Hostile InvestigatorHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Hostile Investigator has two distinct triggered abilities. The first is an 'enters-the-battlefield' trigger that forces a target opponent to discard a card. The second is a triggered ability that creates a Clue token whenever any player discards one or more cards. Note that this second ability is limited to triggering once per turn, regardless of how many players discard or how many cards are discarded at once.

How It Resolves Step by Step

When Hostile Investigator enters the battlefield, its first ability targets an opponent and goes on the stack. Once that ability resolves, the opponent chooses and discards a card. This event immediately triggers the second ability because a player discarded a card. The second ability then goes on the stack and, upon resolution, you create a Clue token. If you find a way to make a player discard on your opponent's turn, the second ability can trigger again since it is a new turn.

Common Mistakes

A frequent mistake is expecting multiple Clues when an opponent discards multiple cards at once (for example, via a spell that says 'discard two cards'). The ability specifically checks if 'one or more' cards were discarded, so you only get one Clue. Additionally, the 'once each turn' restriction applies to the permanent itself; if the Investigator leaves the battlefield and returns, it is considered a new object and its ability can trigger again that same turn.

When to Play It

This creature is best played when your opponent has a small hand, forcing them to lose their last remaining options while you gain a Clue to refuel. Because it is a Detective, it also synergizes with tribal effects or cards that care about investigating. It is a solid follow-up to other discard spells, as it provides a body that continues to generate value from your existing strategy.

Interaction examples

Self-Contained Value

Hostile InvestigatorClue

You cast Hostile Investigator. When it enters, its first ability triggers, targeting your opponent. They discard a card, which immediately satisfies the condition for the second ability. You investigate and create a Clue token. You have now spent one card to remove one of theirs and gained a token that can draw you a card later.

Doubling the Investigation

Hostile InvestigatorRoaming Throne

With Roaming Throne on the battlefield naming 'Ogre' or 'Detective', you cast Hostile Investigator. The enters-the-battlefield ability triggers twice, forcing your opponent to discard two cards (separately or together). The Investigator's second ability triggers to create a Clue. Even though Roaming Throne tries to make the Clue ability trigger an additional time, the 'only once each turn' clause on Hostile Investigator takes precedence, resulting in only one Clue token.

Comparing ETB Effects

Hostile InvestigatorSolemn Simulacrum

If you have both creatures in hand, Hostile Investigator provides more aggressive pressure. While Solemn Simulacrum fetches a land and draws a card upon death, Hostile Investigator provides an immediate two-card swing (opponent -1, you +1 Clue) that can be repeated on subsequent turns if you have other ways to force discards.