Finale of GloryHow it works & interactions with other cards

Understanding the X Value

When you cast Finale of Glory, you choose a value for X and pay that amount plus two white mana. The spell looks at this chosen value to determine the size of your army. If X is between 1 and 9, you will only receive Soldier tokens. However, reaching the 'threshold' of 10 or more triggers a massive bonus, providing an equal number of Angel tokens alongside your Soldiers.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you announce the spell and choose the value for X. Second, the spell resolves and checks the value of X to see if the bonus condition is met. Third, you create X 2/2 white Soldier tokens with vigilance. Fourth, if X was 10 or more, you create X 4/4 white Angel tokens with flying and vigilance. All tokens enter the battlefield simultaneously, which can trigger multiple enter-the-battlefield abilities at once.

Common Mistakes and Interactions

A common point of confusion is how X works when the spell is cast without paying its mana cost. If an effect allows you to cast this spell for free, X must be 0, meaning you create no tokens. Additionally, keep in mind that the Angel tokens are created in addition to the Soldiers, not instead of them. If X is 10, you end up with 20 total creatures: 10 Soldiers and 10 Angels.

When to Cast Finale of Glory

Early in the game, you can use this spell for X=2 or X=3 to stabilize your defense with vigilance blockers. However, the most effective time to cast it is during the late game when you have at least 12 mana available. Casting it for X=10 creates a staggering amount of power and toughness, often demanding an immediate board wipe from your opponent or resulting in a win on your next turn.

Interaction examples

Creating a Basic Defense

Soldier

You cast Finale of Glory with X=3, paying five mana total. As the spell resolves, you create three 2/2 white Soldier tokens with vigilance. Since X is less than 10, no Angels are created.

Achieving the Grand Finale

SoldierAngel

You have twelve mana available and cast Finale of Glory with X=10. Because the condition 'X is 10 or more' is met, you create ten 2/2 Soldier tokens and ten 4/4 Angel tokens, totaling 60 power across 20 creatures.

Interaction with Spell Search

Open the Armory

While Open the Armory allows you to search for Auras or Equipment, it cannot find Finale of Glory because it is a Sorcery. You must rely on card draw or general tutors to put this game-ending spell into your hand.

Mana Value in the Graveyard

Sevinne's Reclamation

While in the graveyard, Finale of Glory has a mana value of 2 (only the {W}{W} is counted). This means you can target it with Sevinne's Reclamation to return it to the battlefield. However, because it is a sorcery and not a permanent, it cannot be returned to the battlefield this way; it will remain in the graveyard.