Does Returning From Exile Trigger Enter the Battlefield? A Comprehensive Guide
Absolutely! Yes, returning a permanent from exile to the battlefield does trigger enter-the-battlefield (ETB) effects. Think of it this way: exile is essentially a “pause” button. When a card is exiled and then returns, the game treats it as a brand new object entering the battlefield. All associated ETB triggers fire off as expected.
Now, let’s dive deeper into the intricacies of this interaction and address some common misconceptions. We’ll explore related rules, scenarios, and frequently asked questions to solidify your understanding.
Understanding the Mechanics
The core concept revolves around how Magic: The Gathering defines “entering the battlefield.” The rules specifically state that putting a permanent onto the battlefield, regardless of its origin, triggers abilities that watch for that event. This includes:
- Spells resolving: When you cast a creature spell and it resolves, it enters the battlefield, triggering its ETB ability.
- Returning from the graveyard: Effects that return creatures or other permanents from the graveyard to the battlefield also cause ETB triggers.
- Returning from exile: As we’ve established, this is no exception.
- Token creation: If a token is created on the battlefield, its ETB trigger will fire.
The key takeaway is that the game doesn’t care where the card is coming from, only that it’s entering the battlefield.
Why This Matters
Understanding ETB triggers and their interaction with exile is crucial for several reasons:
- Strategic deckbuilding: You can build powerful decks that take advantage of repeatable ETB effects, using cards that exile and return permanents.
- In-game decision making: Knowing when and how ETB triggers will occur allows you to make informed plays and maximize your value.
- Rules comprehension: A solid understanding of these mechanics improves your overall game knowledge and prevents misplays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Exile Count as Leaving the Battlefield?
Yes, absolutely. When a permanent is exiled, it leaves the battlefield. This is precisely why flicker effects (which exile a permanent and then immediately return it) work to trigger both leave-the-battlefield (LTB) and ETB abilities.
2. Does Returning to the Battlefield Trigger Enter the Battlefield? Or Is “Entering the Battlefield” Different Than Being Returned to It?
No, there is no difference. “Entering the battlefield” is the same whether it’s from a spell resolving, being returned from exile, or any other means. The game only cares about the act of entering the battlefield.
3. What Counts as Entering the Battlefield?
Enters the battlefield refers to putting a permanent card or token onto the battlefield, or to an ability which is triggered when a permanent is put onto the battlefield. Lands also follow the rules for entering the battlefield.
4. Is Entering the Battlefield a Triggered Ability?
Not quite. Entering the battlefield itself is not a triggered ability, but it causes triggered abilities to trigger. For example, a creature with the ability “When [this creature] enters the battlefield, you gain 2 life” has a triggered ability that activates upon the creature entering the battlefield.
5. Does Flipping Count as Entering the Battlefield?
Generally, no. When a card transforms or flips on the battlefield, it’s considered the same permanent, just with different characteristics. However, some cards like Jace, Vryn’s Prodigy explicitly exile the card and return it transformed, which does trigger ETB effects. So, always read the card carefully.
6. Does Returning From Exile Cause Summoning Sickness?
Yes, it does. Any creature returning from exile is treated as if it were just cast, meaning it’s subject to summoning sickness if you haven’t controlled it continuously since the beginning of your most recent turn.
7. Does Exile Trigger When a Creature Dies?
No. Exile is not the same as dying. When a creature “dies,” it goes to the graveyard. Exile is a separate zone. Abilities that trigger when a creature dies will not trigger if it is exiled.
8. Do ETB Triggers Happen Before the Legend Rule?
The legend rule (which forces you to sacrifice legendary permanents with the same name) is a state-based action that is checked before triggered abilities are put on the stack. This means the legend rule is applied first, and then, if a permanent survives, its ETB triggers are put on the stack.
9. Does Mutate Count as ETB?
No. When you cast a creature spell for its mutate cost to mutate an existing creature on the battlefield, the mutating creature spell doesn’t enter the battlefield. It merges with the existing creature, changing its characteristics.
10. Does Constricting Sliver Trigger Itself?
Yes. When Constricting Sliver enters the battlefield, the ability it gives itself will trigger. The Sliver that enters the battlefield is the source of the ability that exiles the creature.
11. Does Flashback Always Exile?
Yes. A spell cast using flashback will always be exiled afterward, whether it resolves, is countered, or leaves the stack in some other way. This is a built-in mechanic of the flashback ability.
12. Does Exiling Count as Dying?
Again, no. Exiled permanents don’t go into the graveyard and, if they are creatures, they do not die, thus no death triggers happen. They also can’t regenerate from being exiled.
13. Can You Temporarily Exile a Commander?
Yes, you can. You can exile a commander with a spell or ability just like any other creature. However, the owner of that commander gets to choose if they want to leave their leader in exile or send it back to the command zone (their choice!).
14. What Happens When You Cast a Spell From Exile?
Spells cast from exile are treated the same as spells cast from anywhere else: they will go to the graveyard as they resolve, unless an effect says otherwise.
15. Do Incubator Tokens Enter the Battlefield?
Yes, the Incubator tokens do enter the battlefield. A token that is created as a copy of an Incubator token functions the same way as the original token.
Conclusion
The interaction between exile and ETB triggers is a fundamental aspect of Magic: The Gathering. Understanding this interaction allows you to build more effective decks, make better in-game decisions, and deepen your overall understanding of the game. Remember, returning a permanent from exile is functionally equivalent to playing it for the first time, triggering all relevant enter-the-battlefield abilities. By internalizing this concept and the nuances outlined in these FAQs, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate complex game situations and leverage the power of ETB effects to your advantage. Always be sure to check in with resources such as the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for more tips and resources!