Energy ArcHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Energy Arc allows you to select any number of target creatures on the battlefield. When the spell resolves, it performs two distinct actions: it untaps those chosen creatures and sets up a continuous effect that prevents all combat damage they would deal or receive for the remainder of the turn.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you cast Energy Arc and choose your targets; note that you can target zero creatures if you simply wish to cast a spell. Second, upon resolution, all legal targets are untapped simultaneously. Finally, the damage prevention shield is applied to those specific creatures, lasting until the end of the turn even if the creatures' statuses change later.

Common Mistakes

A frequent misconception is that Energy Arc can only target tapped creatures. In reality, you can target an untapped creature to apply the damage prevention effect. Additionally, because the damage prevention only applies to combat damage, these creatures can still be destroyed by spells or take damage from non-combat abilities.

When to Play It

The best time to cast Energy Arc is during the declare attackers or declare blockers steps. It can be used defensively to untap your own creatures so they can block, or offensively to 'fog' your opponent's largest threats, ensuring your own life total remains safe while your creatures survive the exchange.

Interaction examples

Defensive Maneuvers

If your opponent attacks with a horde of creatures, you can cast Energy Arc targeting their entire army. This untaps them and prevents them from dealing any combat damage to you, effectively neutralizing their combat phase.

Protecting Key Targets

Swords to Plowshares

If you block a massive creature and your opponent attempts to use Swords to Plowshares to remove your blocker before damage, you can respond with Energy Arc. While Energy Arc won't stop the exile, if you use it on the attacker instead, you ensure that even if your blocker is removed, no damage reaches you.

Surviving the Exile

Path to Exile

Imagine you block a creature and your opponent casts Path to Exile on your blocker. You can cast Energy Arc on the attacking creature to prevent it from dealing damage to you now that your blocker is gone, allowing you to get your basic land from Path to Exile without taking a hit.