Hackrobat — ruling 1

Damage dealt to a player causes that player to lose that much life.

Hackrobat — ruling 2

Spectacle cares only that an opponent lost life during the turn, not that the opponent's life total is currently lower than it was. For example, if an opponent loses 1 life and then gains 2 life in the same turn, you can cast a spell for its spectacle cost that turn.

Hackrobat — ruling 3

Spectacle doesn't change when you can cast the spell. For example, you can't cast a sorcery with spectacle during an opponent's turn unless another effect allows you to do so, even if that player has lost life this turn.

Hackrobat — ruling 4

To determine the total cost of a spell, start with the mana cost or alternative cost you're paying (such as a spectacle cost), add any cost increases, then apply any cost reductions. The mana value of the spell remains unchanged, no matter what the total cost to cast it was.

Hackrobat — ruling 5

A card's spectacle cost is the same no matter how much life your opponents lost or how many opponents lost life.

Hackrobat — ruling 6

In a multiplayer game, if an opponent loses life and later that turn leaves the game, you can cast a spell for its spectacle cost. (If a player leaves the game during their turn, that turn continues without an active player.)

Hackrobat : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Hackrobat 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

Spectacle (You may cast this spell for its spectacle cost rather than its mana cost if an opponent lost life this turn.) : This creature gains deathtouch until end of turn. : This creature gets +2/-2 until end of turn.

How it works : Hackrobat

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1January 12, 2024· Wizards of the Coast
Damage dealt to a player causes that player to lose that much life.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2January 12, 2024· Wizards of the Coast
Spectacle cares only that an opponent lost life during the turn, not that the opponent's life total is currently lower than it was. For example, if an opponent loses 1 life and then gains 2 life in the same turn, you can cast a spell for its spectacle cost that turn.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#3January 12, 2024· Wizards of the Coast
Spectacle doesn't change when you can cast the spell. For example, you can't cast a sorcery with spectacle during an opponent's turn unless another effect allows you to do so, even if that player has lost life this turn.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#4January 12, 2024· Wizards of the Coast
To determine the total cost of a spell, start with the mana cost or alternative cost you're paying (such as a spectacle cost), add any cost increases, then apply any cost reductions. The mana value of the spell remains unchanged, no matter what the total cost to cast it was.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#5January 12, 2024· Wizards of the Coast
A card's spectacle cost is the same no matter how much life your opponents lost or how many opponents lost life.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#6January 12, 2024· Wizards of the Coast
In a multiplayer game, if an opponent loses life and later that turn leaves the game, you can cast a spell for its spectacle cost. (If a player leaves the game during their turn, that turn continues without an active player.)
No other card is named in this ruling.