Magitek ScytheHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Magitek Scythe provides a static +2/+1 power and toughness boost to the creature it is currently attached to. Its most unique feature is the 'A Test of Your Reflexes!' ability, which triggers when the artifact enters the battlefield, allowing you to attach it to a creature for free. If you choose to attach it this way, the creature gains first strike and forces your opponent to block it during the combat phase if they have any eligible blockers.

How It Resolves Step by Step

First, when Magitek Scythe enters the battlefield, its triggered ability goes on the stack and you choose a target creature you control. When the ability resolves, you may choose to attach the Scythe; if you do, the first strike and 'must be blocked' effects are applied to that creature until end of turn. Later, during your combat phase, the opponent must declare at least one blocker for that creature if they are able to do so. If the creature is no longer equipped later in the turn, it still retains the first strike and forced blocking requirement.

Common Mistakes

A common point of confusion is the forced blocking requirement. If multiple creatures are attacking, the opponent only has to assign a blocker to the creature equipped by the Scythe's trigger; they are not forced to block other attacking creatures. Additionally, note that the +2/+1 bonus is a continuous effect from the Equipment itself, whereas the first strike and forced block are part of the one-time 'enters' trigger. If you move the Scythe to a different creature later in the same turn using its Equip cost, the second creature does not gain first strike or the forced blocking effect.

When to Play It

You should play Magitek Scythe when you have a creature that benefits from both the power boost and the ability to pick off an opponent's key utility creature. Since first strike allows your creature to deal damage first, you can effectively use the Scythe to force a 'suicide block' from your opponent, removing their blockers without losing your own creature in the process.

Interaction examples

Accelerating the Offense

Solemn Simulacrum

You cast Solemn Simulacrum, searching for a land to ensure you have the mana to cast Magitek Scythe. On the next turn, you cast Magitek Scythe. When it enters, you attach it to Solemn Simulacrum for free. The Simulacrum becomes a 4/3 with first strike that must be blocked. If your opponent blocks and kills it, you get to draw a card, effectively using the Scythe to force a value-generating trade.

Mana Fixing for Equipment

Commander's Sphere

With Commander's Sphere on the battlefield, you have the flexibility to tap for the colored mana required for other spells or to save it for the Equip {2} cost later. If Magitek Scythe is already on the board but unattached, you can use the mana from Commander's Sphere to pay the equip cost during your main phase to give a creature +2/+1, even if you already used the 'A Test of Your Reflexes!' trigger on a previous turn.