Keyword AbilitiesBeginner

Lifelink in MTG

Damage dealt by this source also causes its controller to gain that much life.

Why it matters

Life gain from lifelink happens at the same time as the damage. It is not a triggered ability and does not wait on the stack.

Visual example

Deal damage and gain life

Attacker
Child of Night

A 2/1 creature that gains its controller life through damage

Combat
Defender
Player or blocker
  1. 1Child of Night deals two combat damage.
  2. 2Its controller gains two life at the same time.
  3. 3No separate lifelink trigger is placed on the stack.

Real card example

Child of Night

A 2/1 creature that gains its controller life through damage

Common mistakes

  • Lifelink is not a triggered ability.
  • Multiple instances of lifelink on one object are redundant.

Official rule reference

Comprehensive Rules 702.15 · Current Comprehensive Rules

View official rules