Time WipeHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Time Wipe is a five-mana sorcery that performs two actions in a specific sequence: it returns one creature you control to its owner's hand and then destroys all creatures remaining on the battlefield. Because the return happens first, the chosen creature is safe in your hand when the destruction effect occurs. If you happen to control no creatures when the spell resolves, the destruction part of the spell still happens, successfully clearing the board of all other players' creatures.

How It Resolves Step by Step

First, as the spell begins to resolve, you choose one creature you control to return to its owner's hand. This choice is made during resolution, not when you cast the spell, meaning your opponents cannot react specifically to which creature you pick after you have made your choice. Second, that creature is moved to the hand. Finally, every creature currently on the battlefield is destroyed. All of these actions happen during the resolution of a single spell, so no player can cast spells or activate abilities between the 'bounce' and the 'destroy' effects.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is thinking you must target a creature when casting Time Wipe. The spell does not use the word 'target,' so you do not choose the creature until the spell is actually resolving. Another mistake is assuming you cannot cast the spell if your board is empty. According to official rulings, if you control no creatures, you simply skip the first instruction and proceed to destroy all creatures. Lastly, remember that because the destruction happens after the return, any 'enters-the-battlefield' or 'leaves-the-battlefield' triggers will wait until the entire spell has finished resolving before being put onto the stack.

When to Play It

Time Wipe is best utilized when you have a high-value creature with an 'enters-the-battlefield' ability that you want to reuse, or a commander you wish to protect from your own sweep effect. It is particularly effective against aggressive decks where you need to clear a crowded board while ensuring you have a follow-up play ready for your next turn.

Interaction examples

Strategic Survival

You control a creature with a powerful ability and your opponent has five creatures. You cast Time Wipe. During resolution, you return your creature to your hand. Immediately after, all five of your opponent's creatures are destroyed. You have a clear board and your creature is ready to be recast.

Versatile Board Management

Austere Command

Unlike Austere Command, which requires you to choose modes that might miss certain threats or destroy your own artifacts, Time Wipe focuses purely on creatures. While Austere Command can target specific mana values, Time Wipe ensures one of your creatures is 100% safe regardless of the board state.

Total Removal Comparison

Farewell

When comparing to Farewell, note that Farewell exiles creatures, which bypasses indestructible. Time Wipe destroys them, but gives you the specific advantage of returning a card to your hand. If you need to save a specific creature from being exiled by a spell like Farewell, Time Wipe is the superior choice for creature retention.