Overwhelming StampedeHow it works & interactions with other cards

Defining the Bonus

When you cast Overwhelming Stampede, the game looks at every creature you control at the moment the spell resolves. It identifies which creature has the highest power and uses that number for the value of X. Once this value is determined, every creature you control gets +X/+X and trample until the end of the turn. This bonus is locked in when the spell resolves; if your creatures change power later in the turn, the bonus from the Stampede does not change.

The Importance of Resolution

The 'Greatest Power' check happens only once: during the resolution of the spell. If your largest creature is destroyed or shrunk in response to the spell being cast, the game will check again for the new highest power among your remaining creatures as the spell resolves. If you control no creatures when Overwhelming Stampede resolves, the value of X will effectively be 0, granting no power bonus, though any creatures entering later would not benefit anyway as the spell only affects creatures you control at the time of resolution.

Strategic Timing

Because this spell is a sorcery, you must cast it during your main phase. It is best used after you have established a wide board presence and at least one high-power creature to maximize the +X/+X bonus. Since it grants trample, it is the perfect finisher to bypass an opponent's chump blockers. Be mindful of 'static' buffs from other sources, as those contribute to the greatest power check, making the Stampede even more effective.

Interaction examples

Drawing into the Win

Rishkar's Expertise

If you cast Rishkar's Expertise while controlling a 5/5 creature, you draw five cards. Then, the Expertise allows you to cast a spell with mana value 5 or less for free. You choose Overwhelming Stampede. The Stampede resolves, sees your 5/5 creature, and grants your entire board +5/+5 and trample, allowing you to attack immediately with your buffed creatures.

Building the Mana Base

Skyshroud Claim

To cast a five-mana sorcery like Overwhelming Stampede early, you can use Skyshroud Claim to search for two Forest cards and put them onto the battlefield. This jump in mana allows you to deploy a high-power creature on one turn and follow up with the Stampede shortly after, catching your opponent off guard before they can set up a defense.

Calculated Power Growth

If you control a 2/2, a 3/3, and a 6/4 creature, you cast Overwhelming Stampede. As it resolves, the game identifies 6 as the greatest power. Every creature you control gets +6/+6 and trample. Your 2/2 becomes an 8/8, your 3/3 becomes a 9/9, and your 6/4 becomes a 12/10. Even if the 6/4 creature is removed after the spell resolves, the others keep their +6/+6 bonus until the end of the turn.