What is Toxic MTG?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Toxic MTG refers to a keyword ability found on several Phyrexian creatures in Magic: The Gathering, where a creature with toxic deals combat damage to a player, resulting in the player receiving a number of poison counters equal to the toxic value of that creature. The toxic ability is a static effect that does not use the stack, unlike poisonous, which is a triggered ability, and its impact can be significant in the game, especially with creatures having high toxic values like Tyrranax Rex.
Understanding Toxic MTG
The toxic ability is straightforward: if a creature with toxic N deals combat damage to a player, that player gets N poison counters. This ability can be found on various creatures, with N usually being 1 or 2, but there are instances where N can be as high as 6 or even 9, making these creatures potentially game-changing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Do You Play Toxic MTG?
Toxic N goes like this: if a creature with toxic N deals combat damage to a player, that player gets N poison counters. This is a static effect that does not use the stack, making it a direct and impactful ability.
2. What is the Most Toxic MTG Card?
The title of the most toxic creature easily goes to Tyrranax Rex, an 8/8 dinosaur that is not only uncounterable but also has Ward 4, making it harder to deal with once it’s on the board.
3. What is the Difference Between Toxic and Poisonous MTG?
Toxic is a static effect, while poisonous is a triggered ability. Gaining a poison counter from toxic doesn’t use the stack, unlike poisonous, which can be interacted with using stifle effects.
4. What is the Difference Between Toxic and Infect MTG?
The main difference is that toxic creatures apply a specified number of poison counters, rather than a number of poison counters equal to their power, like infect does. This means a huge creature with toxic 1 will only give the opponent one poison counter.
5. How Do You Get Rid of Toxic MTG?
Removing poison counters can be challenging. Only a few cards, such as Price of Betrayal and Suncleanser, can remove poison counters, and they are limited to affecting opponents. Otherwise, Karn Liberated’s ultimate can restart the game, effectively removing poison counters.
6. Does Deathtouch Cancel Deathtouch?
Yes, any two instances of the deathtouch ability against one another cancel out the deathtouch ability, making it a unique interaction between creatures with this ability.
7. Does Toxic 1 Stack with Toxic 1 MTG?
Yes, multiple instances of toxic are cumulative. If a creature with 2x instances of toxic 1 deals combat damage to a player, they get 2x poison counters, in addition to other effects of damage.
8. Is Toxic 1 a Counter MTG?
Toxic 1 is an ability, not a counter. It’s an effect that gives a player a poison counter when dealt combat damage by a creature with this ability.
9. Can You Stifle Toxic?
No, toxic does not trigger, so it cannot be stifled. It’s a direct result of the combat damage dealt by the creature, similar to how lifelink causes life gain.
10. Why Are MTG Cards Banned?
Cards are banned in Magic: The Gathering due to various reasons, including being too powerful, creating an unfair gaming environment, or having content that is racially or culturally offensive.
11. Is MTG the Hardest Card Game?
Yes, Magic: The Gathering is considered one of the most complex and challenging card games, requiring strategic thinking and a deep understanding of its mechanics and interactions.
12. What Was Banned in MTG?
Several cards have been banned in MTG, including The Meathook Massacre, Fable of the Mirror-Breaker, Invoke Despair, and Reckoner Bankbuster, due to their potential to create an unfair advantage.
13. What is the 21 Damage Rule in Magic The Gathering?
A player loses the game if they’ve been dealt 21 or more combat damage by the same commander over the course of the game, making commander damage a significant aspect of the game.
14. Can a Creature Have Toxic 1 Twice?
Yes, a creature can have multiple instances of toxic, and these are cumulative. If a creature gains toxic 1 from another effect in addition to its existing toxic 2, its total toxic value would be 3.
15. Can You Proliferate Toxic Counters?
Yes, poison counters can be proliferated. Proliferate is an ability that allows players to give an additional counter to a player or permanent that already has a counter, which can be particularly deadly with toxic creatures.