Unleash

Unleash
Keyword Ability
Type	Static (1st ability) Static (2nd ability)
Introduced	Return to Ravnica
Last used	Dragon's Maze
Reminder Text	Unleash (You may have this creature enter the battlefield with a +1/+1 counter on it. It can't block as long as it has a +1/+1 counter on it.)
Statistics	13 cards 31% 31% Multicolor 38%
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keyword:"Unleash"

Unleash is a keyword ability that was introduced in Return to Ravnica. The reminder text for Unleash reads "You may have this creature enter the battlefield with a +1/+1 counter on it. It can't block as long as it has a +1/+1 counter on it.".

Rules

From the Comprehensive Rules (June 7, 2024—Modern Horizons 3)

• 702.98. Unleash
  • 702.98a Unleash is a keyword that represents two static abilities. “Unleash” means “You may have this permanent enter the battlefield with an additional +1/+1 counter on it” and “This permanent can’t block as long as it has a +1/+1 counter on it.”

Rulings

• You make the choice to have the creature with unleash enter the battlefield with a +1/+1 counter or not as it’s entering the battlefield. At that point, it’s too late for a player to respond to the creature spell by trying to counter it, for example.
• The unleash ability applies no matter where the creature is entering the battlefield from.
• A creature with unleash can’t block if it has any +1/+1 counter on it, not just one put on it by the unleash ability.
• Putting a +1/+1 counter on a creature with unleash that’s already blocking won’t remove it from combat. It will continue to block.