Gossamer PhantasmHow it works & interactions with other cards

The Fragility of Illusions

Gossamer Phantasm features a specific triggered ability common to many Illusions. Whenever it becomes the target of a spell or ability—whether that effect is beneficial or harmful—you must sacrifice it immediately. This happens as soon as the spell or ability is put onto the stack and targets the Phantasm.

Step-by-Step Resolution

When a player casts a spell or activates an ability targeting Gossamer Phantasm, the Phantasm's ability triggers and goes on the stack on top of that spell or ability. The sacrifice trigger resolves first, causing you to put Gossamer Phantasm into the graveyard. Then, the original spell or ability tries to resolve. If the Phantasm was the only target, that spell will fail to resolve because all its targets are now illegal.

Common Mistakes

Players often forget that the sacrifice trigger is mandatory and triggers even if the spell targeting it is countered or if the ability is beneficial. For example, trying to equip it with an Equipment or targeting it with a combat trick like Giant Growth will still cause the sacrifice trigger to occur. You cannot 'save' the Phantasm once it has been targeted by responding with another spell.

When to Play It

Despite its drawback, Gossamer Phantasm is an aggressive two-mana flier. It is best used in tempo decks where you can pressure the opponent's life total quickly. Since it dies to any targeting effect, it is most effective when your opponent is low on resources or forced to use their removal spells on more expensive threats.

Interaction examples

Attacking in the Air

Ornithopter of Paradise

You control both Gossamer Phantasm and Ornithopter of Paradise. Both creatures have flying, allowing them to bypass ground blockers. If your opponent has no creatures with flying or reach, you can safely attack for 2 damage with the Phantasm while using the Ornithopter of Paradise to produce mana for other spells.

Casting Costs and Vulnerability

Foundry Inspector

If you have Foundry Inspector on the battlefield, your artifact creatures cost less, but Gossamer Phantasm is a blue creature, not an artifact, so its cost remains two mana. If you attempt to use an ability to move an equipment onto Gossamer Phantasm, the sacrifice ability triggers. Even if the Foundry Inspector is present, it cannot stop the Phantasm from being sacrificed once it is targeted.