Dungeon Descent — ruling 1

To venture into the dungeon, a player moves their venture marker into the next room of the dungeon they are currently in. If they aren't currently in a dungeon, that player instead chooses a dungeon card from outside the game, puts it into the command zone, and moves their venture marker onto the first room.

Dungeon Descent — ruling 2

Moving into a dungeon room will cause its room ability to trigger.

Dungeon Descent — ruling 3

Once you resolve the last room ability of a dungeon, that dungeon is now completed and is removed from the game.

Dungeon Descent — ruling 4

A player may only have one dungeon in the command zone at a time.

Dungeon Descent — ruling 5

The player venturing into the dungeon chooses which dungeon they will venture into. They may choose a dungeon that they have already completed this game.

Dungeon Descent — ruling 6

Dungeon cards are not part of a player's deck or sideboard. In both constructed and limited formats, players can use any dungeon card when they venture into the dungeon.

Dungeon Descent — ruling 7

You can only move forward (well, downward) in a dungeon, never backwards or sideways.

Dungeon Descent — ruling 8

Dungeons are removed from the game as a state-based action.

Dungeon Descent : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Dungeon Descent 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

This land enters tapped. : Add . , , Tap an untapped legendary creature you control: Venture into the dungeon. Activate only as a sorcery. (Enter the first room or advance to the next room.)

Complete guide

Dungeon Descent is a unique utility land that allows you to explore subterranean depths right from your mana base. While it enters the battlefield tapped, it provides a repeatable way to trigger powerful dungeon effects by enlisting the help of your legendary allies.

What It Does

Dungeon Descent provides colorless mana, but its primary function is the Venture into the Dungeon keyword. By paying four mana and tapping both the land and an untapped legendary creature you control, you move through a dungeon card. This ability can only be used during your main phase when the stack is empty, as it is restricted to sorcery speed.

How It Resolves Step by Step

First, you pay the cost of four mana and tap both Dungeon Descent and a legendary creature. Once the ability resolves, if you are not currently in a dungeon, you choose one of the three standard dungeons (like Lost Mine of Phandelver) from outside the game and place your marker in the first room. If you are already in a dungeon, you move your marker to the next room following the arrows. Moving into a room causes that room's specific ability to trigger and go on the stack.

Common Mistakes

A common error is trying to activate the ability at instant speed to block or respond to an opponent; remember, this land specifically states it can only be activated as a sorcery. Additionally, you cannot skip rooms or move backward. You must follow the paths indicated on the dungeon card. Also, keep in mind that the legendary creature you tap must be untapped; you cannot tap a creature that has already attacked this turn unless it has vigilance.

When to Play It

Dungeon Descent is best utilized in slower, legendary-heavy decks where you have mana to spare in the late game. It is particularly effective when you have completed a dungeon and want to start a new one to trigger 'whenever you complete a dungeon' effects. Because it enters tapped, plan your early turns carefully so it doesn't slow down your curve.

Interaction examples

Starting the Journey

Dungeon Descent

Lost Mine of Phandelver

With an untapped legendary creature on board, you spend four mana and tap both the land and the creature during your main phase. You choose Lost Mine of Phandelver and move into the Cave Entrance. This triggers the Scry 1 ability immediately.

Deep Exploration

Dungeon Descent

Dungeon of the Mad Mage

If you are already in the 'Deep Mines' room of the Dungeon of the Mad Mage, activating Dungeon Descent allows you to move into the final room, 'Mad Wizard's Lair.' This triggers the ability to draw three cards and cast one for free. After this resolves, the dungeon is removed from the game as it is completed.

The Price of Power

Dungeon Descent

Tomb of Annihilation

You activate Dungeon Descent to move from the 'Trapped Entry' to the 'Oubliette' in the Tomb of Annihilation. Upon resolution, the Oubliette room ability triggers, requiring you to discard a card and sacrifice a creature, an artifact, and a land to proceed toward the final God Horror token.

Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.

How it works : Dungeon Descent

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1July 23, 2021· Wizards of the Coast
To venture into the dungeon, a player moves their venture marker into the next room of the dungeon they are currently in. If they aren't currently in a dungeon, that player instead chooses a dungeon card from outside the game, puts it into the command zone, and moves their venture marker onto the first room.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2July 23, 2021· Wizards of the Coast
Moving into a dungeon room will cause its room ability to trigger.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#3July 23, 2021· Wizards of the Coast
Once you resolve the last room ability of a dungeon, that dungeon is now completed and is removed from the game.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#4July 23, 2021· Wizards of the Coast
A player may only have one dungeon in the command zone at a time.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#5July 23, 2021· Wizards of the Coast
The player venturing into the dungeon chooses which dungeon they will venture into. They may choose a dungeon that they have already completed this game.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#6July 23, 2021· Wizards of the Coast
Dungeon cards are not part of a player's deck or sideboard. In both constructed and limited formats, players can use any dungeon card when they venture into the dungeon.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#7July 23, 2021· Wizards of the Coast
You can only move forward (well, downward) in a dungeon, never backwards or sideways.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#8July 23, 2021· Wizards of the Coast
Dungeons are removed from the game as a state-based action.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#9July 23, 2021· Wizards of the Coast
If you somehow venture into the dungeon while a room's ability is on the stack, you will continue on in the dungeon. If you're already in the last room, complete that dungeon and start a new one.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#10July 23, 2021· Wizards of the Coast
Choosing the dungeon or room to venture into is part of resolving the venture into the dungeon keyword action. Once that choice is made, players may not respond until after the appropriate room ability has triggered.
No other card is named in this ruling.