Boon: Difference between revisions
>RivalRowan (Revised based on the Arena patch notes (2023.30.0) explanation of what a "one-time boon" is.) |
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A boon is created by some cards to set up an effect, much like a delayed triggered ability, but the boon is phrased as a separate entity with the trigger on it, similar to an [[emblem]].<ref>{{DailyRef|magic-digital/mtg-arena-announcements-june-22-2022|MTG Arena Announcements, June 22, 2022|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|June 22, 2022}}</ref> Boons are used for triggers that could be delayed over many turns, such as a player casting their next creature spell. The Arena software takes care of tracking this, so each boon acts as a reminder of what triggers are active. In contrast, typical triggered abilities either occur immediately or are delayed at most until the player's next turn, which requires less long-term memory by players. | A boon is created by some cards to set up an effect, much like a delayed triggered ability, but the boon is phrased as a separate entity with the trigger on it, similar to an [[emblem]].<ref>{{DailyRef|magic-digital/mtg-arena-announcements-june-22-2022|MTG Arena Announcements, June 22, 2022|[[Wizards of the Coast]]|June 22, 2022}}</ref> Boons are used for triggers that could be delayed over many turns, such as a player casting their next creature spell. The Arena software takes care of tracking this, so each boon acts as a reminder of what triggers are active. In contrast, typical triggered abilities either occur immediately or are delayed at most until the player's next turn, which requires less long-term memory by players. | ||
'''One-time boons''', originally just called a "boon" until ''[[Alchemy: Eldraine]]'', disappear after the criteria for their trigger | '''One-time boons''', originally just called a "boon" until ''[[Alchemy: Eldraine]]'', disappear after the criteria for their trigger have been met. | ||
Boons can potentially be triggered more than once, but there are no cards that currently utilize this mechanic.<ref name="APN2023.30.0">{{WebRef|url=https://mtgarena-support.wizards.com/hc/en-us/articles/19918926804372-Patch-Notes-2023-30-0|title=Patch Notes - 2023.30.0|author=[[Wizards of the Coast]]|date=October 11, 2023}}</ref> | Boons can potentially be triggered more than once, but there are no cards that currently utilize this mechanic.<ref name="APN2023.30.0">{{WebRef|url=https://mtgarena-support.wizards.com/hc/en-us/articles/19918926804372-Patch-Notes-2023-30-0|title=Patch Notes - 2023.30.0|author=[[Wizards of the Coast]]|date=October 11, 2023}}</ref> | ||
Revision as of 10:13, 12 October 2023
| Boon | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Card Type | |
| Statistics |
13 Boon creation cards
 46.2%  7.7%  15.4%  15.4%  7.7%  7.7% 3 One-time boon creation cards 66.7%  33.3% |
| Scryfall Search | |
| o:"one-time boon" | |
- Not to be confused with Boon (slang).
A boon is a designed-for-digital, MTG Arena-specific marker introduced in Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate that represents a delayed trigger.
Description
A boon is created by some cards to set up an effect, much like a delayed triggered ability, but the boon is phrased as a separate entity with the trigger on it, similar to an emblem.[1] Boons are used for triggers that could be delayed over many turns, such as a player casting their next creature spell. The Arena software takes care of tracking this, so each boon acts as a reminder of what triggers are active. In contrast, typical triggered abilities either occur immediately or are delayed at most until the player's next turn, which requires less long-term memory by players.
One-time boons, originally just called a "boon" until Alchemy: Eldraine, disappear after the criteria for their trigger have been met.
Boons can potentially be triggered more than once, but there are no cards that currently utilize this mechanic.[2]
History
Before boons were introduced, a few digital cards used similar phrasing but did not attribute the text to a boon, such as Tenacious Pup or Molten Impact. These simply used triggered abilities delayed longer than usual.
Boons were first introduced on ten cards in Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate, to replace some of the mechanics on reimagined cards.
As part of the Alchemy: Eldraine update, the boon mechanics were modified to allow a boon to be used multiple times instead of disappearing after being triggered.[2] While the patch notes for the update indicate all previous cards with the mechanic would be errata'd to be called a "one-time boon", only the cards in Alchemy: Eldraine feature the new wording. Underbridge Warlock from the set is the first card to check if a player has a boon.
Rules
Boons aren't part of the Comprehensive Rules. They operate according to the programmed rules of Magic: The Gathering Arena.
Example
Example 1
Arcane Archery 
Instant
Target creature get +3/+3 and gains reach and trample until end of turn. You get a boon with "When you cast your next creature spell, that creature enters the battlefield with an additional +1/+1 counter, reach counter, and trample counter on it."
Example 2
Underbridge Warlock 
Creature — Ogre Warlock
5/4
Deathtouch
When Underbridge Warlock enters the battlefield, you get a one-time boon with "At the begining of your end step, if three or more creatures died this turn, each opponent loses 5 life and you gain 5 life."
At the beginning of your end step, if you have a boon, you mill three cards, draw a card, and lose 2 life.
References
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (June 22, 2022). "MTG Arena Announcements, June 22, 2022". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ a b Wizards of the Coast (October 11, 2023). "Patch Notes - 2023.30.0"