Darksteel Juggernaut 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
Indestructible Darksteel Juggernaut's power and toughness are each equal to the number of artifacts you control. This creature attacks each combat if able.
Complete guide
Darksteel Juggernaut is a relentless artifact powerhouse that grows stronger with every piece of machinery you add to your battlefield. Because it is indestructible and forced to attack, it represents an inevitable clock for your opponents. This card is a staple for artifact-heavy decks looking for a resilient finisher that scales throughout the game.
Unstoppable Scaling
The core of Darksteel Juggernaut is its characteristic-defining ability, which constantly updates its power and toughness based on the number of artifacts you control. Since the Juggernaut itself is an artifact, it will usually be at least a 1/1 creature. This ability functions in all zones, meaning if you have five artifacts on the battlefield, the Juggernaut is a 5/5 even while it is in your graveyard or library.
Combat Requirements and Restrictions
The Juggernaut must attack each combat if able. However, this requirement is checked only during the declare attackers step. If the creature is tapped, affected by summoning sickness, or restricted by a spell like a 'Propaganda' effect where a cost must be paid, it does not have to attack. You are never forced to pay a mana cost just to satisfy its requirement to attack.
Indestructibility and Vulnerabilities
While 'destroy' effects and lethal combat damage won't send Darksteel Juggernaut to the graveyard, it isn't completely invincible. It can still be exiled, returned to your hand, or sacrificed. Most importantly, if its toughness is reduced to 0 or less by effects that give -X/-X, it will be put into the graveyard as a state-based action despite having indestructible.
Interaction examples
Solemn SimulacrumIf you control Darksteel Juggernaut and cast Solemn Simulacrum, the Juggernaut's power and toughness immediately increase. With both on the battlefield, the Juggernaut becomes at least a 2/2. If the Simulacrum is later destroyed, the Juggernaut's stats will instantly revert to 1/1.
Roaming ThroneIf you name 'Juggernaut' with Roaming Throne, the Throne becomes a Juggernaut in addition to its other types. Since both cards are artifacts, Darksteel Juggernaut gains +2/+2 from their combined presence. While Roaming Throne doubles triggered abilities, Darksteel Juggernaut has only static abilities and a requirement, so its combat behavior remains the same.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Darksteel Juggernaut
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
- #1· Wizards of the Coast
Since Darksteel Juggernaut is itself an artifact, its power and toughness will always be at least 1 while it's on the battlefield (unless a spell or ability somehow changes its card type).
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #2· Wizards of the Coast
Lethal damage and effects that say "destroy" won't cause Darksteel Juggernaut to be put into the graveyard. However, it can be put into the graveyard for a number of other reasons. The most likely reasons are if its toughness is 0 or less or it's sacrificed.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #3· Wizards of the Coast
If, during your declare attackers step, Darksteel Juggernaut is tapped, is affected by a spell or ability that says it can't attack, or is affected by "summoning sickness," then it doesn't attack. If there's a cost associated with having Darksteel Juggernaut attack, you aren't forced to pay that cost, so it doesn't have to attack in that case either.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #4· Wizards of the Coast
The first ability works in all zones.
No other card is named in this ruling.
Legal formats
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Meta decks with Darksteel Juggernaut
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