NaturalizeHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Naturalize is a straightforward destruction spell. For the cost of one green and one generic mana, it targets either an artifact or an enchantment and sends it directly to its owner's graveyard. As an instant, it can be played at any time you have priority, including during your opponent's turn or in response to them activating an ability.

How It Resolves Step by Step

First, you cast Naturalize and choose a single legal target that is either an artifact or an enchantment. You pay the mana cost, and the spell goes on the stack. If the target is still legal when Naturalize tries to resolve, the targeted permanent is destroyed. If the target is no longer on the battlefield or has gained protection or shroud in response, Naturalize will fail to resolve and be put into your graveyard with no effect.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is attempting to target a permanent that has 'Indestructible.' While Naturalize can target an indestructible artifact or enchantment, the spell will resolve and the permanent will remain on the battlefield because it cannot be destroyed. Additionally, remember that Naturalize cannot target creatures unless they also have the artifact or enchantment card type.

When to Play It

Naturalize is best saved for high-impact targets. While it is tempting to destroy a small utility artifact early, holding it for a win-condition enchantment or a heavy-hitting equipment can often turn the tide of a game. In digital formats, you can even conjure it into your hand using specific cards to ensure you have the answer when you need it.

Interaction examples

Conjuring an Answer

Wingbane Vantasaur

When Wingbane Vantasaur enters the battlefield, its triggered ability allows you to choose to conjure a Naturalize card directly into your hand. This allows you to have the destruction spell ready for a future threat even if it wasn't originally in your deck.

Choosing the Right Tool

You Line Up the Shot

When you cast You Line Up the Shot, you can choose the 'Aim for the Cursed Amulet' mode. This immediately places a Naturalize card into your hand, providing the specific utility needed to destroy an opponent's artifact or enchantment.

Naturalize vs. Indestructible

Heroic Intervention

If you cast Naturalize targeting an opponent's enchantment, and they respond with Heroic Intervention, their permanents gain indestructible. When Naturalize attempts to resolve, it will see the target is indestructible and fail to destroy it.

Versatile Destruction

Beast Within

While Naturalize is limited to artifacts and enchantments, Beast Within can destroy any permanent. However, Naturalize is often preferred for these specific types because it does not give the opponent a 3/3 Beast token in return.