Witch HunterHow it works & interactions with other cards

Versatile Activated Abilities

Witch Hunter features two distinct activated abilities. The first allows you to tap the creature to deal 1 damage to a target player or planeswalker, functioning as a slow clock or a way to chip away at loyalty. The second, more powerful ability costs {1}{W}{W} and tapping, allowing you to return a creature an opponent controls to its owner's hand. Because these both require tapping, you generally have to choose between dealing damage or bouncing a creature each turn cycle unless you have a way to untap it.

Resolving the Bounce Effect

When you activate the second ability, you must target a creature controlled by an opponent. Upon resolution, that creature is moved from the battlefield to its owner's hand. It is important to note that this ability can only target creatures controlled by an opponent; you cannot use Witch Hunter to save your own creatures from removal spells or to reuse your own 'enters-the-battlefield' effects.

Timing and Strategy

Witch Hunter is most effective when used defensively or during your opponent's end step. By waiting until the last possible moment, you can force your opponent to spend mana on a creature only to have it returned to their hand before they can attack. If no threats are present, you can simply use the tap ability to deal damage directly to the opponent, ensuring your mana and tap activations never go to waste.

Interaction examples

Resetting the Golem

Solemn Simulacrum

If your opponent controls a Solemn Simulacrum, you can activate Witch Hunter's second ability to return it to their hand. While this prevents the Golem from attacking or blocking, be aware that your opponent will get to search for another land if they recast it. However, because the creature is returned to the hand rather than destroyed, the 'When this creature dies' ability of Solemn Simulacrum will not trigger.

Bouncing the Throne

Roaming Throne

If an opponent has Roaming Throne on the battlefield, it may have Ward {2}. To return it with Witch Hunter, you must pay the {1}{W}{W} and tap the Hunter, then pay an additional {2} mana for the Ward cost. Since Witch Hunter's abilities are activated and not triggered, Roaming Throne's last ability does not interact with them, even if the chosen type is Human or Cleric.