MeltdownHow it works & interactions with other cards

What it does

Meltdown targets artifacts based on their mana value, formerly known as converted mana cost. When you cast Meltdown, you choose a value for X, and upon resolution, every artifact on the battlefield with a mana value equal to or less than that chosen number is destroyed.

How it resolves step by step

First, you announce the value for X and pay the total cost of {X}{R}. Second, the spell is put onto the stack; note that while on the stack, the mana value of Meltdown includes the chosen value of X. Third, as the spell resolves, it checks every artifact on the board. Any artifact whose mana value is less than or equal to X is destroyed simultaneously. This does not target, so it bypasses abilities like Hexproof or Shroud.

Common Mistakes

A common error is forgetting that tokens usually have a mana value of 0. If you cast Meltdown where X is 0, you will destroy all Treasure, Food, and Clue tokens for just one red mana. Additionally, remember that Meltdown affects your own artifacts as well as your opponents', unlike some one-sided destruction spells.

When to play it

Meltdown is best utilized in formats like Legacy or Vintage where many powerful artifacts cost 0 or 1 mana. It is an excellent tool for clearing away Moxen, mana crypts, or early-game equipment. Because it scales, it remains useful even in the late game to remove high-cost threats.

Interaction examples

Efficiency Over Target Selection

Vandalblast

If your opponent controls several artifacts with mana value 1, casting Meltdown for X=1 (total cost {1}{R}) will destroy all of them. In contrast, Vandalblast would require its Overload cost of {4}{R} to achieve a similar sweep, making Meltdown much faster against low-cost targets.

Digging for the Answer

Faithless Looting

If you are facing an army of artifact creatures but haven't drawn your wipe, use Faithless Looting to draw two cards. If you find Meltdown, you can discard unnecessary lands and then cast Meltdown to clear the board, provided you have enough mana to set X to the highest mana value among those creatures.