ExpungeHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Expunge is a three-mana instant that destroys a target nonartifact, nonblack creature. Crucially, it prevents the creature from being regenerated, making it effective against cards with built-in protection. Additionally, it features the Cycling ability, allowing you to discard it for two mana to draw a new card if no valid targets are available.

How It Resolves

When you cast Expunge, you first choose a legal target that is neither an artifact nor black. Upon resolution, the game checks if the target is still legal. If it is, the creature is destroyed and a 'regeneration shield' cannot save it. If you choose to use the Cycling ability instead, this is an activated ability that goes on the stack; you pay the mana and discard the card as a cost, and when the ability resolves, you draw a card.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is trying to use Expunge on an artifact creature or a black creature; even if the creature is multi-colored (like a Black/Green creature), it is considered black and therefore an invalid target. Also, remember that Cycling is an activated ability, not a spell. While you can use Stifle to stop the draw, a spell-based counter like Dispel will not work against Cycling.

When to Play It

Expunge is best played in the mid-game to remove high-value threats that rely on regeneration. Because it has Cycling, it is never a 'dead' card in matchups against black-heavy decks or artifact-based strategies; you can simply cycle it away to find your other answers.

Interaction examples

Removing a Threat

You cast Expunge targeting a green creature. Since the creature is not black and not an artifact, Expunge destroys it, and the opponent cannot use a regeneration ability to keep it on the battlefield.

Cycling for Value

Deadly Dispute

If your opponent has no creatures, Expunge might seem useless. You can pay two mana to Cycle Expunge, discarding it to draw a card. If that card is Deadly Dispute, you have successfully cycled through a dead card to find a playable piece of your strategy.

Navigating Restrictions

Deadly Rollick

If your opponent plays a black creature, you cannot target it with Expunge. In this scenario, you would cycle Expunge to draw a card, hoping to find a different removal spell like Deadly Rollick, which can exile creatures regardless of their color.