Mirrorwing Dragon — ruling 1

If the spell that's copied has an X whose value was determined as it was cast (like Burn from Within does), the copies have the same value of X.

Mirrorwing Dragon — ruling 2

The copies that the ability creates are created on the stack, so they're not cast. Abilities that trigger when a player casts a spell (like Mirrorwing Dragon's ability itself) won't trigger.

Mirrorwing Dragon — ruling 3

If the spell that's copied is modal (that is, it says "Choose one —" or the like), the copies will have the same mode. A different mode cannot be chosen.

Mirrorwing Dragon — ruling 4

The copies are only created targeting creatures that the spell's controller controls. Copies are not created for all creatures on the battlefield, and the affected creatures may be controlled by a different player than the controller of Mirrorwing Dragon. Notably, if you cast Murder targeting your opponent's Mirrorwing Dragon, your creatures will each get a Murder, not your opponent's.

Mirrorwing Dragon — ruling 6

Any creature the player controls that couldn't be targeted by the original spell (due to shroud, protection abilities, targeting restrictions, or any other reason) is just ignored by Mirrorwing Dragon's ability. If the spell has multiple targets, a given creature must be a legal target for all of them or else a copy won't be created for that creature.

Mirrorwing Dragon — ruling 7

The player who cast the original spell controls all the copies. That player chooses the order the copies are put onto the stack. The original spell will be on the stack beneath those copies and will resolve last.

Mirrorwing Dragon — ruling 8

If a player casts an instant or sorcery spell that has multiple targets and Mirrorwing Dragon is chosen as the target in each instance, Mirrorwing Dragon's ability will trigger. Each of the copies will similarly be targeting only one of the player's other creatures.

Mirrorwing Dragon : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Mirrorwing Dragon 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

Flying Whenever a player casts an instant or sorcery spell that targets only this creature, that player copies that spell for each other creature they control that the spell could target. Each copy targets a different one of those creatures.

Complete guide

Mirrorwing Dragon is a high-stakes flier that can turn a single targeted spell into a massive board-wide event. Whether you are aiming to buff your entire army or punshing an opponent for trying to remove it, this Dragon ensures no creature is left behind. Understanding how its triggered ability replicates spells across the battlefield is key to mastering its chaotic potential.

The Mechanics of Reflection

Whenever any player casts an instant or sorcery spell that targets only Mirrorwing Dragon, its ability triggers. The player who cast that spell must create a copy of it for every other creature they control that the spell could legally target. It is important to note that the ability cares about who cast the spell: if you cast a spell, it copies for your creatures; if an opponent casts a spell, it copies for theirs.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, a player casts a valid spell targeting only Mirrorwing Dragon, placing it on the stack. Second, Mirrorwing Dragon's triggered ability is put on the stack above that spell. Third, when the trigger resolves, the game checks all other creatures the spell's controller controls to see which ones are legal targets. Finally, the controller of the original spell chooses the order in which the copies are placed on the stack; these copies resolve one by one before the original spell finally resolves.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is thinking the copies are 'cast'—they are created directly on the stack, so they won't trigger 'whenever you cast' abilities. Additionally, if a spell has multiple targets (like a spell that targets two creatures), it will not trigger Mirrorwing Dragon unless the Dragon is selected for every single target. Remember that creatures with Shroud or Protection from the spell's color are simply ignored and will not receive a copy.

When to Play Mirrorwing Dragon

This Dragon excels in decks that use 'cantrips'—inexpensive spells that draw a card—because copying them across five creatures means drawing five extra cards. It also serves as a potent deterrent against enemy removal. If an opponent tries to use a destruction spell on your Dragon, they will be forced to destroy all of their own creatures as well.

Interaction examples

Double the Reflection

Roaming Throne

If Roaming Throne enters the battlefield naming 'Dragon' and you cast an instant targeting Mirrorwing Dragon, Mirrorwing's ability triggers twice. The first trigger resolves, creating a copy of the spell for each other creature you control. Then, the second trigger resolves, creating another set of copies for those same creatures. This results in every creature you control being targeted twice before the original spell resolves.

Board-Wide Value

Solemn Simulacrum

Imagine you control Mirrorwing Dragon and Solemn Simulacrum. You cast an instant spell that says 'Exile target creature, then return it to the battlefield' targeting your Dragon. Mirrorwing Dragon triggers and creates a copy for the Simulacrum. The copy resolves first, flickering the Simulacrum and triggering its 'enters' ability to find a land. Then the original spell resolves, flickering the Dragon. This is an efficient way to re-trigger 'enters the battlefield' effects across your entire board.

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

How it works : Mirrorwing Dragon

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1July 13, 2016· Wizards of the Coast
If the spell that's copied has an X whose value was determined as it was cast (like Burn from Within does), the copies have the same value of X.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2July 13, 2016· Wizards of the Coast
The copies that the ability creates are created on the stack, so they're not cast. Abilities that trigger when a player casts a spell (like Mirrorwing Dragon's ability itself) won't trigger.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#3July 13, 2016· Wizards of the Coast
If the spell that's copied is modal (that is, it says "Choose one —" or the like), the copies will have the same mode. A different mode cannot be chosen.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#4July 13, 2016· Wizards of the Coast
The copies are only created targeting creatures that the spell's controller controls. Copies are not created for all creatures on the battlefield, and the affected creatures may be controlled by a different player than the controller of Mirrorwing Dragon. Notably, if you cast Murder targeting your opponent's Mirrorwing Dragon, your creatures will each get a Murder, not your opponent's.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#5July 13, 2016· Wizards of the Coast
The ability triggers whenever a player casts an instant or sorcery spell that targets only Mirrorwing Dragon and no other object or player.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#6July 13, 2016· Wizards of the Coast
Any creature the player controls that couldn't be targeted by the original spell (due to shroud, protection abilities, targeting restrictions, or any other reason) is just ignored by Mirrorwing Dragon's ability. If the spell has multiple targets, a given creature must be a legal target for all of them or else a copy won't be created for that creature.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#7July 13, 2016· Wizards of the Coast
The player who cast the original spell controls all the copies. That player chooses the order the copies are put onto the stack. The original spell will be on the stack beneath those copies and will resolve last.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#8July 13, 2016· Wizards of the Coast
If a player casts an instant or sorcery spell that has multiple targets and Mirrorwing Dragon is chosen as the target in each instance, Mirrorwing Dragon's ability will trigger. Each of the copies will similarly be targeting only one of the player's other creatures.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#9July 13, 2016· Wizards of the Coast
The controller of a copy can't choose to pay any alternative or additional costs for the copy. However, effects based on any alternative or additional costs that were paid for the original spell are copied as though those same costs were paid for the copy.
No other card is named in this ruling.