Spider-Man, Miles MoralesHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Team-Wide Boost

Spider-Man, Miles Morales has a triggered ability that occurs at two critical moments: when he enters the battlefield and whenever he attacks. This ability places a +1/+1 counter on every other creature you control. Importantly, these creatures also gain trample until the end of the turn, allowing your entire army to push damage through blockers just like Miles does.

Resolving the Ability

When Miles enters the battlefield, his ability goes on the stack. Upon resolution, check which other creatures you control; each of those receives one +1/+1 counter and the trample keyword. When Miles is later declared as an attacker, the ability triggers again. This happens during the 'Declare Attackers' step, meaning your other creatures will have their power boost and trample keyword before your opponent even chooses their blockers.

Common Pitfalls

It is important to note that Miles does not give himself a counter or trample through this specific triggered ability; he already has trample printed on his card. Additionally, according to official rulings, this trigger only applies to this specific card. If you control multiple different cards with the name 'Spider-Man', only the Miles Morales version entering or attacking will trigger this specific effect.

When to Play Miles

Because his ability triggers on entry, Miles is a fantastic 'top-end' finisher for decks that go wide with many creatures. You want to cast him when you already have a board of smaller units that can benefit from the trample and permanent power boost. Thanks to vigilance, he can attack immediately to trigger the ability a second time while remaining untapped to protect your life total on the following turn.

Interaction examples

Building a Super-Powered Army

Avenger of Zendikar

If you have Avenger of Zendikar and its Plant tokens on the field, casting Spider-Man, Miles Morales will immediately put a +1/+1 counter on the Avenger and every Plant. Furthermore, those 0/1 Plants (now 1/2) gain trample for the turn, potentially turning a wall of tokens into a lethal force.

Continuous Pressure

Seedborn Muse

While Seedborn Muse untaps your permanents every turn, Miles's vigilance already keeps him untapped. By using Seedborn Muse to ensure you have mana for protection spells, you can safely attack with Miles every turn. Each attack will continue to pile +1/+1 counters on the Muse, making her a massive threat that also helps you cast more spells.

The First Strike of the Spider

Even without other cards, Miles Morales is a 6/6 with trample and vigilance. When he enters, he checks for 'other creatures.' If he is your only creature, no counters are placed. However, as soon as you play a second creature, Miles's next attack will grant that new creature a counter and trample, showing how he leads the charge.