Akroan PhalanxHow it works & interactions with other cards

Dual Threats: Vigilance and Buffs

Akroan Phalanx possesses two key features. Vigilance allows it to attack without tapping, meaning it remains available as a blocker during your opponent's turn. Additionally, its activated ability allows you to pay two generic and one red mana to give all your creatures +1/+0 until the end of the turn. This ability is not restricted to sorcery speed, meaning you can activate it during the combat phase or even on your opponent's turn if you have the mana available.

Step-by-Step Resolution

When you decide to activate the ability, you first pay the cost of {2}{R}. The ability then goes on the stack. Once both players pass priority, the ability resolves, and every creature you currently control gains +1/+0. Importantly, this bonus only applies to creatures you control at the moment the ability resolves; any creatures that enter the battlefield later in the turn will not receive the buff.

Timing and Stacking

A common mistake is forgetting that this ability can be activated multiple times in a single turn. If you have six generic and two red mana, you can activate it twice to give your team +2/+0. Another point of note is that because the Phalanx has Vigilance, you can attack with it, and then use its ability after blockers are declared to maximize damage without losing your defensive position.

When to Lead the Charge

Akroan Phalanx is best utilized when you have a wide board of creatures. Since the +1/+0 applies to everyone, the value of the ability scales with the number of attackers you have. It is also a great mana sink for late-game scenarios where you have excess red mana but need a way to push through the final points of damage.

Interaction examples

The Soldier's Ramp

Solemn Simulacrum

If you have Solemn Simulacrum on the battlefield alongside Akroan Phalanx, activating the Phalanx's ability will grant the Simulacrum +1/+0. This turns your utility Golem into a 3/2 attacker while the Phalanx remains ready to block thanks to Vigilance.

Choosing Types with the Throne

Roaming Throne

If you play Roaming Throne and choose 'Human' or 'Soldier', it will count as that type. While Roaming Throne doubles triggered abilities, it does not double Akroan Phalanx's activated ability. However, Roaming Throne will still receive the +1/+0 bonus from the Phalanx's activation because it is a creature you control.

Vigilant Defense

During your turn, you attack with Akroan Phalanx. Because of Vigilance, it does not tap. In your opponent's following combat phase, you can block their creature and then spend {2}{R} to increase the Phalanx's power to 4, potentially destroying the attacker while keeping your Phalanx alive if its toughness is high enough.