Howl from BeyondHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Howl from Beyond is a combat trick that targets a single creature and increases its power by X, where X is the amount of mana you chose to spend on the variable part of the spell's cost. Because it only increases power and not toughness, it is strictly an offensive tool designed to push through massive damage.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you cast the spell and choose a value for X, paying the total mana cost of {X}{B}. Second, you choose a target creature currently on the battlefield. When the spell resolves, the chosen creature gains +X/+0 until the cleanup step of the current turn. If the target becomes illegal before resolution, the entire spell fails and no mana is refunded.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is forgetting that this spell does not provide a toughness boost. If you use Howl from Beyond to help a creature win a fight, it remains just as vulnerable to damage as it was before. Additionally, remember that as an instant, you can cast this after blockers are declared to ensure your opponent cannot easily react to the new power level.

When to Play It

This card is best used during the Declare Blockers step when a creature has gone unblocked. It acts as a 'mana sink,' allowing you to utilize every available resource to lower your opponent's life total to zero in a single swing.

Interaction examples

Explosive Mana Boost

Dark Ritual

You can cast Dark Ritual to add {B}{B}{B} to your mana pool. You then spend all three black mana to cast Howl from Beyond. Since {B} is the required cost and {B}{B} remains for the X value, your target creature gets +2/+0.

Setting Up the Finish

Vampiric Tutor

If you have a creature ready to attack but lack the power to finish the game, use Vampiric Tutor at the end of your opponent's turn to place Howl from Beyond on top of your library. On your turn, draw it and use your available mana to pump your attacker for the win.