BreezekeeperHow it works & interactions with other cards

What Phasing Does

Breezekeeper features the keyword Phasing, which means it automatically alternates between being 'phased in' and 'phased out' at the start of your turn. While it is phased out, it is treated as though it doesn't exist; it cannot be targeted, destroyed, or even counted for effects that check the number of creatures you control. Crucially, phasing in or out does not cause the creature to enter or leave the battlefield, so 'enters-the-battlefield' abilities will not trigger.

Step-by-Step Resolution

The Phasing process happens during your Untap Step. First, before you untap your permanents, all permanents you control with Phasing that are currently phased in will phase out simultaneously. At the same time, any permanents you control that were phased out will phase back in. Once this swap is complete, you proceed to untap your permanents as normal. Because this happens before the Upkeep, no player can cast spells or activate abilities to stop the transition once the step begins.

Common Mistakes

The most frequent error is treating Phasing as a zone change. When Breezekeeper phases out, it does not go to the graveyard or exile; it simply ceases to be treated as existing. This means any Auras or Equipment attached to Breezekeeper phase out with it and remain attached when it phases back in. Additionally, phasing in does not give a creature 'summoning sickness' unless it actually entered the battlefield that same turn, meaning Breezekeeper can usually attack the same turn it phases back in.

Strategic Timing

Breezekeeper is best used as a defensive tool that guarantees you a blocker or attacker every other turn. Since it phases out during your own untap step, it will be missing during your opponent's subsequent turn if it was present for your attack. Use this to your advantage to dodge board wipes that occur on your opponent's turn, as the Djinn will safely be 'non-existent' when those spells resolve.

Interaction examples

Phasing vs. Enters-the-Battlefield

Solemn Simulacrum

If you control both Breezekeeper and Solemn Simulacrum, and Breezekeeper phases in during your untap step, you do not get to search for a land. Unlike Solemn Simulacrum, which triggers when it enters the battlefield, Breezekeeper's status change is not considered 'entering' the battlefield, so no 'ETB' abilities trigger.

Type Synergy and Phasing

Roaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield with 'Djinn' chosen as the type, it will not affect Breezekeeper's phasing. Phasing is a static ability that modifies how the game works during the untap step, not a triggered ability. Even though Roaming Throne would double triggers from your Djinns, Breezekeeper simply phases out as a requirement of the rules, not because of a trigger.

Equipping the Ethereal

If you equip Breezekeeper with an Equipment and then Breezekeeper phases out, the Equipment phases out with it. During this time, the Equipment cannot be destroyed by 'destroy all artifacts' spells. When your next untap step begins, both the Djinn and the Equipment phase in together, with the Equipment still attached and ready for combat.