Captivating CrewHow it works & interactions with other cards

Taking Command

For a cost of three generic and one red mana, Captivating Crew targets a creature an opponent controls. Upon resolution, you gain control of that creature, it becomes untapped, and it gains haste until the end of the turn. This allows you to use your opponent's best blockers as your own attackers immediately.

The Sorcery Restriction

It is important to remember that this ability can only be activated during your main phase when the stack is empty. You cannot use Captivating Crew to steal a creature during your opponent's combat phase to stop an attack; you must plan your recruitment during your own turn.

Resolution and Duration

When the ability resolves, the creature stays under your control until the cleanup step of the current turn. Even if Captivating Crew leaves the battlefield after the ability has resolved, you retain control of the stolen creature until the turn ends. You can even target a creature that is already untapped; it will still gain haste and come under your control.

Interaction examples

Borrowing the Robot

Solemn Simulacrum

If your opponent controls Solemn Simulacrum, you can activate Captivating Crew's ability targeting it. Once it comes to your side, it gains haste and untaps. If you have a way to sacrifice it before the turn ends, you will be the one to draw a card from its death trigger, not the original owner.

Bypassing the Ward

Roaming Throne

When targeting Roaming Throne, you must still pay its Ward {2} cost or the Captivating Crew ability will be countered. If you pay the mana, the Throne moves to your side. Since it is now a creature you control, its ability will apply to your other creatures of the chosen type, potentially doubling their triggered abilities for the rest of your turn.