Nekrataal 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
First strike When this creature enters, destroy target nonartifact, nonblack creature. That creature can't be regenerated.
Complete guide
Nekrataal is a classic Magic: The Gathering creature that combines efficient combat stats with a powerful removal effect. As a staple of early-game pressure, it forces your opponent to rethink their board state the moment it hits the table. Understanding its targeting restrictions is key to mastering this Human Assassin.
What It Does
Nekrataal is a 2/1 creature with First strike that features a 'enters-the-battlefield' triggered ability. When it successfully enters the battlefield, you must choose a target creature that is neither an artifact nor black. If a legal target exists, that creature is destroyed and loses its ability to be regenerated for that specific instance of destruction.
How It Resolves Step by Step
First, you cast Nekrataal and it resolves, entering the battlefield. Immediately, its triggered ability goes on the stack, and you must choose a legal target. If there are no nonartifact, nonblack creatures available, the ability is simply removed from the stack with no effect. Once the ability resolves, the targeted creature is destroyed; because of the 'can't be regenerated' clause, any replacement effects that would use a regeneration shield are ignored.
Common Mistakes
A frequent error involves the mandatory nature of the trigger. Because the ability does not say 'you may,' you are forced to target a creature if a legal one exists. If your opponent has no valid targets but you control a green creature, you must target your own creature. Additionally, remember that it cannot target artifact creatures, even if they are not black.
When to Play It
Nekrataal is best utilized when you can capitalize on the tempo swing of removing a blocker while developing your own board. It is particularly effective against aggressive decks that rely on non-black utility creatures or heavy-hitting monsters that lack protection.
Interaction examples
Solemn SimulacrumIf your opponent controls only a Solemn Simulacrum when Nekrataal enters, you cannot target the Golem. Because Solemn Simulacrum is an artifact creature, it is an illegal target for Nekrataal's ability. If there are no other creatures on board, the ability does nothing.
Roaming ThroneIf you control Roaming Throne with 'Human' or 'Assassin' chosen as the creature type, Nekrataal's ability will trigger twice when it enters. Note that Roaming Throne is an artifact creature, so it is safe from being accidentally targeted by its own controller's Nekrataal triggers.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Nekrataal
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
- #1· Wizards of the Coast
Nothing happens if there are no nonartifact, nonblack creatures on the battlefield when Nekrataal enters the battlefield, but if there is one, you must target it, even if it’s a creature you control.
No other card is named in this ruling.
Legal formats
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Meta decks with Nekrataal
No archived Top 8 deck with this card yet.