Saru, UnthreatenedHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Saru, Unthreatened is a legendary creature with Flash, meaning you can cast it at any time you could cast an instant. Upon entering the battlefield, its triggered ability grants hexproof to another target creature you control until the end of the turn, making that creature immune to spells or abilities controlled by your opponents.

Step-by-Step Resolution

When you cast Saru, Unthreatened, it first moves to the stack. Once it resolves and enters the battlefield, its triggered ability is placed on the stack, and you must choose another creature you control as the target. If the target is legal when the ability resolves, that creature gains hexproof. If the targeted creature leaves the battlefield before the ability resolves, the ability fails to resolve.

Common Mistakes

A common error is trying to target Saru, Unthreatened with its own ability; the text specifically states 'another target creature,' so Saru cannot protect itself. Additionally, granting hexproof does not counter a spell that has already resolved; you must respond to the opponent's spell while it is still on the stack.

When to Play It

Saru is best utilized as a reactive measure. Hold it in your hand until an opponent targets your most important creature with a removal spell. By casting Saru in response, you preserve your board state while adding a blocker to the battlefield.

Interaction examples

Saving the Simulacrum

Solemn Simulacrum

If an opponent attempts to destroy your Solemn Simulacrum with a removal spell, you can cast Saru, Unthreatened in response. Saru enters the battlefield and targets Solemn Simulacrum with its ability. Solemn Simulacrum gains hexproof, causing the opponent's spell to lose its only target and fail to resolve.

Tactical Timing with Tribe-Elder

Sakura-Tribe Elder

You have Sakura-Tribe Elder on the battlefield. If your opponent tries to exile it to prevent you from getting a land, you can cast Saru, Unthreatened to give the Elder hexproof. Later in the turn, you can still choose to sacrifice Sakura-Tribe Elder to search for a land, as hexproof only prevents your opponents from targeting it.