Mastering Multiplayer Battles in Magic: The Gathering

Battles are a relatively new card type in Magic: The Gathering, and they add a fascinating layer of complexity, especially in multiplayer formats like Commander. In essence, Battles are permanents that enter the battlefield with a number of defense counters. These counters represent the amount of damage needed to “defeat” the Battle. Unlike creatures and planeswalkers, Battles have a “protector” – the player who cast the Battle. Here’s the crucial multiplayer twist: all players except the protector can attack the Battle. Once the Battle is defeated (all defense counters are removed), it transforms into a permanent that its protector controls, granting them a potentially powerful advantage.

Understanding the Core Mechanics

The introduction of Battles significantly alters the political landscape of multiplayer MTG. No longer are players solely focused on attacking each other or each other’s planeswalkers. Now, Battles become shared objectives and potential targets of opportunity for everyone except the player who cast it. To fully grasp their impact, consider these key aspects:

• Targeting Restrictions: Spells and abilities that target “any target” can target Battles, just like they can target creatures, planeswalkers, or players. This opens a wealth of strategic options.
• Damage and Defense Counters: Damage dealt to a Battle removes an equivalent number of defense counters. This is crucial for understanding how quickly a Battle can be defeated.
• Who Can Attack: Only players other than the Battle’s protector can attack it with creatures. This is a fundamental rule that shapes multiplayer dynamics. Even the controller of a Siege can attack it.
• Transformation: Once defeated, the Battle transforms into a permanent controlled by its protector. This transformed permanent can be a creature, a land, or another powerful permanent.

Strategic Considerations for Multiplayer

Battles demand a new way of thinking about multiplayer strategy. Here’s how to approach them effectively:

• Assess the Threat: Before attacking a Battle, evaluate the transformed permanent. Is it worth the effort? Could it backfire and strengthen an opponent you don’t want to empower?
• Political Maneuvering: Battles become bargaining chips. You can offer to protect a Battle in exchange for future favors or temporary alliances. Conversely, you can threaten to attack a Battle unless a player agrees to your terms.
• Resource Management: Attacking Battles requires resources, specifically creatures and direct damage spells. Weigh the cost against the potential reward. Are you diverting resources that could be better used elsewhere?
• Board State Awareness: The presence of a Battle changes the entire board state. Players are forced to consider a new axis of attack and defense. This can create opportunities to exploit vulnerabilities.
• Deckbuilding: The presence of battles changes deck building strategies and card selections. Players are now forced to think about including cards that can hit battles effectively.

Types of Battles

As of this writing, there are two main sub-types of battles, which offer different strategic dynamics:

• Sieges: Sieges are the predominant type of Battle thus far. These battles enter the battlefield under your control (the “protector”), but your opponents can attack them. Once defeated, the Siege transforms into a permanent you control that provides a benefit. These are considered to be a risky investment, as opponents can choose to attack these and delay or even prevent you from receiving the reward.
• Planeswalkers: The other, less common type of battle is a battle for a planeswalker. These are battles that enter the battlefield with a set number of defense counters. The goal of these battles is to defeat them, in which, unlike a siege, you control your creatures and must get them to 0 defense. Upon defeat, the battle is exiled and the planeswalker is summoned to the battlefield under your control.

Political Implications

The political element of multiplayer MTG is amplified by Battles. Since other players are the ones who must attack battles (excluding the protector, who can with specific cards), it places a heavy political toll on these cards. Players must consider if the card they’re playing will be beneficial for the table and if others will allow the card to survive. Battles can easily be destroyed by other players who do not want to see the transformations occur. For example, if you are behind on life, you may encourage other players to attack a battle of the player in the lead so that they’re not receiving additional benefits.

