Combat rules answer
My 2/2 has lifelink and deathtouch, and a 4/4 blocked it. When do I gain life?
Answer
You gain 2 life as combat damage is dealt, then both creatures die. The life gain happens before state-based actions are checked and remains after the creatures leave.
Why
Lifelink changes the result of the damage itself; it is not a triggered ability. When the 2/2 deals 2 damage, its controller gains 2 life immediately.
State-based actions are checked after the damage. Deathtouch and lethal damage then put both creatures into their owners' graveyards, but the life gain stays.
Rules: 120.3f, 702.2b, 702.15a, 702.15b, 704.5g, 704.5h
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Other ways players ask this
- When do you gain life from lifelink?
- Does lifelink happen before creatures die?
- Is lifelink a triggered ability?