck, which is precisely what keeps print frequency interesting for collectors and players alike. The set that birthed Lion Heart is the Final Fantasy crossover, officially named Final Fantasy (fin), and released on 2025-06-13. The art, rendered by Mushk Rizvi, carries a bold, prideful aura that fits the flavor text, “Lions are known for their great strength and pride.” The design language resonates with the game’s iconic crossovers, pairing a mythic vibe with practical battlefield utility. 🎨⚔️
“Lions are known for their great strength and pride.”
So how often does Lion Heart appear in print beyond its initial Fin release? The card’s data pot indicates it’s a non-reprint (reprint: False) with foils available and a foil price that hints at its collectible but not ultra-rare status. Its promotional footprint is unique: it carries Universes Beyond and FFVIII promo types, suggesting there are special, cross-promotional printings rather than broad reprints in standard cycles. In practical terms, this means Lion Heart is less likely to flood through the market in future sets, making each new appearance a little more precious for builders chasing thematic synergy with Final Fantasy lore and the “equipment that fights back” archetypes. 💎
Design-minded players often compare Lion Heart to other colorless equipment that tread the line between aggressive tempo and durable value. The ETB ability to deal 2 damage to any target mirrors the old-school ethos of “a quick ping to remove a blocker or threaten a player,” while the equip-enabled buff (+2/+1) keeps the piece relevant in combat. The combination makes Lion Heart an appealing choice in Commander decks that value flexibility: you can attach it to a small utility creature to protect a bigger threat, or sling it onto a resilient beater to maximize its damage window. In a world where colorless, artifact-centric strategies are thriving, Lion Heart offers a sturdy backbone for decks that want reliable early aggression and mid-game pressure. 🧙♂️💥
From a collector’s lens, the Uncommon rarity label often means a balance between accessibility and value. The current market listing (USD around 0.11 for non-foil, 0.27 for foil) keeps Lion Heart within reach for many budget builds, while its EDHREC rank (~15770) signals that it’s not an all-purpose staple but a beloved niche option for players who want to sprinkle a little extra bite into their artifact-themed decks. The “Final Fantasy” cross-promo dimension adds a layer of cultural resonance for fans who celebrate both classic MTG design and crossover storytelling. If you’re assembling a commander lineup that thrives on board presence with a dash of direct damage, Lion Heart is a gem that earns its keep—again and again. 🔥🎲
For collectors who track print frequency across expansions, Lion Heart offers a case study in how cross-promotional sets shape rarity and availability. Its print history looks like a snapshot rather than a walk through a long hallway: a single, significant release with limited alternate printings, a foil option, and a price point that reflects both its power and its scarcity. While many colorless artifacts survive on living-room shelves as practical tools for tournaments, Lion Heart leans into a narrative of pride and power that resonates with fans of the Final Fantasy universe. The card’s flavor, mechanical clarity, and distinctive art make it a memorable piece to include in themed builds or as a centerpiece in a display-worthy collection. ⚔️💎
Product Spotlight
If you’re curating a desk‑worthy MTG fan setup alongside your deck-building, consider a tactile accessory that echoes your favorite card moments. The Neon Gaming Mouse Pad – Non-Slip 9.5x8in (Anti-Fray) blends utility with a pop of neon flair, ideal for late-night drafting sessions or binge-watching MTG streams. It’s a subtle nod to the spirited energy of Lion Heart and the broader love for collectible card games—perfect for fans who value both form and function as they roll dice and draft dreams. You can grab it here: Neon Gaming Mouse Pad – Non-Slip 9.5x8in (Anti-Fray) 🧙♂️🎨
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