Verdant KrakenHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Verdant Kraken has a triggered ability that triggers at the beginning of every player's upkeep. When this ability resolves, you create a 3/3 green Forest Tentacle token. This token is unique because it is simultaneously a Land, a Creature, and a Forest, allowing it to tap for green mana or attack like a standard 3/3 creature.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, at the start of any player's upkeep, the Verdant Kraken's ability is put onto the stack. Second, players have an opportunity to respond with spells or abilities. Third, as the ability resolves, you place a Forest Tentacle token onto the battlefield under your control. Note that because it is a creature, it is subject to summoning sickness and cannot be tapped for mana or attack until you have controlled it since the beginning of your most recent turn.

Common Mistakes

A frequent misconception involves the token's land type. Although the Forest Tentacle has the Forest subtype, it is not a 'basic' land. It cannot be searched for by spells that specify searching for a basic Forest. Additionally, since it enters as a land, it will trigger Landfall abilities, but as a creature, it is susceptible to board wipes like those that destroy all creatures.

When to Play It

Verdant Kraken is best utilized in Commander or multiplayer formats where more players mean more upkeeps. Since you receive a token on every player's turn, the value increases exponentially with the number of opponents, providing both blockers and a growing mana base to fuel your late-game spells.

Interaction examples

Boosting the Horde

Verdant KrakenCraterhoof Behemoth

After several turns of accumulating Forest Tentacle tokens from the Verdant Kraken, you cast Craterhoof Behemoth. The Behemoth counts all your Tentacles as creatures for its X value, giving them all trample and a massive power boost for a lethal combat phase.

Landfall Growth

Verdant KrakenAvenger of Zendikar

With Avenger of Zendikar on the field, the Verdant Kraken's ability triggers during an opponent's upkeep. When the Forest Tentacle token enters the battlefield, it triggers the Avenger's Landfall ability. You then put a +1/+1 counter on all Plant creatures you control, including the Kraken and the new Tentacle.