Lamentation — ruling 1

If one of the tokens can't attack for any reason (such as being tapped), then it doesn't attack. If there's a cost associated with having it attack, you aren't forced to pay that cost, so it doesn't have to attack in that case either.

Lamentation — ruling 2

The tokens copy only what's on the original card. Effects that modified that creature when it was previously on the battlefield won't be copied.

Lamentation — ruling 3

If one of the tokens somehow is under another player's control as the delayed triggered ability resolves, you can't sacrifice that token. It remains on the battlefield indefinitely, even if you regain control of it later.

Lamentation — ruling 4

Opponents who have left the game aren't counted when determining how many tokens to create.

Lamentation — ruling 5

Encore is an activated ability that functions from the graveyard. "Encore [cost]" means "[Cost], Exile this card from your graveyard: For each opponent, create a token that's a copy of this card that attacks that opponent this turn if able. The tokens gain haste. Sacrifice them at the beginning of the next end step. Activate only as a sorcery."

Lamentation — ruling 6

Each token must attack the appropriate player if able.

Lamentation — ruling 7

If the target creature is an illegal target as Lamentation's first ability tries to resolve, it won't resolve and none of its effects will happen. You won't gain life.

Lamentation — ruling 8

If an effect stops a token from attacking a specific player, that token can attack any player, planeswalker, or battle, or not attack at all. If the effect stops the token from attacking a specific player unless a cost is paid, you don't have to pay that cost unless you want to attack that player.

Lamentation : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Lamentation 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 this creature enters, destroy target creature an opponent controls. You gain 3 life. Encore (, Exile this card from your graveyard: For each opponent, create a token copy that attacks that opponent this turn if able. They gain haste. Sacrifice them at the beginning of the next end step. Activate only as a sorcery.)

How it works : Lamentation

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1November 17, 2025· Wizards of the Coast
If one of the tokens can't attack for any reason (such as being tapped), then it doesn't attack. If there's a cost associated with having it attack, you aren't forced to pay that cost, so it doesn't have to attack in that case either.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2November 17, 2025· Wizards of the Coast
The tokens copy only what's on the original card. Effects that modified that creature when it was previously on the battlefield won't be copied.
Card named in this ruling
Copy
#3November 17, 2025· Wizards of the Coast
If one of the tokens somehow is under another player's control as the delayed triggered ability resolves, you can't sacrifice that token. It remains on the battlefield indefinitely, even if you regain control of it later.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#4November 17, 2025· Wizards of the Coast
Opponents who have left the game aren't counted when determining how many tokens to create.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#5November 17, 2025· Wizards of the Coast
Encore is an activated ability that functions from the graveyard. "Encore [cost]" means "[Cost], Exile this card from your graveyard: For each opponent, create a token that's a copy of this card that attacks that opponent this turn if able. The tokens gain haste. Sacrifice them at the beginning of the next end step. Activate only as a sorcery."
Card named in this ruling
Copy
#6November 17, 2025· Wizards of the Coast
Each token must attack the appropriate player if able.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#7November 17, 2025· Wizards of the Coast
If the target creature is an illegal target as Lamentation's first ability tries to resolve, it won't resolve and none of its effects will happen. You won't gain life.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#8November 17, 2025· Wizards of the Coast
If an effect stops a token from attacking a specific player, that token can attack any player, planeswalker, or battle, or not attack at all. If the effect stops the token from attacking a specific player unless a cost is paid, you don't have to pay that cost unless you want to attack that player.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#9November 17, 2025· Wizards of the Coast
Exiling the card with encore is a cost to activate the encore ability. Once you announce that you're activating it, no player may take actions until you've finished. They can't try to remove the card from your graveyard to stop you from paying the cost.
No other card is named in this ruling.