Concussive BoltHow it works & interactions with other cards

What it Does

At its base, Concussive Bolt deals 4 damage to a target player or planeswalker. However, its true power lies in its Metalcraft ability, which checks if you control three or more artifacts as the spell resolves. If the requirement is met, the targeted player (or the controller of the targeted planeswalker) is unable to block with any creatures for the remainder of the turn.

How it Resolves Step by Step

First, you choose a target player or planeswalker and pay the mana cost. Upon resolution, the game checks if the target is still legal; if the target has gained Hexproof or left the game, the spell fails to resolve entirely. If the target is legal, the spell deals 4 damage. Then, the game checks your artifact count. If you control three or more artifacts, the 'can't block' effect is applied to the targeted player's creatures. Note that this effect affects all creatures that player controls for the rest of the turn, even those that enter the battlefield after the spell has finished resolving.

Common Mistakes

A common error is assuming the Metalcraft check happens when the spell is cast. The game only checks your artifact count at the exact moment the spell resolves. If an opponent destroys your artifacts in response to the spell, you may lose the bonus. Additionally, if the spell is countered or its target becomes illegal, the 'can't block' effect will never trigger, even if you have dozens of artifacts.

When to Play it

Concussive Bolt is best utilized in the pre-combat main phase. Because the blocking restriction lasts for the entire turn, you want to resolve it before you declare attackers. This ensures that your entire army can swing in without fear of being blocked, potentially ending the game if the 4 damage from the spell wasn't enough on its own.

Interaction examples

Powering Up the Bolt

Mana Geyser

If you are short on mana to cast both your artifacts and your finishers, you can cast Mana Geyser first to generate a large amount of red mana. With this surplus, you can cast multiple artifact spells to reach the Metalcraft threshold and then cast Concussive Bolt to prevent your opponent from blocking your upcoming attack.

The Total Board Wipe

Chandra's Ignition

If your opponent has a massive board, you might cast Chandra's Ignition to clear out their smaller creatures first. If you still have three artifacts on board, you can then follow up with Concussive Bolt. The Bolt will deal damage to the opponent and ensure that any high-toughness survivors of the Ignition cannot block your remaining attackers.

Targeting a Planeswalker

If you target an opponent's planeswalker with Concussive Bolt while you control three artifacts, the damage is dealt to that planeswalker. Because the planeswalker's controller is the one affected by the Metalcraft ability, that player will be unable to block with any of their creatures for the rest of the turn, leaving their planeswalker (and their life total) vulnerable to your creatures.