Zendikar FarguideHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Zendikar Farguide possesses an evasion ability called Forestwalk. This is a keyword ability that functions during the declare blockers step of combat. If the player you are attacking controls at least one land with the 'Forest' subtype, Zendikar Farguide cannot be blocked by any creatures, regardless of their keywords or abilities.

How It Resolves Step by Step

When you enter the combat phase, you first declare Zendikar Farguide as an attacker. The game then checks the defending player's board during the declare blockers step. If the defending player controls a Forest (including non-basic lands with the Forest subtype), they are legally prohibited from assigning any blockers to Zendikar Farguide. The check for a Forest happens only at the moment blockers are declared; if they gain a Forest after blockers are legally assigned, it will not remove the blockers.

Common Mistakes

A common misconception is that Forestwalk only applies to basic Forests. In reality, it counts any land with the Forest subtype, such as 'Triomes' or 'Shock Lands'. Another mistake is assuming Forestwalk works in multiplayer games against players who don't have Forests; the ability only checks the specific player (or the controller of the planeswalker or battle) that Zendikar Farguide is currently attacking.

When to Play It

Zendikar Farguide is most effective in matchups against Green-based decks where its 3/3 stats can provide a consistent clock. Since it lacks haste or protection, it is best played when you can guarantee the opponent has a Forest, turning your five-mana investment into a reliable source of unblockable damage.

Interaction examples

Land Search Synergy

Solemn Simulacrum

If you are playing a mirror match and your opponent has no Forests, they might feel safe. However, if you use Solemn Simulacrum to trade in combat and draw into a way to give your opponent a Forest (via other effects), your Zendikar Farguide suddenly becomes unblockable. While Solemn Simulacrum helps you ramp, it reminds us that land presence dictates the Farguide's power.

Type Doubling Interaction

Roaming Throne

If you name 'Elemental' with Roaming Throne, it's important to note that Forestwalk is a static ability, not a triggered ability. Therefore, Roaming Throne will not cause Forestwalk to 'trigger' twice or provide any additional benefit to Zendikar Farguide's evasion. The Farguide remains simply unblockable if the condition is met.

Sole Attacks

You attack an opponent who controls a Breeding Pool (which is a Forest Island). Because the land has the Forest subtype, Zendikar Farguide's Forestwalk is active. Your opponent cannot block with any creatures, and the Farguide deals 3 damage directly to the opponent's life total.