Incandescent SoulstokeHow it works & interactions with other cards

Fiery Leadership

The first ability of Incandescent Soulstoke is a static effect that grants other Elemental creatures you control +1/+1. This benefit applies immediately as long as the Soulstoke is on the battlefield. The second ability allows you to pay one generic and one red mana, tap the Soulstoke, and place any Elemental creature card directly from your hand onto the battlefield. This creature gains haste, but its time on the field is fleeting as it must be sacrificed at the start of the next end step.

Step-by-Step Resolution

When you activate the ability, you choose the Elemental card in your hand only as the ability resolves. First, the creature enters the battlefield and gains haste until the end of the turn. Second, a delayed triggered ability is created: 'Sacrifice it at the beginning of the next end step.' If you activate this during your main phase, the sacrifice happens at the start of your own end step. If you activate it during an opponent's turn or during your own end step, the creature stays until the following player's end step.

Common Mistakes

Players often forget that the sacrifice is a triggered ability that uses the stack. You can respond to the sacrifice trigger by using other abilities or spells. Also, note that the +1/+1 bonus only applies to other Elementals; Incandescent Soulstoke does not buff itself. Finally, remember that the creature is sacrificed, not destroyed, so effects like indestructible will not save the creature from being put into the graveyard.

Optimal Timing

Because the sacrifice happens at the beginning of the 'next' end step, you can activate Incandescent Soulstoke during your opponent's end step to have the creature survive through your entire next turn. This is a great way to set up a powerful blocker or prepare for a massive attack while bypassing the immediate sacrifice downside.

Interaction examples

Artifact Synergy

Solemn Simulacrum

Note that Solemn Simulacrum is a Golem, not an Elemental. Therefore, Incandescent Soulstoke cannot put it onto the battlefield with its ability, nor does it provide a +1/+1 bonus to the Simulacrum. You must ensure your targets have the Elemental creature type to interact with the Soulstoke.

Doubling the Spark

Roaming Throne

If you choose 'Elemental' as Roaming Throne enters the battlefield, the Throne becomes an Elemental. It will receive +1/+1 from Incandescent Soulstoke. While the Throne doubles triggered abilities of other Elementals, the Soulstoke's second ability is an activated ability, not a triggered one, so Roaming Throne will not allow you to put two creatures onto the battlefield with a single tap.

Hasty Assault

By using the activation during your Precombat Main Phase, you can drop a high-power Elemental from your hand. Because it gains haste, it can attack immediately. Even if the Soulstoke is removed after the ability resolves, the creature will still be sacrificed at the beginning of the next end step.