DetonateHow it works & interactions with other cards

Precision Destruction

When you cast Detonate, you must choose a value for X and a target artifact with a mana value exactly equal to X. Unlike some destruction spells that target anything, Detonate requires precise alignment between the mana spent on the variable X and the cost of the artifact you intend to destroy. Additionally, the targeted artifact cannot be saved by regeneration effects, ensuring the permanent stays in the graveyard.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you declare the value of X and choose a legal target. When the spell resolves, it checks if the target is still legal. If it is, the artifact is destroyed and its controller is dealt X damage. If the artifact has already left the battlefield or gained protection from red before Detonate resolves, the entire spell fails to resolve, and no damage is dealt to the player.

Common Pitfalls

The most common mistake with Detonate is miscalculating the mana value of the target. Remember that for tokens, the mana value is usually 0 unless they are a copy of another permanent. Also, be aware that if your opponent sacrifices the artifact in response to your spell, you will not deal any damage to them because the spell loses its target.

Strategic Timing

Because Detonate is a sorcery, you should plan to use it during your main phase to clear away blockers or problematic utility artifacts. It is particularly effective against high-cost artifacts where the damage dealt to the opponent can significantly swing the momentum of the game in your favor.

Interaction examples

Melting a Mox

If you target a non-creature artifact token with a mana value of 0, you cast Detonate where X is 0. The artifact is destroyed, but the opponent takes 0 damage. You only pay one red mana for this exchange.

Interrupted Plans

Vandalblast

If you cast Detonate for X=5 to destroy a Gilded Lotus, and your opponent uses another effect to exile that Lotus in response, Detonate is removed from the stack. Unlike Vandalblast, which might hit other targets if overloaded, Detonate relies entirely on its single target to resolve its damage component.

Post-Looting Removal

Faithless Looting

After using Faithless Looting to dig through your library for answers, you find Detonate. If your opponent controls an artifact with mana value 3, you must pay three generic mana and one red mana (total 4) to destroy it and deal 3 damage to that player.

Choosing the Right Boom

Megaton's Fate

While Megaton's Fate offers a broad board wipe or artifact destruction with a bonus, Detonate allows for a more surgical strike. If an opponent has a single high-value artifact, Detonate ensures that player takes damage proportional to that artifact's cost, whereas Megaton's Fate would prioritize different outcomes.