Budget Alternatives to Redirect Lightning
Looking for a functional budget replacement for Redirect Lightning ($11.53)? Whether you're brewing a 100-card Commander deck, upgrading a budget league list, or trying to avoid spending over $50 on cardboard, these vector-analyzed substitutes deliver comparable Versatile Deck Staple power for a fraction of the cost.
Top 3 Substitutes for Redirect Lightning at a Glance
Shunt
Matches Redirect Lightning's Instant card type and costs 2 more mana (3 MV vs 1 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #change-target.
Dynacharge
Matches Redirect Lightning's Instant card type and shares the exact same mana value (1 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #more-expensive-than-mv.
Dynacharge
Matches Redirect Lightning's Instant card type and shares the exact same mana value (1 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #more-expensive-than-mv.
Redirect Lightning
How Much Can You Save? (Price & Similarity Matrix)
Direct financial comparison between Redirect Lightning and top budget alternatives.
| Card Name | Card Type & CMC | Price | Savings ($) | Savings (%) | Vector Similarity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redirect Lightning (Original) | Instant | $11.53 | — | — | 100% (Baseline) |
| #1 Shunt | Instant (3 MV) | $0.90 | $10.63 | 92% | 80% Match |
| #2 Dynacharge | Instant (1 MV) | $0.10 | $11.43 | 99% | 74% Match |
| #3 Rouse the Mob | Instant (1 MV) | $0.21 | $11.32 | 98% | 72% Match |
| #4 Betrayer's Bargain | Instant (2 MV) | $0.15 | $11.38 | 99% | 68% Match |
| #5 Harness by Force | Sorcery (3 MV) | $0.33 | $11.20 | 97% | 68% Match |
| #6 Siege of Towers | Sorcery (2 MV) | $0.14 | $11.39 | 99% | 66% Match |
In-Depth Analysis: Best Alternatives to Redirect Lightning
Detailed mechanical similarities, differences, advantages, disadvantages, and ideal deck situations for each substitute.
Shunt
(Instant • 3 MV)
Change the target of target spell with a single target.
Matches Redirect Lightning's Instant card type and costs 2 more mana (3 MV vs 1 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #change-target.
- • Costs $0.90 (92% savings over Redirect Lightning)
- • Fills the Instant curve slot cleanly
- • Costs 2 additional mana to cast
- • Delivers 80% of the mechanical power ceiling
Dynacharge
(Instant • 1 MV)
Target creature you control gets +2/+0 until end of turn. Overload {2}{R} (You may cast this spell for its overload cost. If you do, change "target" in its text to "each.")
Matches Redirect Lightning's Instant card type and shares the exact same mana value (1 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #more-expensive-than-mv.
- • Costs $0.10 (99% savings over Redirect Lightning)
- • Fills the Instant curve slot cleanly
- • Delivers 74% of the mechanical power ceiling
Rouse the Mob
(Instant • 1 MV)
Strive — This spell costs {2}{R} more to cast for each target beyond the first. Any number of target creatures each get +2/+0 and gain trample until end of turn.
Matches Redirect Lightning's Instant card type and shares the exact same mana value (1 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #more-expensive-than-mv.
- • Costs $0.21 (98% savings over Redirect Lightning)
- • Fills the Instant curve slot cleanly
- • Delivers 72% of the mechanical power ceiling
Betrayer's Bargain
(Instant • 2 MV)
As an additional cost to cast this spell, sacrifice a creature or enchantment or pay {2}. Betrayer's Bargain deals 5 damage to target creature. If that creature would die this turn, exile it instead.
Matches Redirect Lightning's Instant card type and costs 1 more mana (2 MV vs 1 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #more-expensive-than-mv.
- • Costs $0.15 (99% savings over Redirect Lightning)
- • Fills the Instant curve slot cleanly
- • Costs 1 additional mana to cast
- • Delivers 68% of the mechanical power ceiling
Harness by Force
(Sorcery • 3 MV)
Strive — This spell costs {2}{R} more to cast for each target beyond the first. Gain control of any number of target creatures until end of turn. Untap those creatures. They gain haste until end of turn.
Acts as a Sorcery alternative to Redirect Lightning's Instant and costs 2 more mana (3 MV vs 1 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #more-expensive-than-mv.
- • Costs $0.33 (97% savings over Redirect Lightning)
- • Fills the Instant curve slot cleanly
- • Costs 2 additional mana to cast
- • Delivers 68% of the mechanical power ceiling
Siege of Towers
(Sorcery • 2 MV)
Replicate {1}{R} (When you cast this spell, copy it for each time you paid its replicate cost. You may choose new targets for the copies.) Target Mountain becomes a 3/1 creature. It's still a land.
Acts as a Sorcery alternative to Redirect Lightning's Instant and costs 1 more mana (2 MV vs 1 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #more-expensive-than-mv.
- • Costs $0.14 (99% savings over Redirect Lightning)
- • Fills the Instant curve slot cleanly
- • Costs 1 additional mana to cast
- • Delivers 66% of the mechanical power ceiling
Which Alternative Should You Choose?
Match the right replacement card to your specific commander archetype and deck strategy.
Maximizes mana efficiency and replicates Redirect Lightning's primary trigger role.
Reduces total deck cost below $50 while keeping the curve active.
Interacts directly with creature types, enchantments, or artifact themes.
When Is Redirect Lightning Irreplaceable?
If your deck relies on specific infinite combo lines that require Redirect Lightning's exact mana cost, unconditional timing, or unique text interaction, budget alternatives may not provide 100% parity. For casual Commander, mid-power EDH, and local game store play, the substitutes above deliver 90%+ functionality without the $11.53 price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions About Redirect Lightning Alternatives
Answers to the most common deckbuilding and replacement queries.
What is the best budget alternative to Redirect Lightning?+
Shunt ($0.90) is the best overall alternative to Redirect Lightning ($11.53), saving $10.63 (92% savings) with a 80% functional vector match.
What cards are like Redirect Lightning in MTG?+
Cards like Redirect Lightning include Shunt ($0.90), Dynacharge ($0.10), Rouse the Mob ($0.21), Betrayer's Bargain ($0.15). These cards share similar mana curves, mechanics, and strategic roles in Commander.
What is the cheapest replacement for Redirect Lightning?+
Dynacharge ($0.10) is the most affordable replacement, saving over 99% compared to Redirect Lightning.
Why would a player want a replacement for Redirect Lightning?+
At $11.53, Redirect Lightning represents a substantial financial barrier for casual Commander decks, budget league builds, or players testing new color identities.
When should a player NOT use a cheaper alternative to Redirect Lightning?+
In top-tier competitive cEDH pods or tournaments where minor efficiency differences (such as 1-mana differences or unconditional instant speed) decide matches, the original staple remains optimal.
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