What happens if a mutate target dies?

What Happens if a Mutate Target Dies?

In Magic: The Gathering, the Mutate ability is a powerful mechanic that allows a creature to transform into a new form when a certain condition is met. However, what happens when the target of the Mutate ability dies? In this article, we’ll delve into the rules and scenarios surrounding Mutate and examine the consequences of a Mutate target dying.

Direct Answer

If a Mutate target dies, all of its components will go to the appropriate zone. This means that the creature card and any additional cards or tokens that make up the Mutate component will be sent to the graveyard.

Scenario: Mutate Target Dies during Resolution

Let’s say you cast a creature with Mutate and it gets destroyed by an opponent’s spell or ability during the resolution of the Mutate ability. In this case, the Mutate target will die, and the components will go to the graveyard. The Mutate ability will not resolve, and the creature will not transform into its new form.

Scenario: Mutate Target Dies before Resolution

Now, let’s say you cast a creature with Mutate, and before the Mutate ability resolves, the target creature is destroyed by an opponent’s spell or ability. In this case, the Mutate target will die, and the components will go to the graveyard. The Mutate ability will not resolve, and the creature will not transform into its new form.

Scenario: Mutate Target is Exiled

What happens if a Mutate target is exiled instead of dying? In this case, the Mutate ability will resolve, and the creature will transform into its new form. The exiled target will remain exiled and will not return to the battlefield.

Scenario: Mutate Target is Put into a Hand

What happens if a Mutate target is put into a hand instead of dying? In this case, the Mutate ability will resolve, and the creature will transform into its new form. The card will then be added to the player’s hand and can be played as usual.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if a Mutate target dies, all of its components will go to the graveyard. Whether the target dies during resolution or before, the outcome is the same: the Mutate ability will not resolve, and the creature will not transform into its new form. However, if the target is exiled or put into a hand, the Mutate ability will resolve, and the creature will transform into its new form.

Important Points to Remember

• If a Mutate target dies, all of its components will go to the graveyard.
• Whether the target dies during resolution or before, the outcome is the same: the Mutate ability will not resolve, and the creature will not transform into its new form.
• If the target is exiled or put into a hand, the Mutate ability will resolve, and the creature will transform into its new form.

References

• Magic: The Gathering Comprehensive Rules
• Magic: The Gathering Judge’s Forum
• Card Kingdom FAQ

Mutate Target Death Scenarios