Aphetto ExterminatorHow it works & interactions with other cards

The Power of Morph

Aphetto Exterminator utilizes the Morph keyword, allowing you to cast it face down as a colorless 2/2 creature for {3}. While face down, it has no name, creature types, or mana cost. At any time you have priority, you can pay its morph cost of {3}{B} to turn it face up. This action does not use the stack and cannot be responded to, though the resulting triggered ability can be.

Resolving the Extermination

When Aphetto Exterminator is turned face up, its triggered ability targets a creature to receive -3/-3 until the end of the turn. This trigger happens whether you turned it face up using its Morph cost or through an external effect. You must choose a target when the ability is put on the stack. If the targeted creature has 3 or less toughness, it will be put into its owner's graveyard when the ability resolves due to state-based actions.

Common Mistakes

A common misconception is that revealing the card from your hand or a zone other than the battlefield triggers the ability; it only triggers when the permanent on the battlefield transitions from face down to face up. Additionally, if the creature is removed from the battlefield while face down, the ability does not trigger. Finally, remember that turning a creature face up is a special action, but the -3/-3 ability is a triggered ability that opponents can respond to with spells or abilities.

Strategic Timing

Because Morph can be activated at any time, Aphetto Exterminator is an excellent combat trick. You can block an attacking creature with the face-down 2/2 and then turn it face up before damage to shrink the attacker. This can turn a losing trade into a clean kill, or simply remove a utility creature during your opponent's end step.

Interaction examples

Shadow Strike

Solemn Simulacrum

Your opponent attacks with Solemn Simulacrum (a 2/2). You block with your face-down Aphetto Exterminator. Before damage, you pay {3}{B} to turn Aphetto Exterminator face up. Its ability triggers, targeting Solemn Simulacrum. The Golem gets -3/-3, becoming a -1/-1, and dies before it can deal combat damage. Your opponent still gets to draw a card from the Golem's death trigger, but your Exterminator survives.

Doubling the Venom

Roaming Throne

You control Roaming Throne with 'Wizard' chosen as the creature type. You turn your face-down Aphetto Exterminator face up for {3}{B}. Since Aphetto Exterminator is a Human Wizard, the Roaming Throne causes its 'When this creature is turned face up' ability to trigger twice. You may choose two different targets to each get -3/-3, or target the same creature twice to give it a total of -6/-6.

Basic Face-Up Interaction

You cast Aphetto Exterminator face down for {3}. On a later turn, you pay {3}{B} to turn it face up. You target an opponent's 3/3 creature. The ability goes on the stack, and if no players have responses, the ability resolves. The target creature becomes a 0/0 and is destroyed.