Solemn SimulacrumHow it works & interactions with other cards

Dual Value Triggers

Solemn Simulacrum features two distinct triggered abilities: an 'enters' ability and a 'dies' ability. Both abilities are optional, as indicated by the word 'may.' When it enters, you can pull a basic land from your library directly to the battlefield tapped. When it eventually dies, you get to replace it by drawing a card, making it an excellent target for sacrifice effects.

Resolution Step-by-Step

First, cast Solemn Simulacrum and wait for it to resolve. Once it enters the battlefield, its first ability triggers. You choose whether to search your library for a basic land card. If you do, put it onto the battlefield tapped and then shuffle your library. Later, if Solemn Simulacrum is put into a graveyard from the battlefield, its second ability triggers. You choose whether to draw a card.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Remember that the land must be a 'basic' land card; you cannot search for non-basic lands like dual lands or utility lands. Additionally, the land always enters the battlefield tapped, regardless of its own text. Finally, note that the draw ability only triggers if Solemn Simulacrum 'dies,' which means it must move from the battlefield to the graveyard. If it is exiled, you do not get to draw a card.

Strategic Timing

Playing Solemn Simulacrum early allows you to thin your deck and reach your high-cost spells faster. It serves as a perfect blocker because your opponent will often be hesitant to kill it and grant you the card draw. It is also an ideal target for blink or recursion effects to repeatedly trigger its land-searching ability.

Interaction examples

Scaling Up with Roaming Throne

Roaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield with 'Golem' chosen, Solemn Simulacrum will trigger its abilities twice. When it enters, you can search for two basic lands. When it dies, you can draw two cards instead of one.

Efficient Casting with Foundry Inspector

Foundry Inspector

With Foundry Inspector on the battlefield, the cost to cast Solemn Simulacrum is reduced by {1}. This allows you to deploy your mana ramp and card draw engine for only three generic mana, accelerating your board state significantly earlier.

Basic Land Search Example

When Solemn Simulacrum enters the battlefield, you search your library. You find a basic Island and put it onto the battlefield tapped. Even if you have effects that say lands enter untapped, the specific instruction on Solemn Simulacrum ensures this land enters tapped.