Silverwing SquadronHow it works & interactions with other cards

Scaling Power and Toughness

Silverwing Squadron possesses a characteristic-defining ability that sets its power and toughness equal to the number of creatures you control. Because this ability functions in all zones, it is not just a heavy hitter on the battlefield; it also has varying stats while in your hand, library, or graveyard. On the battlefield, it always counts itself, ensuring it is at least a 1/1 creature even if you control no other units.

The Attack Trigger

When Silverwing Squadron attacks, its triggered ability checks the number of opponents currently in the game. You then create that many 2/2 white Knight creature tokens with vigilance. These tokens enter the battlefield untapped, but since they are created during the declare attackers step, they are not attacking alongside the Squadron unless another effect specifically allows it. Note that in multiplayer games, opponents who have already lost and left the game are not counted.

Timing and Strategy

Because the Squadron has vigilance, it provides a massive aerial threat that can still block on the following turn. It is best played when you already have a board presence to ensure it survives its first turn, or in Commander games where having multiple opponents maximizes the token generation. Be wary of board wipes, as the Squadron's toughness will drop instantly as your other creatures leave the battlefield.

Interaction examples

The Characteristic-Defining Ability

Psychosis Crawler

Both Silverwing Squadron and Psychosis Crawler use '*' in their power and toughness boxes. This means their stats are constantly updating based on the game state. If you control three other creatures, Silverwing Squadron is a 4/4. If one of those creatures is destroyed, the Squadron immediately becomes a 3/3.

Synergizing with Vigilance

Sun Titan

If you control both Silverwing Squadron and Sun Titan, you have two high-toughness creatures with vigilance. When you attack with both, Silverwing Squadron triggers to create Knight tokens. Because both the Squadron and the Sun Titan remain untapped after attacking, and the new tokens also have vigilance, you maintain a massive defensive wall despite having just launched an aggressive assault.

Token Generation in Multiplayer

Knight

In a four-player game (you and three opponents), attacking with Silverwing Squadron creates three 2/2 Knight tokens. As these tokens enter the battlefield, Silverwing Squadron's power and toughness immediately increase by three, potentially catching an opponent off guard if they were calculating blocks based on its previous size.