Pillar LaunchHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Pillar Launch targets a single creature and grants it a +2/+2 power and toughness increase along with the reach keyword until the end of the current turn. Additionally, the spell untaps the targeted creature, allowing it to act again even if it was previously tapped for attacking or using an ability.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you cast Pillar Launch and choose a legal target creature. Upon resolution, the creature immediately gains +2/+2 and reach. Finally, the creature is untapped. Note that you can target a creature that is already untapped; the spell will still grant the stat bonus and reach even if the 'untap' portion of the effect has no visible change on the creature's state.

Common Mistakes

A common error is forgetting that Pillar Launch requires a target to be cast. If your opponent removes the creature in response, the spell will fizzle and none of its effects will happen. Also, remember that reach only allows the creature to block flyers; it does not grant the ability to attack players who have flying blockers unless the creature already had a way to bypass them.

When to Play It

The best time to use Pillar Launch is during your opponent's combat phase to surprise an attacking flyer or at the end of a turn to untap a creature with a powerful tap ability. Because it is an instant, it serves as an excellent combat trick to save a creature from damage-based removal or to win a combat trade.

Interaction examples

Defensive Maneuvers

Heroic Intervention

If your opponent tries to use a removal spell on your creature after you cast Pillar Launch, you can respond with Heroic Intervention. Heroic Intervention grants your permanents hexproof, ensuring Pillar Launch resolves successfully to untap your creature and give it the reach needed to block an incoming attacker.

Setting Up the Top Deck

Worldly Tutor

During your opponent's end step, you can cast Worldly Tutor to put a powerful creature on top of your library. Then, you can cast Pillar Launch on a creature you already control to untap it, ensuring you have a blocker ready or a creature available to use an ability before you draw your new threat on your next turn.