Summit ApesHow it works & interactions with other cards

Understanding Mountain Support

Summit Apes features a static ability that checks if you control any land with the Mountain subtype. This includes basic Mountains as well as non-basic lands that specify they are Mountains. If you meet this condition, the creature automatically gains menace, meaning your opponent must commit at least two creatures to block it.

The Importance of Timing

The presence of a Mountain is most critical during the Declare Blockers step. When your opponent chooses which creatures to block with, they must follow the restrictions of menace. However, if they have already legally blocked Summit Apes with two creatures and you somehow lose your only Mountain, the block remains legal. Similarly, playing a Mountain after blockers have already been declared won't undo a block made by a single creature.

Common Missteps

A common mistake is assuming Summit Apes loses menace if the Mountain is destroyed mid-combat. While it does lose the keyword, the rules for combat state that once a creature is blocked, it remains blocked for the rest of combat regardless of changes to its abilities. Another error is forgetting that menace does not make a creature unblockable; it simply changes the requirement from one blocker to two.

When to Deploy the Apes

Summit Apes is best utilized when you can reliably search for your splash colors or basic lands. Because it is a 5/2, it can trade favorably with larger threats or force your opponent into unfavorable two-for-one blocks. It is most effective when your opponent has a limited number of creatures on the board, as menace can render a lone defender useless.

Interaction examples

Securing the Mountain

Solemn Simulacrum

If you have Summit Apes in hand but no red mana, cast Solemn Simulacrum first. Its triggered ability allows you to search for a basic Mountain and put it onto the battlefield. Once that Mountain is under your control, your Summit Apes will enter the battlefield with menace active, ready to threaten the opponent on the next turn.

Recovering the Pressure

Eternal Witness

Because Summit Apes has high power but low toughness, it may die frequently in combat. If your opponent manages to trade two creatures for it, you can cast Eternal Witness to return Summit Apes from your graveyard to your hand. As long as you still control your Mountain, you can redeploy the Ape to continue the menace-filled assault.