Winota, Joiner of ForcesHow it works & interactions with other cards

How the Trigger Works

Winota's ability triggers for every non-Human creature you control that is declared as an attacker. If you attack with four non-Human creatures, you get four separate triggers. Each trigger is resolved one by one: you look at the top six cards, potentially put a Human into play, and then move to the next trigger. The Human enters the battlefield already attacking and gains indestructible until end of turn, making them incredibly difficult to block profitably.

Navigating the Combat Phase

The Human creature you find doesn't have to attack the same target as the creature that triggered the ability. You can choose to have the new Human attack the same player, a different player, or even a planeswalker. Because the Human is put onto the battlefield attacking rather than being declared as an attacker, it bypasses restrictions like defender or tax effects like Propaganda. However, keep in mind that 'whenever this creature attacks' abilities of the new Human will not trigger.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A frequent error is looking at all the cards at once if you have multiple attackers. You must resolve each trigger fully before starting the next one. This is important because the Human you put into play from the first trigger might influence how you want to handle the second trigger. Additionally, remember that Winota herself is a Human, so she does not trigger her own ability when she attacks.

When to Play Winota

Winota is best played when you already have a board of non-Human creatures ready to swing. Since her ability relies on the 'declare attackers' step, casting her before combat on a turn where you have non-Human creatures without summoning sickness is the ideal play. Protecting her is key, as she is the engine that drives the deck's explosive potential.

Interaction examples

Robotic Reinforcements

Solemn Simulacrum

When you declare Solemn Simulacrum as an attacker while Winota, Joiner of Forces is on the battlefield, Winota's ability triggers because the Golem is a non-Human. You look at the top six cards of your library and can put a Human onto the battlefield tapped and attacking. Even though the Golem is an artifact, it satisfies the non-Human requirement perfectly.

Doubling the Value

Roaming Throne

If Roaming Throne enters the battlefield and you choose 'Human' as its type, it becomes a non-Human Golem that is also a Human. When another non-Human creature attacks, Winota's ability triggers. Because Roaming Throne sees a Human's (Winota's) triggered ability occurring, it causes that ability to trigger an additional time. You will now look at the top six cards twice for every single non-Human attacker!