Overseer of Vault 76How it works & interactions with other cards

First Contact: Building Counters

The first ability, First Contact, is a triggered ability that triggers whenever Overseer of Vault 76 enters or another creature with power 3 or less enters under your control. Note that it checks the power of the creature as it enters; if a creature's power is 3 or less at that moment, the ability triggers. If multiple small creatures enter simultaneously, the ability triggers once for each of them, potentially loading the Overseer with counters in a single turn.

The Combat Protocol

At the start of your combat phase, the Overseer's second ability triggers. Upon resolution, you have a choice: you may remove exactly three quest counters from any permanents you control. If you choose to do so, a 'reflexive' triggered ability goes on the stack. This second part is what actually grants the +1/+1 counters and vigilance to your team. You cannot remove more than three counters to get multiple bonuses, and you must have exactly three available to activate this effect.

Strategy and Timing

Because the second ability triggers 'at the beginning of combat,' you must have the quest counters ready before you move to the combat phase. If you play a creature that would provide the third counter during your main phase, you are all set. However, once you are in the combat phase, it is too late to add more quest counters to pay for the ability in that same turn. Vigilance is especially useful here, as it allows your bolstered creatures to attack and still be available for defense.

Interaction examples

Automated Recruitment

Solemn Simulacrum

When you cast Solemn Simulacrum while Overseer of Vault 76 is on the battlefield, the Golem enters as a 2/2. Since its power is 3 or less, it triggers the Overseer's First Contact ability. You put a quest counter on the Overseer. This synergy allows you to ramp your mana while simultaneously building towards the Overseer's combat bonus.

Doubling the Directive

Roaming Throne

If you name 'Human' as Roaming Throne enters, it becomes a Human Golem. When another creature with power 3 or less enters, the Overseer's First Contact ability triggers twice thanks to the Throne. Furthermore, at the beginning of combat, the Overseer's ability triggers twice. If you have six quest counters, you could potentially remove three for the first trigger and three for the second, giving your creatures two +1/+1 counters and vigilance twice.