EncrustHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Dual Layer of Control

Encrust acts as a two-part lock. First, it prevents the enchanted permanent from untapping during its controller's untap step. Second, it shuts down all activated abilities of that permanent. An activated ability is easily identified by the presence of a colon, typically following the format of 'Cost: Effect.' If a card has an ability that requires a cost to be paid or the permanent to be tapped, Encrust will likely prevent it.

What It Doesn't Stop

It is vital to distinguish between activated abilities and other types of effects. Static abilities, which are always 'on,' and triggered abilities, which start with 'when,' 'whenever,' or 'at,' are not affected by Encrust. Additionally, while the permanent will not untap naturally, it can still be untapped by external spells or abilities that specifically target it. The lock only applies to the controller's natural untap phase.

Timing and Strategy

You should aim to play Encrust when your opponent is tapped out or has already used their creature or artifact for the turn. Since it doesn't tap the permanent upon entering the battlefield, the target must already be tapped for the 'skip untap' portion to be immediately effective. It is an excellent choice against utility artifacts or creatures with powerful activated abilities that don't rely on attacking.

Interaction examples

Static Tax vs. Activated Lock

Propaganda

If an opponent enchants your Propaganda with Encrust, its effect remains unchanged. Because Propaganda has a static ability ('Creatures can't attack you unless...'), it does not use a colon and is not an activated ability. You will still be protected from attacks regardless of the Encrust.

Triggered Abilities Through the Ice

Rhystic Study

If you cast Encrust on an opponent's Rhystic Study, the Study will still trigger whenever you cast a spell. Triggered abilities (starting with 'Whenever') are not activated abilities. The Encrust will prevent the Study from untapping if it somehow becomes tapped, and would stop any activated abilities if it had them, but the card-draw tax remains active.

Freezing a Creature

When you cast Encrust on an attacking creature that has just become tapped, that creature will not untap during its controller's next turn. Furthermore, if that creature had an ability like '{T}: Draw a card,' the player can no longer use it because Encrust explicitly forbids activated abilities from being played.