Ulamog's DreadsireHow it works & interactions with other cards

Token Generation and Vigilance

Ulamog's Dreadsire possesses vigilance, meaning it does not tap to attack. This is crucial because its activated ability requires tapping it to create a 10/10 colorless Eldrazi creature token. Because it stays untapped after an attack, you can swing for 10 damage and then tap it during your opponent's turn or your own post-combat main phase to double your board presence.

Understanding the Ward Cost

This creature features a specific Ward ability: 'Sacrifice a permanent with mana value 1 or greater.' When an opponent targets Ulamog's Dreadsire with a spell or ability, their effect is countered unless they pay this cost. Note that tokens usually have a mana value of 0, so your opponent cannot simply sacrifice a standard token to bypass this ward; they must give up a non-token permanent or a token that is a copy of a high-cost card.

Mana Value Nuances

When determining if a permanent satisfies the Ward cost, remember that face-down permanents and most tokens have a mana value of 0. If a permanent has {X} in its mana cost, X is treated as 0 while it is on the battlefield. This makes Ulamog's Dreadsire particularly difficult to remove in the early to mid-game when resources are scarce.

Interaction examples

Generating Massive Reinforcements

Eldrazi

During your turn, you declare Ulamog's Dreadsire as an attacker. Due to vigilance, it remains untapped. Before your turn ends, you activate its ability by tapping it. You create a 10/10 colorless Eldrazi token, effectively putting 20 power on the board while still having dealt damage.

Synergizing with Mega Flare

Summon: Bahamut

With Summon: Bahamut reaching its IV chapter, it triggers Mega Flare. The damage dealt is based on the total mana value of your other permanents. Since Ulamog's Dreadsire has a mana value of 10, it contributes significantly to this blast, likely ending the game on the spot.

Taxing the Butcher

Kozilek, Butcher of Truth

If an opponent attempts to target Ulamog's Dreadsire with an ability while they control Kozilek, Butcher of Truth, they must choose a permanent they control with a mana value of 1 or greater to sacrifice. They could choose to sacrifice Kozilek himself (who has a mana value of 10) to satisfy the Ward cost, otherwise their targeting effect is countered.