Adapting Your Strategy

The key to success with Battles in multiplayer is adaptability. The right play depends entirely on the board state, your opponents’ decks, and the specific Battle in question. Keep these points in mind:

• Be Opportunistic: Don’t be afraid to change your plans if an opportunity arises. A weakened Battle might become a tempting target, even if it wasn’t your initial focus.
• Communicate: Talk to your opponents. Explain why attacking a Battle is in their best interest. Negotiate deals and form temporary alliances.
• Be Patient: Sometimes, the best strategy is to wait and see. Let other players weaken a Battle before you swoop in for the final blow.
• Protect Your Investments: As a player who cast a Battle, protect it with your creatures or spells to get the desired transformation effect.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Battles in Multiplayer MTG

1. Can I use direct damage spells like Lightning Bolt on a Battle?

Yes! Direct damage spells that target “any target” can absolutely target Battles. This makes burn spells even more versatile in multiplayer.

2. What happens if a Battle is destroyed by a “destroy target permanent” effect like Vindicate?

If a Battle is destroyed by a “destroy target permanent” effect, it goes directly to the graveyard and does not transform. It must be defeated through damage to trigger its transformation.

3. Can I proliferate the defense counters on a Battle?

Yes, you can proliferate the defense counters on a Battle. However, you will want to only proliferate your opponent’s battles, as increasing your own only makes it harder for you to benefit from its transformation.

4. Do Battles have summoning sickness?

Battles themselves do not have summoning sickness. However, if a Battle transforms into a creature, that creature will be subject to summoning sickness if it hasn’t been under your control since the beginning of your turn.

5. Can I attack my own Battle as its protector?

No, you cannot attack your own Battle with your own creatures. Only opponents can attack it. However, a special card called Siege Veteran allows you to attack your own siege.

6. If a Battle is also a creature, can it attack a player or another Battle?

Yes, If a battle is also a creature, it can attack a player or another battle in the same way as any other attacking creature.

7. Does Doubling Season double the defense counters on a Battle?

Yes! Effects like Doubling Season that double the number of counters placed on a permanent will double the initial defense counters on a Battle.

8. Can a Battle be a Commander?

As of now, no. To be a Commander, a card must be a legendary creature on its front face, or have text specifying it can be a commander. There are no battles that meet this requirement.

9. How do triggered abilities on Battles work in multiplayer?

Triggered abilities on Battles function as described on the card. Pay close attention to triggers that occur when a Battle is attacked or defeated, as these can have significant implications for the game.

10. What happens if a Battle’s protector leaves the game?

If a Battle’s protector leaves the game, the Battle is exiled. This prevents the remaining players from being negatively impacted by the battle for the rest of the game.

11. Are Battles legal in all MTG formats?

Battles are legal in any format where the set they are printed in is legal, so for the most part, modern and commander are the most common formats you will see them in. Check the legality of the card in the respective format before playing it.

12. Can I use a board wipe to get rid of a Battle?

Yes, a board wipe that destroys all permanents will destroy Battles along with other cards on the battlefield. However, destroying the battle won’t transform it, and you may prefer a targeted effect if you want to protect other permanents you control.

13. How do I deal with a Battle that’s proving difficult to defeat?

If a Battle is proving difficult to defeat, consider strategies such as:

• Forming alliances: Encourage other players to focus their attacks on the Battle.
• Using direct damage spells: Chip away at its defense counters with burn spells.
• Removing its protector’s defenses: Target the protector’s creatures and planeswalkers to make it easier to attack the Battle.
• Board wipes: Clearing the board can reset the situation and create new opportunities.

14. What are the key differences between Sieges and other Battle types?

The main difference is who controls the means to transform it. For Sieges, other players decide when to attack it and allow it to transform. For battles for Planeswalkers, you yourself control when to attack it, but the transformation is not necessarily beneficial, as you will have to defend the Planeswalker.

15. Where can I learn more about MTG strategy and card interactions?

For more in-depth information on MTG strategy, card interactions, and game mechanics, consider exploring resources like the official Magic: The Gathering website, strategy articles from reputable MTG websites, and the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Battles have undeniably shaken up the multiplayer MTG landscape, demanding strategic adjustments and careful consideration of the political ramifications. By mastering the mechanics and understanding the nuances of Battles, you can gain a significant edge in your next multiplayer game. Good luck, and may your battles be victorious!