diff --git a/cockatrice/src/game_graphics/board/abstract_counter.cpp b/cockatrice/src/game_graphics/board/abstract_counter.cpp
index a20fb1b3c..e63117e13 100644
--- a/cockatrice/src/game_graphics/board/abstract_counter.cpp
+++ b/cockatrice/src/game_graphics/board/abstract_counter.cpp
@@ -29,8 +29,9 @@ AbstractCounter::AbstractCounter(CounterState *state,
 {
     setAcceptHoverEvents(true);
 
-    connect(state, &CounterState::valueChanged, this, [this](int, int newValue) {
+    connect(state, &CounterState::valueChanged, this, [this](int oldValue, int newValue) {
         value = newValue;
+        onValueChanged(oldValue, newValue);
         update();
     });
 
@@ -228,3 +229,9 @@ void AbstractCounterDialog::changeValue(int diff)
     curValue += diff;
     setTextValue(QString::number(curValue));
 }
+
+void AbstractCounter::onValueChanged(int /*oldValue*/, int /*newValue*/)
+{
+    // Default: no feedback. Subclasses such as PlayerCounter override this to
+    // flash the counter on meaningful changes (life gain/loss).
+}
diff --git a/cockatrice/src/game_graphics/board/abstract_counter.h b/cockatrice/src/game_graphics/board/abstract_counter.h
index b319a722d..9ddcc6d58 100644
--- a/cockatrice/src/game_graphics/board/abstract_counter.h
+++ b/cockatrice/src/game_graphics/board/abstract_counter.h
@@ -35,6 +35,13 @@ protected:
     bool hovered = false;
     bool useNameForShortcut;
 
+    /**
+     * @brief Hook for subclasses that need per-value-change feedback (e.g. life-total flash).
+     *
+     * Called whenever the counter's value changes, before the item repaints.
+     */
+    virtual void onValueChanged(int oldValue, int newValue);
+
     void mousePressEvent(QGraphicsSceneMouseEvent *event) override;
     void hoverEnterEvent(QGraphicsSceneHoverEvent *event) override;
     void hoverLeaveEvent(QGraphicsSceneHoverEvent *event) override;
diff --git a/cockatrice/src/game_graphics/player/player_graphics_item.cpp b/cockatrice/src/game_graphics/player/player_graphics_item.cpp
index d443853ce..2831f3393 100644
--- a/cockatrice/src/game_graphics/player/player_graphics_item.cpp
+++ b/cockatrice/src/game_graphics/player/player_graphics_item.cpp
@@ -188,6 +188,11 @@ void PlayerGraphicsItem::onCounterAdded(CounterState *state)
     AbstractCounter *widget;
     if (state->getName() == "life") {
         widget = playerTarget->addCounter(state);
+        connect(state, &CounterState::valueChanged, this, [this](int oldValue, int newValue) {
+            if (newValue < oldValue) {
+                tableZoneGraphicsItem->triggerDamageShimmer();
+            }
+        });
     } else {
         widget = new GeneralCounter(state, player, true, this);
     }
diff --git a/cockatrice/src/game_graphics/player/player_target.cpp b/cockatrice/src/game_graphics/player/player_target.cpp
index 567f3d44d..105a4a862 100644
--- a/cockatrice/src/game_graphics/player/player_target.cpp
+++ b/cockatrice/src/game_graphics/player/player_target.cpp
@@ -1,8 +1,11 @@
 #include "player_target.h"
 
+#include "../../client/settings/cache_settings.h"
 #include "../../game/player/player_logic.h"
 #include "../../interface/pixel_map_generator.h"
+#include "../game_scene.h"
 
+#include <QApplication>
 #include <QDebug>
 #include <QPainter>
 #include <QPixmapCache>
@@ -21,17 +24,24 @@ QRectF PlayerCounter::boundingRect() const
 
