FerrovoreHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Hunger for Metal

Ferrovore features an activated ability that costs one red mana and the sacrifice of an artifact. Each time you activate this ability, Ferrovore gains a significant +3/+0 power boost until the end of the turn. Because there is no 'once per turn' restriction, you can activate this multiple times as long as you have the mana and artifacts to fuel it.

Resolution Step-by-Step

First, you announce the activation of Ferrovore's ability and pay the costs: one red mana and sacrificing one artifact you control. The ability then goes on the stack as an independent object. If your opponent has no response, the ability resolves and Ferrovore's power increases. If the opponent tries to destroy Ferrovore in response, you can still activate the ability again (if you have more resources) before the destruction spell resolves.

Common Pitfalls

Remember that the sacrifice is a cost, not an effect. This means your opponent cannot respond to the sacrifice itself to try and save your artifact; by the time they can react, the artifact is already in the graveyard. Additionally, note that Ferrovore only gains power, not toughness, so it remains a 2/2 and stays vulnerable to damage-based removal like Lightning Bolt.

Strategic Timing

The best time to use Ferrovore's ability is usually during the declare blockers step or in response to spells. If your opponent chooses not to block, you can sacrifice your artifacts to maximize unblocked damage. It is also an excellent way to get value out of artifact creatures that are about to die to an opponent's removal spell.

Interaction examples

Cycling for Value

Solemn Simulacrum

If you control Solemn Simulacrum and it is targeted by an opponent's spell, you can pay one red mana and sacrifice it to Ferrovore. Ferrovore will get +3/+0, and the 'dies' trigger of Solemn Simulacrum will go on the stack, allowing you to draw a card. You essentially trade a doomed creature for a power boost and a fresh card.

The Golem Choice

Roaming Throne

Note that Roaming Throne does not interact with Ferrovore's activated ability. Roaming Throne specifies it doubles 'triggered abilities' (which start with 'When', 'Whenever', or 'At'). Since Ferrovore uses an 'activated ability' (Cost: Effect), Roaming Throne will not cause the +3/+0 bonus to happen twice. However, you can still sacrifice Roaming Throne itself to Ferrovore to give it the power boost.