Deepway NavigatorHow it works & interactions with other cards

Tactical Deployment and The Untap Trigger

Deepway Navigator features Flash, allowing you to cast it during any player's turn whenever you have priority. When it enters the battlefield, its triggered ability immediately untaps all other Merfolk creatures you control. This can be used to reset blockers after you have attacked, or to reuse activated abilities of other Merfolk that require tapping.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, cast Deepway Navigator by paying its mana cost. Once it resolves and enters the battlefield, the 'untap' ability is put onto the stack. Players can respond to this trigger. If the trigger resolves, all other Merfolk you control become untapped. Finally, the static +1/+0 bonus checks if you have attacked with three or more Merfolk during the current turn; if that condition is met, the bonus applies immediately and persists as long as the condition remains true for that turn.

Attack Threshold Mechanics

A common mistake is thinking the Navigator must be on the battlefield when the attack occurs to count toward the bonus. The ability checks the game state for the entire turn. If you attacked with three Merfolk earlier in the combat phase and then cast Deepway Navigator during the second main phase, your Merfolk will still receive the +1/+0 bonus because the condition of having 'attacked with three or more Merfolk' was met.

When to Play Deepway Navigator

Deepway Navigator is best played during your opponent's end step to prepare for your next turn, or during the combat phase to surprise an opponent with new blockers. It is also highly effective when you have other Merfolk with powerful tap abilities, allowing you to double their utility in a single turn cycle.

Interaction examples

Ramping with Paradise

Ornithopter of Paradise

While Ornithopter of Paradise is not a Merfolk and won't be untapped by the Navigator's ability, you can use the mana produced by the Ornithopter to help pay for the Navigator's Flash cost during an opponent's turn, ensuring you have the mana available for a surprise play.

Scaling Power

Esper Sentinel

If Deepway Navigator is also an artifact or if your Merfolk synergy increases its own power, the Navigator's static +1/+0 bonus only applies to Merfolk. If you somehow turn Esper Sentinel into a Merfolk, the Navigator's power boost would increase the tax required by the Sentinel's ability, making it harder for opponents to cast their first noncreature spell.

Solo Efficiency

On its own, Deepway Navigator acts as a 2/2 blocker with Flash. If you have already attacked with three other Merfolk this turn, it enters as a 3/2 creature, providing a significant combat advantage or trade against an attacking threat.