Culling RitualHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Culling Ritual destroys every nonland permanent on the battlefield that has a mana value of 2 or less. This includes creatures, artifacts, enchantments, and even planeswalkers, provided their cost is low enough. Crucially, for every permanent destroyed this way, you add one black mana ({B}) or one green mana ({G}) to your mana pool.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, the game identifies all nonland permanents with mana value 2 or less. Note that tokens usually have a mana value of 0 unless they are a copy of a specific card. Second, all these permanents are destroyed simultaneously. Finally, you count the number of permanents that were actually destroyed and choose which color of mana ({B} or {G}) to add for each one. You can mix and match these colors as you wish; for example, if you destroy four permanents, you could add two black and two green mana.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is assuming you can only choose one color for the entire effect. The official rulings clarify that you choose the color for each individual permanent destroyed. Another common mistake involves mana value: remember that land cards are not affected even if they are also creatures (like an animated Forest), as the spell specifically targets 'nonland' permanents. Also, if a permanent has an 'indestructible' keyword, it won't be destroyed, and you won't receive mana for it.

When to Play It

Culling Ritual is best played when your opponent has built a wide board of small creatures or mana rocks. It is particularly effective against treasure tokens or 0-mana artifacts, as these will grant you mana to continue your turn. Use this mana to cast high-cost spells or multiple mid-range spells to seize total control of the match.

Interaction examples

Fueling Your Mana

Cultivate

Imagine your opponent has three 1/1 tokens and a mana rock. You cast Culling Ritual, destroying all four. You choose to add {G}{G}{G}{G} to your mana pool. You can then use three of that green mana to cast Cultivate, letting you ramp even further by putting a land onto the battlefield and another in your hand without spending any of your original lands for the turn.

Rebuilding the Board

Kodama's Reach

After casting Culling Ritual to clear a board of early-game blockers, you may find yourself with a surplus of mana. If you destroyed at least three permanents, you have enough mana to immediately cast Kodama's Reach. This allows you to thin your deck and ensure your future land drops, effectively turning your opponent's small threats into your own resource acceleration.