Motivate

Motivate
Keyword Ability
Type	Static
Introduced	Mystery Booster
Last used	Mystery Booster
Reminder Text	Motivate [cost] (This creature can’t attack or block unless you have paid its motivate cost once. Motivate only as a sorcery.)
Statistics	1 card 100%
Scryfall Search
fulloracle:"Motivate"

Motivate is a keyword ability that allows a player to activate dormant creatures that had been cast cheaply first for a cheap effect. To motivate, a motivate cost has to be paid.

The mechanic appeared on a test card in the Mystery Booster set.

Example

Example

Lazier Goblin
Creature — Goblin
2/1
Motivate (This creature can’t attack or block unless you have paid its motivate cost once. Motivate only as a sorcery.)
When Lazier Goblin enters the battlefield, it deals 2 damage to any target.

Rulings

• Paying a creature's motivate cost is a special action that its controller may take any time they have priority during their main phase with no spells or abilities on the stack.
• Once you motivate a creature, it remains motivated for you for as long as it remains on the battlefield. If another player gains control of it, that player must motivate it before it can attack or block, but if you regain control of it, it's still motivated for you.