OblationHow it works & interactions with other cards

What Oblation Does

Oblation targets a nonland permanent and forces its owner to shuffle it into their library. Unlike destruction or exile, this bypasses Indestructible and prevents graveyard recursion. After the shuffle occurs, the owner of that permanent draws two cards as compensation for their loss.

Resolving the Spell Step-by-Step

First, you choose a legal nonland permanent as a target. Upon resolution, if the target is still legal, its owner shuffles it into their library. If the permanent is a token, it is shuffled into the library and then ceases to exist as a state-based action. Finally, the owner of the shuffled permanent draws two cards. If the target becomes illegal before resolution, the entire spell fails and no one draws cards.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is assuming the player who controlled the permanent draws the cards. The rules specify the owner draws the cards; in most cases, this is the same person, but if you have stolen a permanent, your opponent (the owner) will still get the cards. Additionally, if the target is moved to another zone in response, such as being sacrificed, Oblation will not resolve and no cards will be drawn.

When to Play Oblation

Oblation is best used on high-impact threats that are difficult to remove otherwise, such as gods or planeswalkers. However, it can also be used defensively on your own permanents. If your opponent tries to exile one of your key pieces, you can cast Oblation on it to save it from exile and draw two cards yourself.

Interaction examples

Removing a Threat

Generous Gift

If an opponent has a dangerous creature, you might choose between Generous Gift and Oblation. While Generous Gift leaves them with a 3/3 Elephant, Oblation removes the creature entirely but gives them two new cards. You would choose Oblation if the creature has powerful 'when this dies' triggers, as shuffling avoids those entirely.

Dodging Protection

Teferi's Protection

If you target an opponent's permanent with Oblation and they respond with Teferi's Protection, their permanents phase out. Because the target no longer 'exists' for the spell, Oblation will lose its only target and be removed from the stack with no effect. No one will shuffle and no cards will be drawn.

Self-Replacement

In a desperate situation where you need to find a specific answer in your deck, you can cast Oblation targeting a low-value nonland permanent you own, such as an enchantment that has already served its purpose. You shuffle your own permanent away and draw two cards to dig deeper into your library.