Wolfir AvengerHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Sudden Arrival

Wolfir Avenger features the Flash keyword, allowing you to cast it during an opponent's turn or during the combat phase. When you cast it, it goes on the stack like any other creature spell, but you aren't restricted to your main phase. Once it resolves, it enters the battlefield ready to block or activate its abilities immediately.

The Mechanics of Regeneration

By paying {1}{G}, you create a 'regeneration shield' for Wolfir Avenger that lasts until the end of the current turn. If the creature would be destroyed by lethal damage or an effect that says 'destroy,' the shield is used up instead. When this happens, Wolfir Avenger remains on the battlefield, all damage is removed from it, it becomes tapped, and if it was in combat, it is removed from combat.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is trying to regenerate after a creature has already been put into the graveyard. You must activate the regeneration ability before the destruction event happens, such as during the declare blockers step or in response to a destruction spell. Additionally, regeneration does not protect against effects that reduce toughness to 0 or less, nor does it prevent a creature from being sacrificed.

Strategic Timing

To maximize Wolfir Avenger, keep your mana open. You can cast it at the end of your opponent's turn to avoid sorcery-speed removal, or cast it during their attack to surprise a small attacker. Once on the board, keep {1}{G} available to discourage your opponent from using their removal spells on it.

Interaction examples

Surprising an Attacker

Solemn Simulacrum

If your opponent attacks with Solemn Simulacrum, you can cast Wolfir Avenger using Flash during the declare attackers step. After it resolves, you move to the declare blockers step and block the Golem. Because Wolfir Avenger has 3 power and 3 toughness, it will deal lethal damage to the Golem while surviving the combat itself.

The Limits of Survival

Sakura-Tribe Elder

If your opponent targets your Wolfir Avenger with a destruction spell, you can respond by paying {1}{G} to regenerate it. However, if your opponent chooses to sacrifice their Sakura-Tribe Elder to find a land, that is a cost of an ability and not a destruction effect. Similarly, if you were forced to sacrifice Wolfir Avenger, your regeneration shield would not prevent it from going to the graveyard, as sacrificing is not destruction.