 void PlayerCounter::paint(QPainter *painter, const QStyleOptionGraphicsItem * /*option*/, QWidget * /*widget*/)
 {
-    const int radius = 8;
-    const qreal border = 1;
-    QPainterPath path(QPointF(50 - border / 2, border / 2));
-    path.lineTo(radius, border / 2);
-    path.arcTo(border / 2, border / 2, 2 * radius, 2 * radius, 90, 90);
-    path.lineTo(border / 2, 30 - border / 2);
-    path.lineTo(50 - border / 2, 30 - border / 2);
-    path.closeSubpath();
+    const int radius = 15;
+    const qreal border = 1.5;
+    // The box is drawn with a border-wide stroke straddling the path, so the
+    // visible outline spans [inset, inset + border]. Fills that must not cover
+    // the outline (e.g. the life-change flash) use a path inset by `border`.
+    const auto makePath = [radius](qreal inset) {
+        QPainterPath path(QPointF(50 - inset, inset));
+        path.lineTo(radius, inset);
+        path.arcTo(inset, inset, 2 * radius, 2 * radius, 90, 90);
+        path.lineTo(inset, 30 - inset);
+        path.lineTo(50 - inset, 30 - inset);
+        path.closeSubpath();
+        return path;
+    };
+    QPainterPath path = makePath(border / 2);
 
     QPen pen(QColor(100, 100, 100));
-    pen.setWidth(border);
+    pen.setWidthF(border);
     painter->setPen(pen);
     painter->setBrush(hovered ? QColor(50, 50, 50, 160) : QColor(0, 0, 0, 160));
 
@@ -45,6 +55,48 @@ void PlayerCounter::paint(QPainter *painter, const QStyleOptionGraphicsItem * /*
     painter->setFont(font);
     painter->setPen(Qt::white);
     painter->drawText(translatedRect, Qt::AlignCenter, QString::number(value));
+
+    // Life-change flash: emerald on gain, red on loss, decaying over a few ticks.
+    if (flashAlpha > 0) {
+        painter->save();
+        QColor flashColor = flashDelta > 0 ? QColor(52, 224, 122) : QColor(239, 68, 68);
+        flashColor.setAlphaF(0.45 * flashAlpha);
+        painter->setPen(Qt::NoPen);
+        painter->setBrush(flashColor);
+        painter->setOpacity(0.85);
+        painter->drawPath(makePath(border));
+        painter->restore();
+    }
+}
+
+void PlayerCounter::onValueChanged(int oldValue, int newValue)
+{
+    flashDelta = newValue - oldValue;
+    if (flashDelta == 0) {
+        return;
+    }
+
+    if (!SettingsCache::instance().userInterface().getLifeCounterAnimationsEnabled()) {
+        flashAlpha = 0.0;
+        return;
+    }
+
+    flashAlpha = 1.0;
+    flashClock.start();
+    if (scene()) {
+        static_cast<GameScene *>(scene())->registerAnimationItem(this);
+    }
+}
+
+bool PlayerCounter::animationEvent()
+{
+    flashAlpha = 1.0 - flashClock.elapsed() / flashDurationMs;
+    if (flashAlpha <= 0.0) {
+        flashAlpha = 0.0;
+        return false;
+    }
+    update();
+    return true;
 }
 
 PlayerTarget::PlayerTarget(PlayerLogic *_owner, QGraphicsItem *parentItem)
diff --git a/cockatrice/src/game_graphics/player/player_target.h b/cockatrice/src/game_graphics/player/player_target.h
index 67e155660..af0e9c8b7 100644
--- a/cockatrice/src/game_graphics/player/player_target.h
+++ b/cockatrice/src/game_graphics/player/player_target.h
@@ -7,21 +7,34 @@
 #ifndef PLAYERTARGET_H
 #define PLAYERTARGET_H
 
+#include "../animated_item.h"
 #include "../board/abstract_counter.h"
 #include "../board/arrow_target.h"
 #include "../board/graphics_item_type.h"
 
+#include <QElapsedTimer>
 #include <QPixmap>
 
 class PlayerLogic;
 
-class PlayerCounter : public AbstractCounter
+class PlayerCounter : public AbstractCounter, public IAnimatedItem
 {
     Q_OBJECT
+protected:
+    void onValueChanged(int oldValue, int newValue) override;
+
+private:
+    static constexpr qreal flashDurationMs = 450.0;
+
+    QElapsedTimer flashClock;
+    qreal flashAlpha = 0.0;
+    int flashDelta = 0;
+
 public:
     PlayerCounter(CounterState *state, PlayerLogic *player, QGraphicsItem *parent);
     QRectF boundingRect() const override;
     void paint(QPainter *painter, const QStyleOptionGraphicsItem *option, QWidget *widget) override;
+    bool animationEvent() override;
 };
 
 class PlayerTarget : public ArrowTarget
diff --git a/cockatrice/src/game_graphics/zones/table_zone.cpp b/cockatrice/src/game_graphics/zones/table_zone.cpp
index 4ef01853f..306e2927e 100644
--- a/cockatrice/src/game_graphics/zones/table_zone.cpp
+++ b/cockatrice/src/game_graphics/zones/table_zone.cpp
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@
 #include "../board/arrow_item.h"
 #include "../board/card_drag_item.h"
 #include "../board/card_item.h"
+#include "../game_scene.h"
 #include "../z_values.h"
 
