Wicked WolfHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Wicked Wolf has two main functions: an enters-the-battlefield trigger that allows it to fight an opponent's creature, and an activated ability that consumes Food to make the Wolf stronger and Indestructible. Unlike many 'fight' effects, the first ability is optional ('up to one'), and the second ability can be used at instant speed to protect the Wolf from removal or to win a fight it might otherwise lose.

How It Resolves Step by Step

When Wicked Wolf enters the battlefield, its triggered ability goes on the stack, and you choose a target creature you don't control. While this ability is on the stack, you have priority to activate its second ability by sacrificing a Food. If you do, Wicked Wolf receives a +1/+1 counter and gains indestructible immediately. Then, the fight ability resolves; the two creatures deal damage to each other simultaneously based on their current power. If the target creature is gone or becomes illegal before resolution, the fight does not happen.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is forgetting that the Wolf taps when it consumes Food. If you activate this ability during your turn, you likely won't be able to attack with it unless you have a way to untap it. However, you can still activate the ability even if the Wolf is already tapped. Another mistake is thinking the Wolf must survive the fight to get the counter; you must sacrifice the Food *before* the fight resolves if you want the extra power and Indestructible status to apply during the damage exchange.

When to Play It

Wicked Wolf is best played when you have at least one Food token available. This allows you to safely target a creature with 3 or 4 power, as you can respond to the fight by making the Wolf a 4/4 Indestructible creature. It is also an excellent blocker, as you can wait for your opponent to attack, declare the Wolf as a blocker, and then sacrifice a Food to ensure it survives the combat.

Interaction examples

Hunting the Golem

Solemn Simulacrum

You cast Wicked Wolf and target your opponent's Solemn Simulacrum for a fight. Before the fight happens, you sacrifice a Food to the Wolf. The Wolf becomes a 4/4 with Indestructible and taps. When the fight resolves, the Wolf deals 4 damage to the Golem and takes 2 damage back. The Golem is destroyed, but the Wolf survives due to its high toughness and Indestructible keyword.

Picking Off Support

Eternal Witness

When Wicked Wolf enters, you target an opponent's Eternal Witness. Since Eternal Witness only has 1 power and 1 toughness, you choose not to sacrifice any Food. The creatures fight, and both deal damage. Eternal Witness is destroyed, while Wicked Wolf takes 2 damage and remains on the battlefield as a 3/3.