Staunch-Hearted WarriorHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Staunch-Hearted Warrior has a triggered ability called Heroic. Whenever you cast a spell that targets this creature, the Heroic ability triggers and puts two +1/+1 counters on it. This means every time you cast an Instant, Sorcery, or Aura that lists Staunch-Hearted Warrior as a target, it permanently increases in size, often becoming the largest threat on the table very quickly.

How It Resolves Step by Step

First, you must cast a spell and choose Staunch-Hearted Warrior as a target. Once the spell is cast and its costs are paid, the Heroic ability triggers and is placed on top of the stack. The Heroic ability will always resolve before the original spell does. This is important because the +1/+1 counters will be on the creature before the effects of your spell (like a damage boost or protection) take place. Even if your spell is countered by an opponent, the Heroic ability has already triggered and will still resolve, giving you the counters.

Common Mistakes

A common misconception is that copying a spell will trigger Heroic again; however, the rules state that Heroic only triggers when a spell is 'cast,' so copies created directly on the stack do not count. Additionally, if a spell targets Staunch-Hearted Warrior multiple times (for example, a spell that says 'target creature gets +1/+1 and target creature gains hexproof'), the Heroic ability still only triggers once. Finally, changing the targets of an already-cast spell to Staunch-Hearted Warrior will not trigger the ability.

When to Play It

Staunch-Hearted Warrior is best played in aggressive or mid-range green decks that run a high density of targeted spells. It is particularly effective with low-cost Instants that can be cast during the opponent's turn to surprise them with a sudden growth in stats. Because it starts as a 2/2 for four mana, you want to ensure you have spells ready to protect it or grow it immediately after it enters the battlefield.

Interaction examples

Growing Through Growth Spells

If you cast a spell like Giant Growth targeting Staunch-Hearted Warrior, the Heroic trigger goes on the stack first. The Warrior receives two +1/+1 counters, becoming a 4/4. Then, Giant Growth resolves, giving it an additional +3/+3. By the time the combat damage step occurs, your 2/2 has become a massive 7/7 attacker.

Interaction with Non-Targeting Creatures

Solemn Simulacrum

If you cast Solemn Simulacrum, no Heroic trigger occurs because Solemn Simulacrum is a creature spell that does not target anything when cast. Even when its enter-the-battlefield ability triggers to find a land, it is an ability, not a cast spell, and it does not target the Warrior.

Targeted Abilities vs. Cast Spells

Eternal Witness

When Eternal Witness enters the battlefield, you choose a target card in your graveyard to return to your hand. If you were to somehow use an effect that makes Eternal Witness target a creature on the battlefield, it still would not trigger Heroic. This is because Heroic only triggers when you 'cast a spell,' and the ability of Eternal Witness is a triggered ability, not a spell being cast.