Task ForceHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Task Force has a triggered ability that triggers whenever it becomes the target of a spell or ability. Each time this happens, Task Force gains +0/+3 until the end of the turn. This is not a replacement effect or a static buff; it is a triggered ability that goes on the stack as soon as the targeting spell is cast or the ability is activated.

How It Resolves Step by Step

First, a player casts a spell or activates an ability that targets Task Force. Second, Task Force's triggered ability is put onto the stack on top of that spell or ability. Third, the +0/+3 bonus resolves first, increasing Task Force's toughness immediately. Finally, the original spell or ability resolves. Because the bonus lasts until end of turn, multiple targets will result in a cumulative toughness increase.

Common Mistakes

A common point of confusion is whether the bonus applies if the targeting spell is countered. Since the ability triggers when Task Force 'becomes the target,' the +0/+3 will still happen even if the spell that targeted it never resolves. Additionally, remember that this ability triggers for both your own spells and your opponent's spells, but it only grants toughness, not power.

When to Play It

Task Force is best utilized in defensive strategies or combo decks that care about high toughness. It is particularly effective against 'ping' effects (spells that deal 1 damage), as the targeting act itself will buff Task Force's toughness before the damage is dealt, often keeping it alive through multiple small attacks or spells.

Interaction examples

Enhancing the Trigger

Roaming Throne

If Roaming Throne is on the battlefield with 'Human' or 'Rebel' chosen as its type, Task Force's ability will trigger an additional time. When you target Task Force with a spell, instead of getting +0/+3, you will get two separate triggers resulting in a total of +0/+6.

Interacting with Non-Targeting Entries

Solemn Simulacrum

When Solemn Simulacrum enters the battlefield, you search for a land. This ability does not target Task Force, so no bonus is granted. Similarly, if Solemn Simulacrum dies and you draw a card, that ability also doesn't target, meaning Task Force remains a 1/3.