City of Death — ruling 1

The token you create copies the original characteristics of the token as stated by the effect that created that token, (unless that token is copying something else; see below). It doesn't copy whether that token is tapped or untapped, whether it has any counters on it or Auras and Equipment attached to it, or any non-copy effects that have changed its power, toughness, types, color, or so on.

City of Death — ruling 2

If the copied token has {X} in its mana cost, X is considered to be 0.

City of Death — ruling 3

If the copied token is copying something else (for example, if the copied token is one previously created by this ability), then the token enters the battlefield as whatever that token copied.

City of Death — ruling 4

Any enters-the-battlefield abilities of the copied token will trigger when the token enters the battlefield. Any "as [this permanent] enters the battlefield" or "[this permanent] enters the battlefield with" abilities of the chosen token will also work.

City of Death : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

City of Death is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.

Official card text

(As this Saga enters and after your draw step, add a lore counter. Sacrifice after VI.) I — Create a Treasure token. II, III, IV, V, VI — Create a token that's a copy of target non-Saga token you control.

Complete guide

City of Death is a powerful Saga from the Doctor Who set that offers incredible long-term value for token-based decks. Over the course of six turns, it helps ramp your mana and then rapidly multiplies your most powerful non-Saga tokens.

What it does

City of Death is a six-stage Saga. Its first chapter creates a Treasure token, which provides immediate mana utility. For chapters II through VI, it allows you to target a non-Saga token you control and create a copy of it, allowing you to build an overwhelming board presence over several turns.

How it resolves step by step

When City of Death enters the battlefield, you put a lore counter on it and the Chapter I ability triggers, creating a Treasure token. At the start of your subsequent precombat main phases (after your draw step), you add another lore counter. For chapters II through VI, you must choose a legal target: a token you control that is not a Saga. Upon resolution, a new token enters the battlefield with the base characteristics of that target. If the target is a copy of something else, the new token will also be a copy of that original object.

Common mistakes

The most common mistake is trying to copy the City of Death Saga itself; the card explicitly states it must target a non-Saga token. Additionally, remember that the new token only copies the base characteristics. It does not copy any counters, equipment, or temporary power buffs currently affecting the original token. If you target a token creature with a mana cost containing {X}, X is treated as 0 for the copy.

When to play it

City of Death is best played when you already have high-impact tokens on the board, such as large creature tokens or unique utility tokens. Because it lasts for six chapters, it provides a consistent engine for triggering 'enters the battlefield' effects every turn during your main phase.

Interaction examples

Generating Mana and Copies

City of Death

Treasure

On turn three, you cast City of Death. The Chapter I trigger resolves, and you create a Treasure token. On turn four, after your draw step, the Chapter II ability triggers. You target the Treasure token created on the previous turn. When the ability resolves, you now have two Treasure tokens.

Triggering Card Draw

City of Death

Garruk's Uprising

Suppose you control a 4/4 Beast token and Garruk's Uprising. When City of Death reaches Chapter III, you target the Beast token. A new 4/4 Beast token enters the battlefield. This triggers Garruk's Uprising, allowing you to draw a card because a creature with power 4 or greater entered under your control.

Strategic Timing with Draw Steps

City of Death

Sylvan Library

During your draw step, Sylvan Library triggers, potentially putting more cards into your hand. Immediately after the draw step ends, City of Death gains a lore counter and its chapter ability triggers. This sequence ensures you have seen your new cards for the turn before you have to choose a target for the Saga's copy ability.

Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.

How it works : City of Death

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1October 13, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
The token you create copies the original characteristics of the token as stated by the effect that created that token, (unless that token is copying something else; see below). It doesn't copy whether that token is tapped or untapped, whether it has any counters on it or Auras and Equipment attached to it, or any non-copy effects that have changed its power, toughness, types, color, or so on.
Card named in this ruling
Copy
#2October 13, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
If the copied token has in its mana cost, X is considered to be 0.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#3October 13, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
If the copied token is copying something else (for example, if the copied token is one previously created by this ability), then the token enters the battlefield as whatever that token copied.
Card named in this ruling
Copy
#4October 13, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
Any enters-the-battlefield abilities of the copied token will trigger when the token enters the battlefield. Any "as [this permanent] enters the battlefield" or "[this permanent] enters the battlefield with" abilities of the chosen token will also work.
No other card is named in this ruling.