Zodiark, Umbral God — ruling 1

While resolving Zodiark's second ability, you choose half the non-God creatures you control (rounded down), then each other player in turn order does the same. Then each of the chosen creatures are sacrificed simultaneously.

Zodiark, Umbral God : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Zodiark, Umbral God is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.

Official card text

Indestructible When Zodiark enters, each player sacrifices half the non-God creatures they control of their choice, rounded down. Whenever a player sacrifices another creature, put a +1/+1 counter on Zodiark.

Complete guide

Zodiark, Umbral God is a terrifying force that demands a heavy toll from every player on the battlefield. This legendary God not only survives most removal but also thrives on the carnage it creates upon arrival. Harnessing the power of sacrifice, it grows larger with every soul claimed by the shadows.

Divine Annihilation

Zodiark possesses the Indestructible keyword, making it immune to 'destroy' effects and lethal combat damage. Its primary strength lies in its enter-the-battlefield ability, which forces every player to cull their own forces. Because it specifically targets 'non-God' creatures, other Gods you control are safe from this dark mandate.

The Sacrifice Procedure

When the ability resolves, you first choose half of your non-God creatures (rounded down). Then, in turn order, each other player does the same. Once all selections are made, all chosen creatures are sacrificed simultaneously. Importantly, if a player controls only one non-God creature, they sacrifice zero because one halved and rounded down is zero.

Eternal Growth

Zodiark's final ability is a triggered effect that watches for any player sacrificing another creature. This includes the creatures sacrificed during its own entry ability, as well as creatures sacrificed to pay costs or from other spell effects. Note that it says 'another' creature, so it will not trigger if Zodiark itself is somehow sacrificed.

Strategic Timing

Since Zodiark rounds down, it is most effective against opponents with wide boards of three or more creatures. If an opponent has two creatures, they only lose one; if they have three, they still only lose one. Wait for your opponents to commit multiple non-God threats to the board to maximize the number of +1/+1 counters Zodiark receives.

Interaction examples

The Golem's Last Stand

Solemn Simulacrum

If you control three Solemn Simulacrum and cast Zodiark, Umbral God, the entry trigger occurs. You must choose one (half of three, rounded down) to sacrifice. When Solemn Simulacrum is sacrificed, its own death trigger goes on the stack to draw you a card, and Zodiark's ability triggers to receive a +1/+1 counter.

Doubling the Darkness

Roaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield with 'God' chosen as the creature type and Zodiark, Umbral God enters, its sacrifice ability triggers twice. Each player will have to calculate half their non-God creatures and sacrifice them, then repeat that process for the second trigger based on the remaining creatures. Zodiark will gain +1/+1 counters for every creature lost across both waves.

Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.

How it works : Zodiark, Umbral God

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1June 6, 2025· Wizards of the Coast
While resolving Zodiark's second ability, you choose half the non-God creatures you control (rounded down), then each other player in turn order does the same. Then each of the chosen creatures are sacrificed simultaneously.
No other card is named in this ruling.