Angel of the RuinsHow it works & interactions with other cards

Dual Functionality

This card features two distinct abilities. Plainscycling allows you to discard it early in the game for two generic mana to find a Plains card—which includes nonbasic lands with the Plains type. Once it hits the battlefield, its triggered ability targets up to two artifacts and/or enchantments to be exiled permanently.

Step-by-Step Resolution

When Angel of the Ruins enters the battlefield, you choose up to two targets. You can choose zero, one, or two targets. If you choose targets, the ability goes on the stack and players can respond. Upon resolution, the targeted permanents are moved to the exile zone. If the Angel leaves the battlefield before the ability resolves, the targets are still exiled.

Common Pitfalls

Remember that Plainscycling is an activated ability that happens from your hand, not a spell. It cannot be countered by standard Dispel or Negate effects. Also, because the enters-the-battlefield ability says 'up to two,' you can safely play this creature even if the only artifacts or enchantments on board are your own by simply choosing zero targets.

Strategic Timing

Early in the game, use Plainscycling to fix your mana or thin your deck. In the late game, it acts as a high-impact finisher. Because it is an artifact itself, it can be interacted with by cards that care about the artifact type, both to your benefit or detriment.

Interaction examples

Exiling the Indestructible

Avacyn, Angel of Hope

If your opponent controls Avacyn, Angel of Hope, their permanents have indestructible, making them immune to 'destroy' effects. When you play Angel of the Ruins, its ability exiles the targets. Since exile does not destroy, Angel of the Ruins can successfully remove two artifacts or enchantments even under Avacyn's protection.

The Graveyard Loop

Sun Titan

While Angel of the Ruins has a high mana value, you can use its Plainscycling ability to put it into your graveyard for just two mana while finding a land. Since it is also an artifact, if you have an effect that returns low-cost permanents like Sun Titan (though the Angel's mana value is too high for the Titan's specific trigger), you generally seek to use the cycling to set up reanimation spells that bring the Angel back to the battlefield to trigger its exile ability repeatedly.