Biosynthic BurstHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

When you cast Biosynthic Burst, you target a creature you control. Upon resolution, that creature receives a +1/+1 counter and three powerful keywords: reach, trample, and indestructible. Finally, the creature is untapped, allowing it to serve as a surprise blocker or benefit from a second use of an activated ability.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you choose a legal target creature you control. As the spell resolves, the +1/+1 counter is placed first. Then, the continuous effects granting reach, trample, and indestructible are applied; these last until the end of the current turn. Finally, the creature is untapped. If the target is no longer legal when the spell tries to resolve, the entire spell fails and none of the effects occur.

Common Mistakes

A common error is forgetting that indestructible does not prevent a creature from being sacrificed or having its toughness reduced to zero or less. Also, remember that since the untap happens as part of the spell's resolution, you cannot tap the creature for a 'mana ability' in the middle of the spell's effects to get extra value; the sequence is fixed.

When to Play It

This card is best used as a combat trick. Use it after an opponent has declared attackers to untap a creature and block with reach, or cast it in response to a removal spell to save your creature with indestructible. It also excels during your own turn to help a creature punch through blockers using trample.

Interaction examples

Surviving Destruction

Beast Within

If an opponent casts Beast Within targeting your creature, you can cast Biosynthic Burst in response. Biosynthic Burst resolves first, giving your creature indestructible. When Beast Within tries to resolve, the 'destroy' effect fails to destroy your creature, though the opponent still receives the 3/3 Beast token.

Stacking Protections

Heroic Intervention

If you have a creature targeted by a spell that exiles, Biosynthic Burst alone won't save it because it only provides indestructible. However, by casting Heroic Intervention as well, your creatures gain hexproof. The combination of Biosynthic Burst's counter and keywords along with Heroic Intervention's board-wide protection makes your creature nearly impossible to interact with.