Magebane Armor — ruling 1

Magebane Armor can equip a creature that doesn’t have flying. The “lose flying” effect just won’t do anything in that case.

Magebane Armor — ruling 2

Magebane Armor causes the equipped creature to lose flying at the time it became equipped. Any ability that grants that creature flying that starts to work later (such as a Jump that resolves later, or a Levitation that comes under your control later) will work normally.

Magebane Armor — ruling 3

Combat damage is the damage that’s dealt automatically by attacking and blocking creatures, even if it’s redirected (by Harm’s Way, perhaps). Noncombat damage is any other damage (generally, it’s damage dealt as the result of a spell or ability).

Magebane Armor : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Magebane Armor 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

Equipped creature gets +2/+4 and loses flying. Prevent all noncombat damage that would be dealt to equipped creature. Equip (: Attach to target creature you control. Equip only as a sorcery.)

Complete guide

Magebane Armor is a specialized piece of Equipment that transforms a creature into a grounded, resilient tank. While it provides a significant defensive boost, it requires you to sacrifice the tactical advantage of aerial movement in exchange for near-invulnerability to spells.

A Heavy Defense

Magebane Armor provides three distinct effects: a +2/+4 power and toughness boost, the removal of the flying keyword, and a protective shield against noncombat damage. Noncombat damage refers to any damage that isn't dealt by attacking or blocking creatures during the combat damage step, such as damage from spells or activated abilities.

Understanding the Grounding Effect

When you attach Magebane Armor to a creature, it immediately loses flying. This applies even if the creature didn't have flying to begin with. However, the timing of continuous effects matters; if an effect grants the creature flying after the Armor is already equipped, that new effect will take precedence and the creature will be able to fly again.

Resolving Damage Prevention

The prevention effect is a static ability that continuously monitors incoming damage. If a source attempts to deal noncombat damage to the equipped creature, that damage is reduced to zero. Note that this does not stop combat damage; your creature can still be destroyed by being blocked or by blocking other creatures.

When to Equip

Because Magebane Armor has a low equip cost of {2}, it is best used when you are facing decks reliant on 'burn' spells or triggered damage effects. It is most effective on creatures that already have high toughness, turning them into immovable blockers that are immune to most removal spells that rely on damage.

Interaction examples

Fortifying Your Board

Arcane Signet

You use the mana generated by Arcane Signet to pay the {2} equip cost for Magebane Armor. Once equipped, your creature gains +2/+4. If an opponent tries to use a spell to deal 5 damage to your creature, that damage is entirely prevented, though the creature remains grounded on the battlefield.

Layering Protections

Swiftfoot Boots

With both items equipped, your creature is highly protected. Swiftfoot Boots provides Hexproof, meaning it cannot be targeted by opponent's spells. If the opponent uses a non-targeted damage spell that hits all creatures, Magebane Armor will prevent that damage, ensuring your creature survives even if the Hexproof doesn't stop the spell itself.

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

How it works : Magebane Armor

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1October 1, 2009· Wizards of the Coast
Magebane Armor can equip a creature that doesn’t have flying. The “lose flying” effect just won’t do anything in that case.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2October 1, 2009· Wizards of the Coast
Magebane Armor causes the equipped creature to lose flying at the time it became equipped. Any ability that grants that creature flying that starts to work later (such as a Jump that resolves later, or a Levitation that comes under your control later) will work normally.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#3October 1, 2009· Wizards of the Coast
Combat damage is the damage that’s dealt automatically by attacking and blocking creatures, even if it’s redirected (by Harm’s Way, perhaps). Noncombat damage is any other damage (generally, it’s damage dealt as the result of a spell or ability).
No other card is named in this ruling.