The WarmongerHow it works & interactions with other cards

Unleashing the Horde

The Warmonger features a single activated ability that requires you to exile the card as its cost. Because this is an activated ability, you can trigger it at any time you have priority, including during your opponent's turn or in response to spells. Once activated, the effect applies to all creatures you currently control, providing them with +2/+0 and haste until the end of the current turn.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you announce the activation and move The Warmonger to the exile zone. The ability then goes on the stack. When the ability resolves, the game checks which creatures you control at that exact moment. Those specific creatures receive the +2/+0 buff and haste. Note that creatures that enter the battlefield later in the turn will not receive these bonuses, as the set of affected permanents is determined upon resolution.

Strategic Timing

A common mistake is exiling The Warmonger before you have finished casting your creature spells for the turn. Since the haste and power bonus only apply to creatures you control when the ability resolves, you should generally wait until your full board is present. Additionally, because the card exiles itself, it is immune to most traditional forms of graveyard recursion, making the timing of its use a critical one-time decision.

Interaction examples

Aggressive Opening

If you have a group of small creatures ready to attack but they were just played this turn, exiling The Warmonger allows them to ignore summoning sickness via haste and deal significantly more damage thanks to the +2/+0 buff.

Mana Development

Sol RingCommand Tower

You use Command Tower and Sol Ring to generate the mana needed to cast multiple creature spells from your hand. After all creatures have successfully entered the battlefield, you exile The Warmonger. This ensures every creature you just cast gains haste and the power bonus for a massive synchronized attack.