Kogla, the Titan Ape — ruling 1

If the target creature is an illegal target when Kogla's first ability tries to resolve, the ability doesn't resolve. If it's a legal target but Kogla is no longer on the battlefield when the ability resolves, the target creature won't deal or be dealt damage.

Kogla, the Titan Ape — ruling 2

If the target Human is an illegal target by the time Kogla's last ability tries to resolve, the ability won't resolve. Kogla won't gain indestructible.

Kogla, the Titan Ape : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Kogla, the Titan Ape 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

When Kogla enters, it fights up to one target creature you don't control. Whenever Kogla attacks, destroy target artifact or enchantment defending player controls. : Return target Human you control to its owner's hand. Kogla gains indestructible until end of turn.

Complete guide

Kogla, the Titan Ape is a powerhouse legendary creature that dominates the battlefield from the moment it lands. Combining creature removal, artifact destruction, and self-preservation, it acts as a versatile engine for green decks. Understanding its triggered and activated abilities is key to maximizing its impact in every combat phase.

The Entrance and Attack Triggers

Kogla features two primary triggered abilities. When it enters the battlefield, you may choose up to one target creature you don't control to fight it. Later, whenever Kogla declares an attack, it triggers an ability to destroy target artifact or enchantment controlled by the defending player. Note that for the fight ability, if Kogla is no longer on the battlefield when it resolves, no damage is dealt at all.

Human Protection and Indestructibility

Kogla's activated ability allows you to pay {1}{G} to return a Human you control to your hand. If the Human is a legal target and successfully returns, Kogla gains indestructible until end of turn. This is a double-edged sword: it saves Kogla from removal while also letting you reuse 'enters-the-battlefield' effects of your Human creatures.

Step-by-Step Resolution

1. Kogla enters: The fight ability goes on the stack. You choose the target. 2. Resolution: If the target is legal, Kogla and the target deal damage to each other simultaneously. 3. Attack: As soon as Kogla is declared as an attacker, the artifact/enchantment destruction ability goes on the stack. 4. Protection: You can activate the indestructible ability any time you have priority. If the targeted Human is removed in response, the ability fizzles and Kogla does not gain indestructible.

Strategic Timing

Play Kogla when your opponent has a key creature with 6 or less toughness to ensure an immediate 2-for-1 trade. Save two mana during your opponent's turn or in response to a board wipe like Wrath of God to activate its protection ability. This keeps Kogla on the board while replenishing your hand with utility Humans.

Interaction examples

The Initial Fight

You cast Kogla, the Titan Ape while your opponent controls a 4/4 creature. When Kogla enters, the fight ability targets the 4/4. Upon resolution, Kogla deals 7 damage to the creature and takes 4 damage. The opponent's creature is destroyed, and Kogla remains on the battlefield as a 7/6.

Interacting with Non-Humans

Seedborn Muse

If an opponent tries to use a destruction spell on Kogla, you look at your board and see Seedborn Muse. Because Seedborn Muse is a Spirit and not a Human, you cannot target it with Kogla's activated ability to grant Kogla indestructible. You must have a creature with the 'Human' subtype to activate this protection.

Maximizing Impact

Avenger of Zendikar

During your turn, you attack with Kogla, the Titan Ape, targeting an opponent's pesky enchantment. After the enchantment is destroyed, you cast Avenger of Zendikar. While these two don't have direct tribal synergy, Kogla provides the muscle to protect the board state while Avenger of Zendikar wide-scale token generation forces the opponent to choose between blocking a Titan or a swarm of Plants.

Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.

How it works : Kogla, the Titan Ape

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1April 17, 2020· Wizards of the Coast
If the target creature is an illegal target when Kogla's first ability tries to resolve, the ability doesn't resolve. If it's a legal target but Kogla is no longer on the battlefield when the ability resolves, the target creature won't deal or be dealt damage.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2April 17, 2020· Wizards of the Coast
If the target Human is an illegal target by the time Kogla's last ability tries to resolve, the ability won't resolve. Kogla won't gain indestructible.
No other card is named in this ruling.