Lurking CrocodileHow it works & interactions with other cards

Understanding Bloodthirst and Islandwalk

Lurking Crocodile features two distinct keyword abilities. Bloodthirst 1 is a replacement effect that checks if an opponent has been dealt damage by any source earlier in the turn. If they have, the Crocodile enters the battlefield with a +1/+1 counter. Islandwalk is a continuous evasion ability; as long as the player you are attacking controls at least one land with the Island subtype, Lurking Crocodile cannot be blocked by any creatures.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, ensure an opponent has taken damage if you want the bonus counter. When you cast Lurking Crocodile, the Bloodthirst check happens as it is entering the battlefield, not when it is on the stack. If the condition is met, it arrives as a 3/3 creature. During the declare blockers step of combat, the game checks if the defending player controls an Island. If they do, any attempt to block the Crocodile is illegal, and it proceeds to deal damage directly to the player or planeswalker.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is thinking Bloodthirst is a triggered ability that can be responded to. Because it says 'enters with,' the counter is already there the moment it hits the table; your opponent cannot cast a spell to kill it as a 2/2 before the counter is added. Additionally, remember that Islandwalk only cares about the land type. A non-basic land that has the subtype 'Island' (like a Tropical Island) will trigger the evasion just as effectively as a basic Island.

Interaction examples

Ensuring the Unblockable Strike

Solemn Simulacrum

If your opponent controls Solemn Simulacrum and an Island, they might feel safe behind their golem. However, because your Lurking Crocodile has Islandwalk, the defending player's control of an Island makes the Crocodile unblockable. The Solemn Simulacrum cannot be declared as a blocker, allowing the Crocodile to strike for damage and bypassing the Golem's 'on death' draw trigger.

Strategic Land Searching

Sakura-Tribe Elder

Imagine you control Lurking Crocodile and your opponent has no Islands. If you use an effect to give your opponent an Island, or if they use Sakura-Tribe Elder to search their library for a basic Island and put it onto the battlefield, the Crocodile immediately becomes unblockable against them. Islandwalk checks the board state constantly during the declare blockers step.