17-Year CicadasHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

For an initial cost of eight mana or a Suspend cost of zero, 17-Year Cicadas creates ten 1/1 white Insect creature tokens with flying. After the spell resolves, it doesn't go to the graveyard; instead, it exiles itself with seventeen time counters to begin the cycle again. While it is suspended, you remove a time counter at the start of your upkeep and every single time you cast another spell.

How It Resolves Step by Step

First, the spell enters the stack and, if not countered, you place ten 1/1 Insect tokens onto the battlefield. Second, the card itself is moved from the stack to the exile zone rather than the graveyard. Third, seventeen time counters are placed on the card in exile. From this point, it is considered 'suspended', and its triggered ability will track every spell you cast to speed up its return.

Common Mistakes

A common error is forgetting that the 'remove a counter' ability only triggers while the card is suspended, not while it is on the stack or in your hand. Additionally, because the spell exiles itself as part of its resolution, you cannot easily use 'reanimate' or 'flashback' effects to bypass the Suspend timer once it has been cast successfully.

When to Play It

This card is best played in decks that cast many low-cost spells per turn. Since each spell cast removes a time counter, a 'Storm' or 'Spellslinger' strategy can reduce the 17-turn wait down to just one or two turns, providing a recurring wall of flying blockers or a sudden lethal air force.

Interaction examples

The Swarm and the Board Wipe

Vanquish the Horde

After you cast 17-Year Cicadas and create ten tokens, you now have ten creatures on the board. If your opponent also has creatures, this significantly reduces the cost of Vanquish the Horde. Casting Vanquish the Horde while the Cicadas are suspended will remove a time counter from the exiled card and clear the board, paving the way for your next swarm to arrive.

Victory in the Long Game

Approach of the Second Sun

If you cast Approach of the Second Sun while 17-Year Cicadas is suspended, you remove one time counter. The life gain from Approach helps you survive the long wait, and the Insect tokens provide the necessary defense to reach your second casting of Approach to win the game.