Thundering RaijuHow it works & interactions with other cards

Understanding Modified Creatures

Thundering Raiju's power scales based on how many 'modified' creatures you control. A creature is considered modified if it has at least one counter on it (such as +1/+1 counters or keyword counters), is equipped by any player, or is enchanted by an Aura you control. Note that if an opponent attaches an Aura like Pacifism to your creature, that creature does not count as modified for your Raiju's ability.

Step-by-Step Resolution

When you declare Thundering Raiju as an attacker, its triggered ability goes on the stack. First, you must choose a target creature you control to receive a +1/+1 counter. As the ability resolves, that creature gets the counter. Then, the game checks how many other modified creatures you control. Thundering Raiju then deals damage equal to that count to each opponent. Importantly, Thundering Raiju does not count itself when calculating this damage, even if it has a counter.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is forgetting the timing of the check. The number of modified creatures is determined only as the ability resolves, not when it triggers. If an opponent destroys one of your modified creatures in response to the trigger, your X value will decrease. Additionally, remember that while Thundering Raiju provides a counter to help its own ability, it specifically excludes itself from the damage calculation, meaning X will be 0 if it is your only creature.

When to Play Thundering Raiju

Because Thundering Raiju has Haste, it is most effective when played on a turn where you already have other modified creatures ready to attack. It acts as both a buff to your board and a source of non-combat damage that can bypass blockers to finish off an opponent with low life.

Interaction examples

Building Momentum

Solemn Simulacrum

You control a Solemn Simulacrum. You cast Thundering Raiju and move to combat, attacking with both. Thundering Raiju's ability triggers, and you target Solemn Simulacrum. The Simulacrum receives a +1/+1 counter, making it a modified creature. Then, Raiju deals 1 damage to each opponent because you control one modified creature other than Thundering Raiju.

Doubling the Impact

Roaming Throne

With Roaming Throne on the battlefield (having chosen 'Spirit' as its type), you attack with Thundering Raiju. Because Roaming Throne is also a Spirit, Raiju's ability triggers twice. The first trigger puts a counter on a creature and deals damage. The second trigger then puts another counter on a creature (potentially the same one) and deals damage again. If Roaming Throne has a counter, it will be counted as a modified creature for both resolutions.