 #include <QGraphicsScene>
@@ -47,6 +48,31 @@ void TableZone::updateBg()
     update();
 }
 
+void TableZone::triggerDamageShimmer()
+{
+    if (!SettingsCache::instance().userInterface().getBattlefieldFlashEnabled()) {
+        damageShimmerAlpha = 0.0;
+        return;
+    }
+
+    damageShimmerAlpha = 1.0;
+    shimmerClock.start();
+    if (scene()) {
+        static_cast<GameScene *>(scene())->registerAnimationItem(this);
+    }
+}
+
+bool TableZone::animationEvent()
+{
+    damageShimmerAlpha = 1.0 - shimmerClock.elapsed() / shimmerDurationMs;
+    if (damageShimmerAlpha <= 0.0) {
+        damageShimmerAlpha = 0.0;
+        return false;
+    }
+    update();
+    return true;
+}
+
 QRectF TableZone::boundingRect() const
 {
     return QRectF(0, 0, width, height);
@@ -77,6 +103,13 @@ void TableZone::paint(QPainter *painter, const QStyleOptionGraphicsItem * /*opti
         painter->fillRect(boundingRect(), FADE_MASK);
     }
 
+    // Decaying crimson wash from taking damage.
+    if (damageShimmerAlpha > 0.0) {
+        QColor shimmerColor(239, 68, 68);
+        shimmerColor.setAlphaF(0.22 * damageShimmerAlpha);
+        painter->fillRect(boundingRect(), shimmerColor);
+    }
+
     paintLandDivider(painter);
 }
 
diff --git a/cockatrice/src/game_graphics/zones/table_zone.h b/cockatrice/src/game_graphics/zones/table_zone.h
index 0d7e58206..1836c96ff 100644
--- a/cockatrice/src/game_graphics/zones/table_zone.h
+++ b/cockatrice/src/game_graphics/zones/table_zone.h
@@ -8,16 +8,19 @@
 #define TABLEZONE_H
 
 #include "../../game/zones/table_zone_logic.h"
+#include "../animated_item.h"
 #include "../board/abstract_card_item.h"
 #include "select_zone.h"
 
+#include <QElapsedTimer>
+
 /**
  * @brief TableZone is the grid based rect where CardItems may be placed.
  *
  * It is the main play zone and can be customized with background images.
  */
 //! \todo Refactor methods to make more readable, extract logic to private methods (especially reorganizeCards()).
-class TableZone : public SelectZone
+class TableZone : public SelectZone, public IAnimatedItem
 {
     Q_OBJECT
 
@@ -121,6 +124,16 @@ public:
      */
     void paint(QPainter *painter, const QStyleOptionGraphicsItem *option, QWidget *widget) override;
 
+    /**
+       Flashes the table surface after a player loses life.
+
+       Wired up through the life counter so the battlefield glows when life drops.
+     */
+    void triggerDamageShimmer();
+
+    /** @brief Decays the damage shimmer by one timer tick. */
+    bool animationEvent() override;
+
     /**
        Toggles the selected items as tapped.
      */
@@ -185,6 +198,11 @@ public:
     }
 
 private:
+    static constexpr qreal shimmerDurationMs = 450.0;
+
+    QElapsedTimer shimmerClock;
+    qreal damageShimmerAlpha = 0.0;
+
     void paintZoneOutline(QPainter *painter);
     void paintLandDivider(QPainter *painter);
 
diff --git a/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/settings_page/user_interface_settings_page.cpp b/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/settings_page/user_interface_settings_page.cpp
index fa6de81c2..3fa56dd48 100644
--- a/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/settings_page/user_interface_settings_page.cpp
+++ b/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/settings_page/user_interface_settings_page.cpp
@@ -116,6 +116,15 @@ UserInterfaceSettingsPage::UserInterfaceSettingsPage()
     connect(&tapAnimationCheckBox, &QCheckBox::QT_STATE_CHANGED, &SettingsCache::instance().cardsDisplay(),
             &CardsDisplaySettings::setTapAnimation);
 
