Heavy BallistaHow it works & interactions with other cards

Precise Combat Control

Heavy Ballista features a simple but effective activated ability: by tapping it, you can deal 2 damage to a creature that is currently in combat. This ability specifically targets creatures that have been declared as attackers or blockers during the current turn's combat phase.

How the Ability Resolves

To use the ability, wait for the Declare Attackers or Declare Blockers step. Once a creature is legally designated as attacking or blocking, activate the ability by tapping Heavy Ballista and selecting that creature as the target. On resolution, the Ballista deals 2 damage to that target. If the target is no longer on the battlefield or is no longer an attacking/blocking creature when the ability tries to resolve, the ability will fail to do anything.

Timing and Strategy

A common mistake is trying to target a creature before it is officially attacking. You must wait until the active player has finished declaring attackers. Similarly, you can use this ability during the End of Combat step, as creatures remain 'attacking' or 'blocking' until the phase completely ends, allowing you to finish off survivors after damage has been dealt.

Synergy and Typing

Because Heavy Ballista is a Human and a Soldier, it benefits from many tribal synergies. While its ability is activated rather than triggered, its presence on the board forces your opponent to reconsider attacking with small utility creatures or fragile tokens.

Interaction examples

Shooting the Sad Robot

Solemn Simulacrum

If your opponent attacks you with Solemn Simulacrum, it becomes an 'attacking creature.' You can activate Heavy Ballista to deal 2 damage to it. Since Solemn Simulacrum has 2 toughness, this damage is lethal. It will be destroyed, and your opponent will then get to use its triggered ability to draw a card.

The Throne's Protection

Roaming Throne

If you control Roaming Throne and chose 'Human' or 'Soldier' as it entered, you might expect Heavy Ballista to fire twice. However, Roaming Throne only duplicates 'triggered abilities' (those starting with When, Whenever, or At). Since Heavy Ballista uses an 'activated ability' (noted by the colon), Roaming Throne does not cause it to fire again.