Havoc SowerHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Havoc Sower has two primary characteristics: Devoid and a repeatable activated ability. Devoid is a characteristic-defining ability that makes this card colorless in all zones, regardless of the black mana in its casting cost. Its activated ability allows you to pay one generic mana and one colorless mana to give it +2/+1 until the end of the turn.

How It Resolves Step by Step

First, you must have access to colorless mana, which is distinct from generic mana. When you activate the ability, you pay the cost and the ability goes on the stack. Once it resolves, Havoc Sower receives the power and toughness boost. Because there is no 'once per turn' restriction, you can activate this multiple times in a row, provided you have the mana to pay for it.

Common Mistakes

The most frequent error involves the mana cost of the activated ability. Players often confuse generic mana (the '1' in the circle) with colorless mana (the diamond symbol). You cannot use colored mana to pay for the diamond symbol; you must use a source that specifically produces colorless mana. Additionally, remember that while Devoid makes the card colorless, it still requires black mana to cast from your hand.

When to Play It

Havoc Sower excels in the mid-to-late game when you have established a mana base capable of producing colorless energy. It serves as a mana sink, turning every extra pair of mana into two additional points of damage. It is particularly effective when your opponent is tapped out, allowing you to pump it for a lethal swing.

Interaction examples

Securing the Wastes

Solemn Simulacrum

If you control Havoc Sower and cast Solemn Simulacrum, you can use the Simulacrum to search for a Wastes (if your deck includes them). This ensures you have a reliable source of colorless mana to activate Havoc Sower's +2/+1 ability in subsequent turns.

Drone Synergy

Roaming Throne

If you name 'Eldrazi' or 'Drone' with Roaming Throne, note that Havoc Sower's +2/+1 ability is an activated ability, not a triggered ability. Therefore, Roaming Throne will not cause the pump effect to happen an additional time. However, Roaming Throne provides a sturdy body to protect your board while Havoc Sower pressures the opponent.

The Power of Devoid

Because Havoc Sower has Devoid, it is a colorless creature. If an opponent casts a spell that targets only 'non-colorless creatures' or 'black creatures,' Havoc Sower is an invalid target because its Devoid ability functions in all zones, including the battlefield.