+    lifeCounterAnimationsCheckBox.setChecked(
+        SettingsCache::instance().userInterface().getLifeCounterAnimationsEnabled());
+    connect(&lifeCounterAnimationsCheckBox, &QCheckBox::QT_STATE_CHANGED, &SettingsCache::instance().userInterface(),
+            &InterfaceSettings::setLifeCounterAnimationsEnabled);
+
+    battlefieldFlashCheckBox.setChecked(SettingsCache::instance().userInterface().getBattlefieldFlashEnabled());
+    connect(&battlefieldFlashCheckBox, &QCheckBox::QT_STATE_CHANGED, &SettingsCache::instance().userInterface(),
+            &InterfaceSettings::setBattlefieldFlashEnabled);
+
     connect(&enableAllAnimationsButton, &QPushButton::clicked, this, &UserInterfaceSettingsPage::enableAllAnimations);
     connect(&disableAllAnimationsButton, &QPushButton::clicked, this, &UserInterfaceSettingsPage::disableAllAnimations);
 
@@ -123,6 +132,8 @@ UserInterfaceSettingsPage::UserInterfaceSettingsPage()
     animationGrid->addWidget(&enableAllAnimationsButton, 0, 0);
     animationGrid->addWidget(&disableAllAnimationsButton, 0, 1);
     animationGrid->addWidget(&tapAnimationCheckBox, 1, 0);
+    animationGrid->addWidget(&lifeCounterAnimationsCheckBox, 2, 0);
+    animationGrid->addWidget(&battlefieldFlashCheckBox, 3, 0);
 
     animationGroupBox = new QGroupBox;
     animationGroupBox->setLayout(animationGrid);
@@ -276,11 +287,15 @@ void UserInterfaceSettingsPage::setNotificationEnabled(QT_STATE_CHANGED_T i)
 void UserInterfaceSettingsPage::enableAllAnimations()
 {
     tapAnimationCheckBox.setChecked(true);
+    lifeCounterAnimationsCheckBox.setChecked(true);
+    battlefieldFlashCheckBox.setChecked(true);
 }
 
 void UserInterfaceSettingsPage::disableAllAnimations()
 {
     tapAnimationCheckBox.setChecked(false);
+    lifeCounterAnimationsCheckBox.setChecked(false);
+    battlefieldFlashCheckBox.setChecked(false);
 }
 
 void UserInterfaceSettingsPage::updateCommanderSpellbookUiState()
@@ -328,6 +343,8 @@ void UserInterfaceSettingsPage::retranslateUi()
     enableAllAnimationsButton.setText(tr("&Enable all animations"));
     disableAllAnimationsButton.setText(tr("&Disable all animations"));
     tapAnimationCheckBox.setText(tr("&Tap/untap animation"));
+    lifeCounterAnimationsCheckBox.setText(tr("Life counter flash"));
+    battlefieldFlashCheckBox.setText(tr("Battlefield flash on damage"));
     deckEditorGroupBox->setTitle(tr("Deck editor/storage settings"));
     openDeckInNewTabCheckBox.setText(tr("Open deck in new tab by default"));
     visualDeckStorageInGameCheckBox.setText(tr("Use visual deck storage in game lobby"));
diff --git a/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/settings_page/user_interface_settings_page.h b/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/settings_page/user_interface_settings_page.h
index f98e723b8..f18ab8ccf 100644
--- a/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/settings_page/user_interface_settings_page.h
+++ b/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/settings_page/user_interface_settings_page.h
@@ -40,6 +40,8 @@ private:
     QPushButton enableAllAnimationsButton;
     QPushButton disableAllAnimationsButton;
     QCheckBox tapAnimationCheckBox;
+    QCheckBox lifeCounterAnimationsCheckBox;
+    QCheckBox battlefieldFlashCheckBox;
     QCheckBox openDeckInNewTabCheckBox;
     QLabel visualDeckStoragePromptForConversionLabel;
     QComboBox visualDeckStoragePromptForConversionSelector;
diff --git a/libcockatrice_interfaces/libcockatrice/interfaces/interface_interface_settings_provider.h b/libcockatrice_interfaces/libcockatrice/interfaces/interface_interface_settings_provider.h
index ab2caa0d7..1f75d3d33 100644
--- a/libcockatrice_interfaces/libcockatrice/interfaces/interface_interface_settings_provider.h
+++ b/libcockatrice_interfaces/libcockatrice/interfaces/interface_interface_settings_provider.h
@@ -39,6 +39,8 @@ public:
     [[nodiscard]] virtual bool getShowStatusBar() const = 0;
     [[nodiscard]] virtual bool getShowShortcuts() const = 0;
     [[nodiscard]] virtual bool getShowGameSelectorFilterToolbar() const = 0;
+    [[nodiscard]] virtual bool getLifeCounterAnimationsEnabled() const = 0;
+    [[nodiscard]] virtual bool getBattlefieldFlashEnabled() const = 0;
 };
 
