Accursed Horde is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.
Official card text
: Target attacking Zombie gains indestructible until end of turn. (Damage and effects that say "destroy" don't destroy it. If its toughness is 0 or less, it still dies.)
Complete guide
Accursed Horde is a resilient commander for Zombie-themed decks, offering a way to protect your undead army during the heat of combat. By spending a small amount of mana, you can ensure your key attackers survive even the most devastating blocks. This creature is a staple for players looking to maintain board presence while applying constant pressure.
Making Your Army Unstoppable
The primary function of Accursed Horde is its activated ability, which costs one black and one generic mana. It targets an attacking Zombie and grants it indestructible until the end of the turn. This means the creature cannot be destroyed by lethal damage or by spells and effects that specifically use the word 'destroy.' Note that this ability can only be activated during the combat phase once attackers have been declared, as the target must be 'attacking.'
Resolution Step by Step
First, you must declare your attackers. Once they are legal attackers, you gain priority to activate Accursed Horde's ability. You pay the mana and choose a target Zombie (which can be the Horde itself). When the ability resolves, the creature gains indestructible. Even if the creature is removed from combat later, or the combat phase ends, the indestructible keyword remains until the turn concludes.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
It is important to remember that indestructible does not protect a creature from having its toughness reduced to 0 or less, such as through -1/-1 counters or effects. Additionally, since the ability requires a target 'attacking Zombie,' you cannot use this to protect a creature during your opponent's turn or before you have formally declared attackers in your own turn.
When to Play Accursed Horde
Play this card when you have a board full of Zombies and enough mana to keep your opponent guessing. It forces difficult blocking decisions, as your opponent will often lose their blockers without successfully removing your threats. It is also an excellent tool for protecting yourself from your own 'board wipe' spells if they occur during your second main phase after the ability was activated.
Interaction examples
If Accursed Horde attacks alone, you can spend two mana to target itself with its own ability. This makes Accursed Horde indestructible, allowing it to survive a block by a creature with high power.
Roaming ThroneIf you choose 'Zombie' as Roaming Throne enters the battlefield, it becomes a Zombie in addition to its other types. While Roaming Throne is attacking, you can activate Accursed Horde's ability to target the Throne, giving the Golem indestructible for the rest of the turn.
Solemn SimulacrumIf you attack with Accursed Horde and your opponent blocks with Solemn Simulacrum, you can activate the Horde's ability. The Horde will survive the combat damage, while the Solemn Simulacrum will be destroyed and its owner will draw a card.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Accursed Horde
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
- #1· Wizards of the Coast
Accursed Horde's ability can target itself while it's attacking.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #2· Wizards of the Coast
The target Zombie gains indestructible for the rest of the turn, even after it stops being an attacking creature.
No other card is named in this ruling.
Legal formats
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Meta decks with Accursed Horde
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