StasisHow it works & interactions with other cards

A World Without Untapping

While Stasis is on the battlefield, the untap step is skipped for every player. This means permanents that are tapped stay tapped indefinitely unless a specific card effect untaps them. Additionally, because the untap step is skipped, certain turn-based actions like Phasing in or out will never occur, as those specifically happen during the untap step.

Maintaining the Lock

Stasis features a triggered ability at the beginning of your upkeep. You must pay {U} to keep it on the board; if you cannot or choose not to, Stasis is sacrificed. Because you aren't untapping your lands naturally, you must find creative ways to produce this blue mana every turn, such as using mana rocks or lands that weren't tapped during your previous turn.

Interaction with Other Steps

It is important to remember that Stasis only affects the untap step. Players still get their upkeep, draw step, main phases, and combat phases. Any card that says 'untap this permanent during your upkeep' or uses an activated ability to untap will still function normally. The 'frozen' state only applies to the automatic untapping that usually starts a turn.

Strategic Timing

The best time to play Stasis is when your opponents are fully tapped out or when you have a significant board advantage. Since it affects everyone, you need a plan to break the parity—either by having a way to untap your own permanents or by having enough passive effects to win without needing new mana.

Interaction examples

Taxing an Empty Pool

Rhystic Study

With Stasis active, your opponent cannot untap their lands. If you also have Rhystic Study on the battlefield, your opponent will likely lack the mana to pay the {1} tax when they cast spells. This forces them into a difficult choice: let you draw cards to find more answers, or stop casting spells entirely to save what little mana they have left.

The Weight of Upkeeps

Mystic Remora

Both Stasis and Mystic Remora have upkeep costs. During your upkeep, both triggers go on the stack. You must pay {U} for Stasis and the cumulative upkeep cost for Mystic Remora. Since Stasis prevents you from untapping your lands, you will eventually run out of mana to sustain both, requiring you to choose which 'lock' piece is more vital to keep on the battlefield.

Finding a Safe Haven

The Stasis Coffin

If the game is stalled by Stasis and you are under threat from an opponent's existing creatures that were already untapped, you can use The Stasis Coffin. By exiling the Coffin, you gain protection from everything. Even though you won't untap your lands next turn due to Stasis, the Coffin ensures you survive the round while your opponents remain frozen.