V'Ger, the IntruderHow it works & interactions with other cards

Dual-Purpose Utility

V'Ger, the Intruder features a triggered ability that fires off both when it enters the battlefield and whenever it attacks. You must choose one of two modes: you can either gain information by looking at an opponent's hand and drawing a card, or you can apply a blanket -1/-0 debuff to all creatures your opponents control. This debuff is particularly potent because it lasts until your next turn, protecting you during your opponents' combat phases as well.

Resolving the Triggers

When the ability triggers, you choose the mode and, if applicable, the target opponent. If you choose the first mode, you first look at the hand, then draw a card as a single resolution. If you choose the second mode, the power reduction only affects creatures your opponents control at the time the ability resolves. Any creatures that enter the battlefield after the ability has resolved will not be affected by the -1/-0 penalty.

Timing and Strategy

Because V'Ger triggers on both entry and attack, it is an excellent candidate for blink or flicker effects to repeatedly cycle through your opponent's hand. When choosing the power reduction mode, remember that it stacks if you can trigger the ability multiple times in a single turn, potentially neutralizing an entire army of small tokens.

Common Mistakes

A common error is forgetting the duration of the power reduction. It lasts until your next turn begins, meaning it covers all turns taken by all opponents in a multiplayer game. Additionally, if you choose to look at a hand and draw a card, you must target an opponent; if all your opponents have hexproof, you cannot choose that mode and must pick the power reduction instead.

Interaction examples

Securing the Skies

Hullbreaker Horror

With Hullbreaker Horror on the battlefield, you cast V'Ger, the Intruder. The Horror triggers, allowing you to bounce a threatening nonland permanent. When V'Ger enters, you choose to look at your opponent's hand. This sequence allows you to remove a blocker and immediately see if they have a replacement in hand, all while drawing a card to replace V'Ger in your hand size.

The Knowledge Engine

Consecrated Sphinx

If you control Consecrated Sphinx and V'Ger, the Intruder attacks, you can choose to draw a card. While V'Ger's own draw doesn't trigger your Sphinx, the information you gain by looking at your opponent's hand helps you decide if you need to hold up mana for the extra cards the Sphinx will draw you during the opponent's next draw step.