Manticore Eternal — ruling 1

If a creature is attacking a planeswalker, that planeswalker's controller is the defending player. If a creature is attacking a battle, that battle's protector is the defending player.

Manticore Eternal — ruling 2

If, during your declare attackers step, Manticore Eternal is tapped or is affected by a spell or ability that says it can't attack, 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.

Manticore Eternal — ruling 3

If multiple creatures block a creature with afflict, afflict triggers only once.

Manticore Eternal — ruling 4

Afflict causes the defending player to lose life; it's not damage or combat damage.

Manticore Eternal — ruling 5

Afflict resolves before combat damage is dealt. If this loss of life brings a player to 0 life or less, that player loses the game immediately. A blocking creature with lifelink won't deal combat damage in time to save that player.

Manticore Eternal : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Manticore Eternal 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

Afflict 3 (Whenever this creature becomes blocked, defending player loses 3 life.) This creature attacks each combat if able.

How it works : Manticore Eternal

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1July 28, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
If a creature is attacking a planeswalker, that planeswalker's controller is the defending player. If a creature is attacking a battle, that battle's protector is the defending player.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2July 14, 2017· Wizards of the Coast
If, during your declare attackers step, Manticore Eternal is tapped or is affected by a spell or ability that says it can't attack, 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.
#3July 14, 2017· Wizards of the Coast
If multiple creatures block a creature with afflict, afflict triggers only once.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#4July 14, 2017· Wizards of the Coast
Afflict causes the defending player to lose life; it's not damage or combat damage.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#5July 14, 2017· Wizards of the Coast
Afflict resolves before combat damage is dealt. If this loss of life brings a player to 0 life or less, that player loses the game immediately. A blocking creature with lifelink won't deal combat damage in time to save that player.
No other card is named in this ruling.