Phyrexian BroodlingsHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Phyrexian Broodlings features a single activated ability that costs one generic mana and the sacrifice of a creature. Each time you pay this cost, you place a +1/+1 counter on Phyrexian Broodlings. Since the cost includes sacrifice, you can use this to move creatures from the battlefield to the graveyard at instant speed.

Phase by Phase Resolution

To activate the ability, you first announce it and put it on the stack. You then pay the costs in any order: spend one mana and choose a creature you control to sacrifice. Note that sacrificing the creature is part of the cost, so players cannot respond to the sacrifice itself to try and save that creature. Once the ability resolves, Phyrexian Broodlings receives its counter.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is forgetting that Phyrexian Broodlings can sacrifice itself to its own ability. While this will still trigger 'whenever a creature dies' effects, the ability won't have a destination for the +1/+1 counter if the Broodlings are gone, making it a niche move. Also, remember that this is an activated ability, not a triggered one; it only happens when you pay the mana and sacrifice a creature.

Strategic Timing

Play Phyrexian Broodlings when you have creatures that provide value upon death or when your opponent attempts to exile your creatures. By sacrificing a creature in response to an exile spell, you ensure that creature hits the graveyard instead, allowing you to trigger 'dies' abilities and grow your Broodlings simultaneously.

Interaction examples

Extracting Value from the Sad Robot

Solemn Simulacrum

With both creatures on the battlefield, you can pay one mana and sacrifice Solemn Simulacrum to the Broodlings' ability. This immediately triggers the 'dies' ability of Solemn Simulacrum, allowing you to draw a card. After the ability of the Broodlings resolves, you also get a +1/+1 counter, turning a utility creature into a permanent buff.

Throne of the Phyrexian Minion

Roaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield with 'Phyrexian' or 'Minion' chosen, it is important to note that Roaming Throne does not affect Phyrexian Broodlings. This is because the Broodlings' ability is an activated ability (indicated by the colon), and Roaming Throne only interacts with triggered abilities (starting with 'when', 'whenever', or 'at'). You will still only get one +1/+1 counter per sacrifice.