Totally LostHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Totally Lost targets a single nonland permanent and moves it from the battlefield to the very top of its owner's library. Unlike effects that return cards to the hand, this ensures the opponent cannot immediately cast the spell again without first waiting for their next draw step. It can target creatures, enchantments, artifacts, or planeswalkers.

How It Resolves Step by Step

First, you cast the spell by paying its mana cost and choosing a legal nonland permanent as a target. When the spell resolves, the targeted permanent is moved directly to the top of the owner's library. If the target becomes illegal before resolution (for example, if it gains hexproof or leaves the battlefield), Totally Lost will fail to resolve and be put into the graveyard with no effect.

Common Mistakes

The most frequent error is attempting to target a land; because the card specifies 'nonland,' lands are invalid targets. Additionally, remember that this does not 'destroy' the permanent, so abilities like Indestructible will not protect a card from being moved. However, if the target is a token, it will be moved to the library and then cease to exist as a state-based action.

When to Play It

This spell is best utilized during your opponent's end step or in response to an activation of a powerful ability. By putting a key piece on top of their library, you force them to redraw a card they already invested mana into, effectively making them skip their next draw for the turn.

Interaction examples

Protecting Your Board

Force of Will

If your opponent attempts to cast Force of Will to counter your winning spell, you can cast Totally Lost on one of their existing blockers. While Totally Lost doesn't stop the counterspell, it ensures their defense is weakened for your next turn, and they will draw that same creature instead of a new answer.

Dealing with Attackers

Aetherize

Imagine an opponent attacks with three creatures. You could use Aetherize to return all of them to their hand. However, if one specific creature is a massive threat you don't want them to have in hand to recast immediately, you can use Totally Lost on that specific creature instead. This puts it on top of the library, forcing them to spend their next turn's draw just to get it back.