Restoration Magic is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.
Official card text
Tiered (Choose one additional cost.) • Cure —— Target permanent gains hexproof and indestructible until end of turn. • Cura —
— Target permanent gains hexproof and indestructible until end of turn. You gain 3 life. • Curaga —
— Permanents you control gain hexproof and indestructible until end of turn. You gain 6 life.
Complete guide
Restoration Magic is a versatile white instant that offers protection and life gain through the Tiered mechanic. Whether you need a quick shield for a single creature or a complete board-wide defense, this card adapts to the flow of the game. It allows you to choose the level of restorative power you need by paying an additional cost as you cast it.
Choosing Your Tier
When you cast Restoration Magic, you must choose exactly one of its three modes: Cure, Cura, or Curaga. This choice happens as part of the casting process, and you must pay both the base mana cost of {W} and the additional cost associated with the chosen tier. Once chosen, the mode cannot be changed, even if the spell is copied. The mana value of the spell remains 1 regardless of which tier you select.
Resolution Step by Step
First, the spell is put on the stack and the mode is selected. For Cure and Cura, you must choose a legal target permanent; if no legal targets exist, you cannot cast those modes. During resolution, if the chosen target for Cure or Cura is no longer legal, the entire spell fails to resolve and you receive no benefits, such as life gain. Curaga does not target, so it will always resolve to protect all permanents you currently control and grant you 6 life.
Strategic Implementation
The Cure mode is an efficient way to blank removal for just one mana. Cura provides a life buffer against aggressive decks while still protecting a key threat. Curaga acts as a powerful finisher or defensive maneuver against board wipes, ensuring your entire battlefield remains untouched while significantly boosting your life total. Remember that hexproof and indestructible only last until the end of the turn.
Interaction examples
Swords to PlowsharesYour opponent casts Swords to Plowshares targeting your creature. In response, you cast Restoration Magic choosing the Cure mode. You pay {W} (base) + {0} (additional). Your creature gains hexproof and indestructible. When Swords to Plowshares tries to resolve, it sees an illegal target due to hexproof and is removed from the stack with no effect.
Path to ExileAn opponent attempts to use Path to Exile on your commander. You cast Restoration Magic using the Cura mode by paying {W} + {1}. Your commander gains hexproof and indestructible, and you gain 3 life. The Path to Exile is countered by the rules because its target is now illegal, saving your creature and improving your life total simultaneously.
During your opponent's turn, you pay {W} + {3}{W} to cast Restoration Magic with the Curaga mode. All permanents you control gain hexproof and indestructible until end of turn, and you gain 6 life. This mode does not require a target, so even if your opponent removes a creature in response, the rest of your board still gains the protection when the spell resolves.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Restoration Magic
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
- #1· Wizards of the Coast
You must choose exactly one of the listed modes and pay its associated additional cost in order to cast a spell with tiered.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #2· Wizards of the Coast
If a mode requires a target, you can select that mode only if there's a legal target available. Ignore the targeting requirements for modes you don't choose.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #3· Wizards of the Coast
If a spell with tiered is copied, the effect that creates the copy may allow you to choose new targets. You cannot choose a new mode.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #4· Wizards of the Coast
If you chose the Cura mode and the target permanent is an illegal target when Restoration Magic tries to resolve, it won't resolve and none of its effects will happen. You won't gain 3 life.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #5· Wizards of the Coast
You choose the mode as you cast the spell with tiered. Once the mode is chosen, it can't be changed.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #6· Wizards of the Coast
The mana value of a spell with tiered is determined only by its mana cost (in the upper right corner of the card). It doesn't matter which mode you choose or which additional costs you pay, including any additional costs imposed by other effects.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #7· Wizards of the Coast
If an effect allows you to cast a spell with tiered "without paying its mana cost," you must still choose exactly one mode and pay the associated additional cost.
No other card is named in this ruling.
Legal formats
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Meta decks with Restoration Magic
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