Salvation SwanHow it works & interactions with other cards

Granting Wings and Warding Off Danger

When Salvation Swan or another Bird enters the battlefield under your control, you may exile one of your non-flying creatures. This creature doesn't return immediately; instead, it waits in the exile zone until the next end step, when it returns with a flying counter. Because the creature returns as a new object, it loses any previous counters or attachments, making this an effective way to reset a creature's status while giving it a permanent keyword ability.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, Salvation Swan enters the battlefield, triggering its ability. You choose a target creature you control that does not have flying. Upon resolution, that target is moved to the exile zone. The game then tracks this event and waits for the next end step to begin. At that moment, a delayed trigger occurs, and the exiled card is returned to the battlefield under its owner's control. As it enters, it receives a flying counter, which grants it the Flying ability permanently as long as the counter remains.

Common Pitfalls

It is important to remember that Salvation Swan cannot target itself because it has Flying. Additionally, if you exile a token creature, that token ceases to exist as soon as it leaves the battlefield and will not return during the end step. You must also be careful with Auras and Equipment; Auras will be put into the graveyard, while Equipment will simply fall off and stay on the battlefield when the creature is exiled.

Strategic Timing

Because Salvation Swan has Flash, you can cast it during an opponent's turn to save a creature from a removal spell. Since the exiled creature returns at the next end step, it can dodge board wipes or targeted destruction. Furthermore, since the creature re-enters the battlefield, it will trigger any 'enters the battlefield' abilities it possesses a second time, providing extra value for your deck.

Interaction examples

Maximizing Value with Simulacrum

Solemn Simulacrum

You control Solemn Simulacrum. During your opponent's turn, you cast Salvation Swan. When the Swan enters, its trigger targets the Simulacrum. The Simulacrum is exiled. At the beginning of the next end step, the Simulacrum returns to the battlefield with a flying counter. This causes the Simulacrum's entry ability to trigger again, allowing you to search for another basic land.

Doubling Down on Birds

Roaming Throne

You have Roaming Throne on the battlefield, having chosen 'Bird' as its type. When you cast Salvation Swan, it enters and triggers its ability. Because Roaming Throne is now a Bird, Salvation Swan's ability triggers an additional time. You can target two different non-flying creatures you control to exile them and have both return with flying counters at the end step.