Destroy
| Destroy | |
|---|---|
| Keyword Action | |
| Introduced | Alpha |
| Last used | Evergreen |
| Reminder Text | No official reminder text |
| Scryfall Search | |
| keyword:"Destroy" | |
Destroy is an evergreen keyword action, introduced in Alpha. [1] When a permanent is destroyed, it is moved from the battlefield to its owner’s graveyard.
Rules
From the Comprehensive Rules (June 7, 2024—Modern Horizons 3)
- 701.7. Destroy
- 701.7a To destroy a permanent, move it from the battlefield to its owner’s graveyard.
- 701.7b The only ways a permanent can be destroyed are as a result of an effect that uses the word “destroy” or as a result of the state-based actions that check for lethal damage (see rule 704.5g) or damage from a source with deathtouch (see rule 704.5h). If a permanent is put into its owner’s graveyard for any other reason, it hasn’t been “destroyed.”
- 701.7c A regeneration effect replaces a destruction event. See rule 701.15, “Regenerate.”
From the glossary of the Comprehensive Rules (June 7, 2024—Modern Horizons 3)
- Destroy
- To move a permanent from the battlefield to its owner’s graveyard. See rule 701.7, “Destroy.”
Example
By color
White
White is best at destroying enchantments (Demystify). Early in Magic's history, it also had artifact destruction (Disenchant) in its wheelhouse. White has a few spells that destroy attacking or tapped creatures (Vengeance), but generally prefers to exile creatures instead of destroying them. White also has board wipes that destroy all permanents of a certain type, regardless of controller (Wrath of God, Armageddon). Flavorwise, destruction in white is portrayed as a result of magical or divine power.
Blue
Blue has the least destruction of any color, compensating for this with counterspells and spells that return permanents to owner's hands. A few spells (Rapid Hybridization) have been printed in blue that destroy a creature but reward the controller of the destroyed creature with a creature token.
Black
Since the printing of Terror in Alpha, black has been the color of creature destruction in all forms. Occasionally, black also receives land destruction (Sinkhole). Flavorwise, destruction in black is portrayed as a result of pollution, murder, or demonic power.
Red
Red has many spells which destroy lands (Stone Rain) and artifacts (Smelt). While it does have a number of cards that target many or all creatures, red spells generally do not directly destroy creatures but instead kills them by dealing direct damage. Flavorwise, destruction in red is portrayed as a result of something been burned, exploded, or obliterated in a volley of rock.
Green
In Arabian Nights, green received Desert Twister that allowed destruction of any permanent. Since then, green has lost the ability to destroy creatures without flying, but retains destruction of creatures with flying (Plummet) as part of its theme of flying hate. It has a number of spells to destroy artifacts or enchantments (Naturalize), and occasionally also receives land destruction. Flavorwise, destruction in green is portrayed as a result of being overwhelmed by forces of nature.