If you don't pay the overload cost of a spell with overload, that spell will have a single target. If you pay the overload cost, the spell won't have any targets.

Because a spell with overload doesn't target when its overload cost is paid, it may affect permanents with hexproof or with protection from the appropriate color.

To determine the total cost of a spell, start with the mana cost or alternative cost you're paying (such as an overload cost), add any cost increases, then apply any cost reductions. The mana value of the spell remains unchanged, no matter what the total cost to cast it was.

If you are instructed to cast a spell with overload "without paying its mana cost," you can't choose to pay its overload cost instead.

Damn : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Damn 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

Destroy target creature. A creature destroyed this way can't be regenerated. Overload (You may cast this spell for its overload cost. If you do, change "target" in its text to "each.")

How it works : Damn

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1January 12, 2024· Wizards of the Coast
If you don't pay the overload cost of a spell with overload, that spell will have a single target. If you pay the overload cost, the spell won't have any targets.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2January 12, 2024· Wizards of the Coast
Because a spell with overload doesn't target when its overload cost is paid, it may affect permanents with hexproof or with protection from the appropriate color.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#3January 12, 2024· Wizards of the Coast
To determine the total cost of a spell, start with the mana cost or alternative cost you're paying (such as an overload cost), add any cost increases, then apply any cost reductions. The mana value of the spell remains unchanged, no matter what the total cost to cast it was.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#4January 12, 2024· Wizards of the Coast
If you are instructed to cast a spell with overload "without paying its mana cost," you can't choose to pay its overload cost instead.
No other card is named in this ruling.

Popular combos

Real combos played by the community, sorted by popularity.

#1
Biorhythm + Damn
Draw the gameEach opponent loses the game
1Cast Damn for its overload cost, destroying all creatures.
2Cast Biorhythm by paying its mana cost, causing each player's life total to become equal to the number of creatures they control.
3Each player that controls no creatures loses the game due to having 0 life.

Interactions with other cards

These cards' text mentions Damn.

Bonfire of the Damned

Bonfire of the Damned deals X damage to target player or planeswalker and each creature that player or that planeswalker's controller controls. Miracle {X}{R} (You may cast this card for its miracle cost when you draw it if it's the first card you drew this turn.)