Deathleaper, Terror Weapon

Deathleaper, Terror Weapon was released as part of the Warhammer 40,000 Commander set for Magic: The Gathering in 2022. This crossover product, dubbed a Universes Beyond release, brought the grimdark aesthetic of the Warhammer 40,000 tabletop wargame into the mechanics of Magic. The card specifically represents the Tyranid organism known as Deathleaper, a legendary Lictor tasked with psychological warfare and precise elimination, translating its canonical role as a silent hunter into gameplay mechanics that reward playing from the command zone.

The card’s illustration was crafted by artist Lie Setiawan, who focused on capturing the creature's bioluminescent, insectoid menace and its ability to blend into the shadows of a battlefield. The design intent was to integrate the Tyranid faction's predatory nature into the game's Sultai color identity. Upon its release, the card was generally well-received by players for its thematic accuracy, serving as a functional and flavorful commander for decks built around Tyranid tribal synergies.