Valley DasherHow it works & interactions with other cards

Unstoppable Momentum

Valley Dasher possesses two keyword-style abilities: Haste and a mandatory attack requirement. Because it has Haste, it can attack the very turn it enters the battlefield. The second ability creates a requirement during the declare attackers step, forcing you to include it in your attack force if it is legally able to do so.

Navigating the Combat Phase

When you enter your declare attackers step, the game checks if Valley Dasher is able to attack. If it is untapped and not affected by any 'can't attack' effects, you must declare it as an attacker. However, you still retain the freedom to choose which player, planeswalker, or battle it attacks. If there is a cost to attack, such as mana required by an opponent's taxing effect, you are not forced to pay it; if you don't pay, the requirement to attack is simply ignored.

Strategic Considerations

A common mistake is forgetting that Valley Dasher must attack even if the opponent has a much larger blocker. It doesn't care about its own survival, only the heat of battle. To avoid losing it prematurely, use combat tricks or ensure your opponent's board is clear before casting it. If you cast it during your post-combat main phase, it won't attack that turn, allowing it to stand ready as a blocker for your opponent's next turn.

When to Deploy the Dasher

The best time to play Valley Dasher is early in the game when your opponent's defenses are down. It excels in decks that reward constant aggression and frequent combat damage triggers. Because it must attack, it pairs perfectly with cards that provide benefits whenever creatures are declared as attackers or deal damage.

Interaction examples

Generating Treasure through Aggression

Professional Face-Breaker

With Professional Face-Breaker on the battlefield, your Valley Dasher becomes a source of economy. On your turn, you cast Valley Dasher. Because of its Haste and attack requirement, it must attack during combat. If it deals combat damage to your opponent, Professional Face-Breaker triggers, creating a Treasure token that you can later use for mana or to exile the top card of your library for more plays.

The Importance of Timing

Ornithopter of Paradise

If you have Ornithopter of Paradise, you can tap it for Red mana to help cast Valley Dasher during your first main phase. In this scenario, Valley Dasher must attack during the following combat phase. However, if you use that mana to cast Valley Dasher during your second main phase (after combat has already happened), the Dasher will remain on the battlefield untapped, able to block during your opponent's turn because the opportunity to attack has already passed.