Uncontrolled InfestationHow it works & interactions with other cards

Punishing Nonbasic Lands

Uncontrolled Infestation can only be attached to a nonbasic land. Once it is attached, it creates a triggered ability that watches the state of that land. If the enchanted land changes from an untapped state to a tapped state for any reason—whether to pay for a mana cost, an activated ability, or due to an opponent's spell—the triggered ability goes on the stack to destroy that land.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you cast Uncontrolled Infestation by targeting a nonbasic land on the battlefield. When it resolves, the Aura enters the battlefield attached to that land. The destruction effect is a triggered ability, not a static one. When the land becomes tapped, the ability triggers and is placed on the stack. Players can respond to this trigger (for example, by protecting the land or sacrificing it for another effect), but if the trigger resolves, the land is destroyed and the Aura is put into the graveyard.

Important Timing Restrictions

A common mistake is assuming the land is destroyed immediately if it is already tapped when you cast the Aura. Per the official rulings, Uncontrolled Infestation only triggers if the land 'becomes' tapped while the Aura is already attached. If you enchant a land that is currently tapped, nothing happens until the land untaps during its controller's next untap step and is subsequently tapped again.

Strategic Implementation

This card is best used against decks that rely on specific utility lands or heavy color requirements from nonbasic sources. Because it only costs two mana, it is an efficient way to force an opponent to tap out or lose their land tempo early in the game. It is particularly effective when the opponent is forced to tap the land to react to your other threats.

Interaction examples

Basic Land Destruction

You cast Uncontrolled Infestation on an opponent's untapped nonbasic land. During their main phase, they tap that land to add mana to their pool. This causes Uncontrolled Infestation to trigger. The land is destroyed, but the opponent still gets to keep the mana they added to their pool before the land left the battlefield.

Interaction with Other Enchantments

Impact Tremors

If you have Impact Tremors on the battlefield and use Uncontrolled Infestation to destroy an opponent's land, no damage is dealt by Impact Tremors. This is because Impact Tremors only triggers when a creature enters the battlefield under your control, and destroying a land does not involve creatures entering the battlefield.

Recursing the Infestation

Underworld Breach

If your Uncontrolled Infestation is in your graveyard because the land it enchanted was destroyed, you can use Underworld Breach to give it Escape. You may then cast it again from your graveyard by paying its mana cost and exiling three other cards, allowing you to target a new nonbasic land your opponent controls.