Hercules, Olympian Hero 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
Whenever Hercules attacks, put a +1/+1 counter on him. He gains indestructible until end of turn. Whenever Hercules is dealt damage for the first time each turn, put that many +1/+1 counters on him. (He must survive the damage to get the counters.)
Complete guide
Hercules, Olympian Hero is a powerhouse that embodies the resilience and strength of a mythic warrior. This legendary Demigod grows stronger every time he charges into battle or endures the trials of combat. Understanding his triggered abilities is key to maximizing his potential on the battlefield.
Divine Resilience and Growth
Hercules has two distinct triggered abilities. The first triggers whenever he is declared as an attacker, granting him a +1/+1 counter and indestructible for the turn. The second is a reactive ability that triggers the first time he is dealt damage each turn, scaling his power based on the amount of damage received.
Resolving the Damage Trigger
When Hercules is dealt damage for the first time in a turn, his ability checks how much damage was dealt. He must survive the encounter to receive the counters; if the damage is lethal (greater than or equal to his toughness) and he does not have indestructible, he will be destroyed before the ability can place counters on him. If he survives, you place a number of +1/+1 counters on him equal to the damage dealt.
Timing and Strategy
Because Hercules gains indestructible upon attacking, the best time to subject him to high-damage blockers is during your own combat phase. If he is dealt damage while indestructible, he is guaranteed to survive the blow and receive the corresponding +1/+1 counters, making him an unstoppable force.
Interaction examples
Solemn SimulacrumYou declare Hercules, Olympian Hero as an attacker. His first ability triggers, giving him a +1/+1 counter and indestructible. Your opponent blocks with Solemn Simulacrum. During the combat damage step, Solemn Simulacrum deals 2 damage to Hercules. Since this is the first time Hercules has taken damage this turn, his second ability triggers. Because he is indestructible, he survives the 2 damage and receives two additional +1/+1 counters.
Roaming ThroneWith Roaming Throne on the battlefield naming 'Demigod', you attack with Hercules, Olympian Hero. His attack ability triggers twice, giving him two +1/+1 counters and indestructible. Later, if an effect deals 3 damage to Hercules, his second ability triggers twice. You will put 3 counters on him, followed by another 3 counters, for a total of 6 counters from a single source of damage.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Hercules, Olympian Hero
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
No additional ruling has been published for this card.
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