Restoration AngelHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Flash of Protection

Restoration Angel has two primary keywords: Flash, which allows you to cast it any time you could cast an instant, and Flying. Its core power lies in its enter-the-battlefield ability, which allows you to exile a non-Angel creature you control and immediately return it to the battlefield. This 'flicker' effect removes the creature from combat and causes it to become a completely new object with no memory of its previous state.

How the Flicker Resolves

When Restoration Angel enters, its ability goes on the stack targeting a non-Angel creature. Upon resolution, the target is exiled. Any Auras attached to it are put into the graveyard, Equipment becomes unattached, and counters are removed. The card then returns to the battlefield under your control. Because it is a new object, any effects that were targeting it (like a damage spell) will lose their target and fail to affect it.

Permanent Ownership and Tokens

A common mistake involves using this ability on tokens; if a token is exiled, it ceases to exist and will not return. However, if you use the Angel on a creature you have temporarily stolen (such as through a 'gain control until end of turn' effect), the creature returns under your control permanently. This is because the effect specifies it returns under 'your control' without an expiration date.

Strategic Timing

The best time to play Restoration Angel is often during your opponent's turn. You can cast it in response to a removal spell to save your creature, or after your opponent declares attackers to provide a surprise blocker. Additionally, you can use it at the end of your opponent's turn to safely trigger a 'When this creature enters' ability of another creature you control, preparing you for your own turn.

Interaction examples

Double the Value

Solemn Simulacrum

You have Solemn Simulacrum on the battlefield. When you cast Restoration Angel and target the Golem, it is exiled and returns. Because it entered the battlefield again, you get to search for another basic land card, effectively doubling the value of the Simulacrum.

Tribal Multiplication

Roaming Throne

If you control Roaming Throne with 'Angel' as the chosen type, Restoration Angel's ability will trigger twice when it enters the battlefield. This allows you to target and flicker two different non-Angel creatures (or the same one twice, though it would return as a new object in between) for massive utility.

Resetting the Throne

Roaming Throne

If you need to change the creature type chosen for Roaming Throne, you can target it with Restoration Angel. Since Roaming Throne is a Golem (a non-Angel), it can be flickered. As it re-enters, you can choose a brand new creature type to adapt to the current game state.