 #endif // COCKATRICE_INTERFACE_INTERFACE_SETTINGS_PROVIDER_H
diff --git a/libcockatrice_settings/libcockatrice/settings/interface_settings.cpp b/libcockatrice_settings/libcockatrice/settings/interface_settings.cpp
index 29c57c57e..4dfc26417 100644
--- a/libcockatrice_settings/libcockatrice/settings/interface_settings.cpp
+++ b/libcockatrice_settings/libcockatrice/settings/interface_settings.cpp
@@ -160,6 +160,16 @@ bool InterfaceSettings::getShowGameSelectorFilterToolbar() const
     return getValue("showGameSelectorFilterToolbar", QString(), QString(), true).toBool();
 }
 
+bool InterfaceSettings::getLifeCounterAnimationsEnabled() const
+{
+    return getValue("lifeCounterAnimationsEnabled", QString(), QString(), true).toBool();
+}
+
+bool InterfaceSettings::getBattlefieldFlashEnabled() const
+{
+    return getValue("battlefieldFlashEnabled", QString(), QString(), true).toBool();
+}
+
 void InterfaceSettings::setUseTearOffMenus(bool _useTearOffMenus)
 {
     setValue(_useTearOffMenus, "useTearOffMenus");
@@ -326,3 +336,15 @@ void InterfaceSettings::setShowGameSelectorFilterToolbar(bool _showGameSelectorF
     setValue(_showGameSelectorFilterToolbar, "showGameSelectorFilterToolbar");
     emit showGameSelectorFilterToolbarChanged(_showGameSelectorFilterToolbar);
 }
+
+void InterfaceSettings::setLifeCounterAnimationsEnabled(bool _lifeCounterAnimationsEnabled)
+{
+    setValue(_lifeCounterAnimationsEnabled, "lifeCounterAnimationsEnabled");
+    emit lifeCounterAnimationsEnabledChanged(_lifeCounterAnimationsEnabled);
+}
+
+void InterfaceSettings::setBattlefieldFlashEnabled(bool _battlefieldFlashEnabled)
+{
+    setValue(_battlefieldFlashEnabled, "battlefieldFlashEnabled");
+    emit battlefieldFlashEnabledChanged(_battlefieldFlashEnabled);
+}
diff --git a/libcockatrice_settings/libcockatrice/settings/interface_settings.h b/libcockatrice_settings/libcockatrice/settings/interface_settings.h
index 982976310..df254eb09 100644
--- a/libcockatrice_settings/libcockatrice/settings/interface_settings.h
+++ b/libcockatrice_settings/libcockatrice/settings/interface_settings.h
@@ -42,6 +42,8 @@ public:
     [[nodiscard]] bool getShowStatusBar() const override;
     [[nodiscard]] bool getShowShortcuts() const override;
     [[nodiscard]] bool getShowGameSelectorFilterToolbar() const override;
+    [[nodiscard]] bool getLifeCounterAnimationsEnabled() const override;
+    [[nodiscard]] bool getBattlefieldFlashEnabled() const override;
 
     void setUseTearOffMenus(bool _useTearOffMenus);
     void setCardViewInitialRowsMax(int _cardViewInitialRowsMax);
@@ -74,6 +76,8 @@ public:
     void setShowStatusBar(bool _showStatusBar);
     void setShowShortcuts(bool _showShortcuts);
     void setShowGameSelectorFilterToolbar(bool _showGameSelectorFilterToolbar);
+    void setLifeCounterAnimationsEnabled(bool _lifeCounterAnimationsEnabled);
+    void setBattlefieldFlashEnabled(bool _battlefieldFlashEnabled);
 
 signals:
     void useTearOffMenusChanged(bool state);
@@ -85,6 +89,8 @@ signals:
     void tallyTypeChanged(int type);
     void showStatusBarChanged(bool state);
     void showGameSelectorFilterToolbarChanged(bool state);
+    void lifeCounterAnimationsEnabledChanged(bool state);
+    void battlefieldFlashEnabledChanged(bool state);
 
 public:
     explicit InterfaceSettings(const QString &settingPath, QObject *parent = nullptr);