Archfiend of DepravityHow it works & interactions with other cards

What it Does

Archfiend of Depravity has a triggered ability that occurs at the beginning of each opponent's end step. It forces that opponent to look at their board and pick no more than two creatures to keep. Every other creature they control must be sacrificed. Notably, this ability does not target, meaning it bypasses keywords like Hexproof or Shroud.

How it Resolves Step by Step

First, the end step begins and the Archfiend's ability is put onto the stack. When the ability resolves, the active player (the opponent whose turn it is) chooses up to two creatures they control. They can choose two, one, or even zero creatures. Once the choice is made, all creatures they control that were not chosen are sacrificed simultaneously. This triggers any 'when a creature dies' abilities for all sacrificed units at once.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is thinking the Archfiend's controller chooses which creatures stay; in reality, the opponent being affected makes the choice. Additionally, players often forget that the opponent can choose to sacrifice everything by choosing zero creatures, which might be relevant if they have death triggers they want to activate. Lastly, remember this only affects opponents, not the player who controls the Archfiend.

When to Play It

This Demon is most effective against 'Go-Wide' strategies, such as Elf or Soldier decks. Because it triggers at every opponent's end step, it prevents them from ever building a large enough force to block your 5/4 flyer effectively. It is a mandatory inclusion in decks that want to keep the board clear of small tokens and utility creatures.

Interaction examples

Managing the Golem Army

Solemn Simulacrum

If your opponent controls three copies of Solemn Simulacrum during their end step, Archfiend of Depravity triggers. The opponent must choose two Golems to keep and sacrifice the third. When the third Solemn Simulacrum is sacrificed, its own ability triggers, allowing the opponent to draw a card.

Doubling the Demonic Pressure

Roaming Throne

If you control Roaming Throne and named 'Demon' as it entered, Archfiend of Depravity's ability triggers twice at the start of your opponent's end step. The first resolution forces them to sacrifice down to two creatures. Then, the second resolution happens, forcing them to again choose up to two creatures from what remains. While the second trigger usually doesn't remove more creatures, it ensures that if the opponent somehow created new creatures in response to the first trigger, those are also filtered out.