Ranger SquadronHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Ranger Squadron is a 4/4 creature with Flying and the digital-only keyword double team. When you attack with this creature for the first time, you automatically conjure an exact copy of it directly into your hand. This means you gain card advantage just for being aggressive.

Resolving Double Team

Step one: Declare Ranger Squadron as an attacker. This triggers the double team ability. Step two: The ability goes on the stack. Step three: Upon resolution, a new Ranger Squadron card is created (conjured) in your hand. Step four: Both the creature currently on the battlefield and the new card in your hand perpetually lose the double team ability, meaning they cannot trigger this effect again.

Common Mistakes

One common mistake is thinking you can double team multiple times if the creature survives. Because the ability states the cards 'perpetually lose double team,' once the ability resolves, that specific card and its conjured copy are 'spent' regarding this mechanic. Another mistake is forgetting that you must have the creature attack to get the copy; simply having it enter the battlefield is not enough.

When to Play It

Ranger Squadron is best played when you have a safe opening to attack. Since the conjured copy goes to your hand, it is an excellent way to rebuild after a board wipe or to ensure you have a follow-up threat if the first one is removed by your opponent.

Interaction examples

Scaling Power with Psychosis Crawler

Psychosis Crawler

If you have Psychosis Crawler on the battlefield and attack with Ranger Squadron, the double team ability triggers. When the duplicate is conjured into your hand, your hand size increases. This immediately gives Psychosis Crawler +1/+1, though it does not trigger the life loss effect since conjuring a card is not the same as drawing one.

Mana Values and Sun Titan

Sun Titan

When Sun Titan attacks or enters the battlefield, it can return a permanent with mana value 3 or less. Note that Ranger Squadron has a mana value of 6. Even if you conjure a copy and it ends up in the graveyard, Sun Titan cannot bring it back due to its high cost. You must rely on the flying pressure of the Squadron while Sun Titan handles your smaller utility pieces.