Giant Adephage — ruling 1

As the token is created, it checks the printed values of the Giant Adephage it's copying—or, if the Giant Adephage whose ability triggered was itself a token, the original characteristics of that token as stated by the effect that put it onto the battlefield—as well as any copy effects that have been applied to it. It won't copy counters on the Giant Adephage, nor will it copy other effects that have changed Giant Adephage's power, toughness, types, color, or so on. Normally, this means the token will simply be a Giant Adephage. But if any copy effects have affected that Giant Adephage, they're taken into account.

Giant Adephage : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Giant Adephage is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.

Official card text

Trample Whenever this creature deals combat damage to a player, create a token that's a copy of this creature.

Complete guide

Giant Adephage is a powerhouse Insect that proves one giant bug is never enough. With the ability to clone itself every time it strikes a player, it can quickly overwhelm the board if left unchecked.

Exponential Growth

Giant Adephage features Trample and a triggered ability that triggers whenever it deals combat damage to a player. When this happens, you create a token that is a copy of Giant Adephage. Because the token is an exact copy, it also has the same triggered ability, allowing your army to grow exponentially each turn.

Resolving the Trigger

When Giant Adephage deals combat damage to a player, its ability is put onto the stack. When the ability resolves, it checks the current characteristics of the Giant Adephage that dealt the damage. It creates a token with the same name, mana cost, types, and abilities. Note that the token does not copy temporary power buffs or +1/+1 counters; it enters as a fresh 7/7 creature.

Strategic Timing

Since the ability relies on dealing combat damage to a player, using Giant Adephage's Trample is key. You only need to deal 1 point of damage to the player to trigger the effect. It is most effective when your opponent lacks enough blockers to stop its massive 7/7 frame.

Interaction examples

Stampede of Insects

Craterhoof Behemoth

If you cast Craterhoof Behemoth while you have a Giant Adephage on the field, the Adephage will receive a massive power boost and Haste. When the Adephage deals combat damage to the player, you create a token copy. Note that the new token will be a standard 7/7 Giant Adephage and will not inherit the +X/+X bonus from Craterhoof Behemoth, as that was a temporary effect.

Token Synergy

Avenger of Zendikar

If you control Avenger of Zendikar and its Plant tokens, they can act as a distraction while Giant Adephage attacks. When Giant Adephage creates a token copy of itself, that token is a new permanent entering the battlefield. While this doesn't trigger Landfall, having multiple Giant Adephages alongside a boosted Plant army makes it almost impossible for opponents to block effectively.

Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.

How it works : Giant Adephage

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1January 24, 2013· Wizards of the Coast
As the token is created, it checks the printed values of the Giant Adephage it's copying—or, if the Giant Adephage whose ability triggered was itself a token, the original characteristics of that token as stated by the effect that put it onto the battlefield—as well as any copy effects that have been applied to it. It won't copy counters on the Giant Adephage, nor will it copy other effects that have changed Giant Adephage's power, toughness, types, color, or so on. Normally, this means the token will simply be a Giant Adephage. But if any copy effects have affected that Giant Adephage, they're taken into account.
Card named in this ruling
Copy