Victim of NightHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Victim of Night is a targeted removal spell that destroys a creature. However, it comes with specific restrictions: it cannot target any creature that has the Vampire, Werewolf, or Zombie subtype. If a creature has even one of these types, it is a completely illegal target for this spell.

How It Resolves

When you cast Victim of Night, you first choose a legal target that is not a Vampire, Werewolf, or Zombie. Upon resolution, the game checks the target's types again. If the target is still legal, the creature is put directly into its owner's graveyard. If the target has somehow gained one of the prohibited types in response, the spell will fail to resolve.

Common Mistakes

Players often forget that a creature with multiple types, such as a 'Zombie Elf', is still a Zombie and therefore cannot be targeted. Additionally, keep in mind that this spell does not bypass protection from black or indestructible, as it specifically uses the word 'destroy'.

When to Play It

This spell is best utilized in mono-black decks or heavy black control builds where the {B}{B} cost is easily met. It is particularly effective in formats where the dominant threats are Humans, Spirits, or Eldrazi, as these will almost always be valid targets for the spell's destructive power.

Interaction examples

Fast Mana Removal

Dark Ritual

On turn one, you can cast Dark Ritual to add three black mana to your pool. You can immediately spend two of that mana to cast Victim of Night, allowing you to destroy an opponent's early-game threat before they even have a second land in play.

Setting Up the Kill

Vampiric Tutor

If your opponent plays a game-ending creature, you can cast Vampiric Tutor at the end of their turn to search for Victim of Night and place it on top of your library. On your turn, you draw the removal spell and use it to clear the way for your own attackers.

Targeting Limitations

If you are facing a Grizzly Bears, Victim of Night can target it because a Bear is not a Vampire, Werewolf, or Zombie. The spell will resolve and destroy the Bear. However, you could not target a Gravecrawler, as its type line includes 'Zombie'.