Zuko's ExileHow it works & interactions with other cards

Versatile Removal

Zuko's Exile allows you to target and exile any artifact, creature, or enchantment. Because it exiles rather than destroys, it bypasses keywords like indestructible and prevents creatures from triggering 'when this dies' abilities. It is also a Lesson, meaning it can be retrieved from outside the game by cards with the Learn mechanic.

Resolving the Spell

When Zuko's Exile resolves, the targeted permanent is moved directly to the exile zone. Immediately after, the player who controlled that permanent creates a Clue token. This token is a colorless artifact with the ability to pay two mana and sacrifice itself to draw a card. Note that according to official rulings, this specific action of creating a Clue is not 'investigating,' so it will not trigger abilities that look for players to investigate.

Common Mistakes

A common point of confusion is the timing and the target. Since Zuko's Exile is a single spell, if the target becomes illegal before the spell resolves (for example, if it gains protection or is returned to its owner's hand), the entire spell fails. In this case, the controller does not get a Clue token because the spell never resolved.

When to Play Zuko's Exile

Use this card to remove game-winning permanents that are difficult to destroy. Since it costs five mana, it is best saved for threats that your cheaper spells cannot touch. Giving your opponent a Clue is a small price to pay for permanently removing a massive Eldrazi or a powerful enchantment.

Interaction examples

Exchanging a Threat for Information

Clue

You cast Zuko's Exile targeting an opponent's creature. As the spell resolves, the creature is exiled. Your opponent then places a Clue token onto the battlefield. They can later spend two mana to sacrifice that Clue and draw a card.

Protection from Exile

Eldritch Immunity

You target your opponent's creature with Zuko's Exile. In response, they cast Eldritch Immunity targeting that creature. The creature gains protection from every color, including white. Because Zuko's Exile is now trying to target a creature with protection from its color, the spell is countered by the game rules upon resolution. The creature stays on the battlefield and no Clue token is created.

Dealing with Multicolored Threats

Null Elemental Blast

If an opponent attempts to protect their multicolored creature from destruction using Null Elemental Blast's second mode, Zuko's Exile remains a superior choice for removal as a Lesson from the sideboard. While Null Elemental Blast is restricted to multicolored targets, Zuko's Exile can hit any artifact, creature, or enchantment regardless of its colors.