NecroplasmHow it works & interactions with other cards

The Growth and Destruction Cycle

Necroplasm operates on two specific triggers. During your upkeep, it gains a +1/+1 counter, which increases its size and shifts its destruction target. At the beginning of your end step, it automatically destroys every creature on the battlefield—including itself if the math matches—whose mana value equals the number of counters currently on Necroplasm.

Understanding Mana Value and Counters

The destruction effect checks the mana value of creatures at the moment the end step ability resolves. Tokens typically have a mana value of 0, meaning Necroplasm will wipe them out the very turn it enters the battlefield (before it gets its first upkeep counter). As counters accumulate, it will sweep through 1-drops, 2-drops, and so on. Note that if Necroplasm has three +1/+1 counters, its mana value of 3 will cause it to destroy itself.

The Power of Dredge

Dredge 2 allows you to bypass your normal card draw to return Necroplasm from your graveyard to your hand by milling two cards. This is a replacement effect, not an activated ability, so it cannot be countered by traditional means. You can use this during your draw step or whenever an external spell or ability would cause you to draw a card.

Common Mistakes

Players often forget that the end step trigger is mandatory. You cannot choose not to destroy creatures if the mana value matches. Additionally, remember that Dredge only works if you have at least as many cards in your library as the Dredge number (two, in this case). You cannot attempt to Dredge if your library is empty or only has one card.

Interaction examples

Double the Destruction

Roaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield naming Ooze, Necroplasm's triggers will fire twice. During your upkeep, it will gain two +1/+1 counters instead of one. During your end step, it will check its counter count and attempt to destroy all creatures of that mana value twice. This allows you to skip 'mana value steps' or ensure creatures with indestructible-variants are thoroughly processed.

Recursive Value

Solemn Simulacrum

When your Solemn Simulacrum dies, its triggered ability goes on the stack to draw a card. If Necroplasm is in your graveyard, you can replace that specific draw with Dredge 2. You mill two cards and return Necroplasm to your hand. This synergy allows you to turn the death of your other creatures into a way to recur your Ooze board wipe.

The Zero-Counter Sweep

When you first cast Necroplasm, it enters with zero +1/+1 counters. When you move to your end step, the trigger checks for creatures with mana value 0. This will immediately destroy all non-copy tokens (which usually have a mana value of 0) and any Ornithopters on the board before the Ooze even begins to grow.