Detection TowerHow it works & interactions with other cards

Unmasking the Hidden

The primary function of Detection Tower is its second ability, which costs one generic mana and requires tapping the land. Once activated, it creates a continuous effect for the duration of the turn. This effect allows you and your spells to target opponents and their creatures as if they did not have hexproof. Notably, this also applies to 'hexproof from [quality]' abilities, meaning even specialized protection won't stop your spells.

Resolution Step-by-Step

First, you pay one mana and tap Detection Tower to put the ability on the stack. Once it resolves, the effect begins immediately and lasts until the end of the current turn. This ability does not remove hexproof; instead, it allows you to ignore it when choosing targets. Because the ability doesn't change the characteristics of permanents, it dynamically applies to any creature an opponent controls, even those that enter the battlefield after the ability has resolved.

Common Misconceptions

A frequent mistake is assuming Detection Tower removes hexproof entirely. It does not; it only allows *you* to ignore it. Other players in a multiplayer game still cannot target those creatures if they have hexproof. Additionally, this land does not affect 'Shroud' or 'Protection'—those keywords function differently and will still prevent targeting even if Detection Tower's ability is active.

When to Play Detection Tower

Detection Tower is best utilized when you have targeted removal in hand but your opponent is relying on hexproof creatures to win. Since it provides colorless mana, it can be played early as a resource, then activated later in the game during your main phase or in response to an opponent's spell to enable your counter-play.

Interaction examples

Fueling Your Mana Base

Command TowerExotic Orchard

In a multiplayer game, you can tap Detection Tower for colorless mana to help pay for the activation costs of other utility lands. If you have Command Tower and Exotic Orchard, you can use Detection Tower's mana to save your colored sources for actual spells, ensuring you have the right colors available when you finally use Detection Tower's ability to target a hexproof threat.

Consistent Mana Access

Exotic Orchard

If you are holding a removal spell but need to tap out for mana, remember that Detection Tower can simply tap for one colorless mana. If your opponent controls a land that produces the color you need, you can use Exotic Orchard for that color and use Detection Tower as your generic mana source. This allows you to develop your board while keeping the threat of the 'unmasking' ability available for future turns.