Escalate
| Escalate | |
|---|---|
| Keyword Ability | |
| Type | Static |
| Introduced | Eldritch Moon |
| Last used | Modern Horizons 3 |
| Reminder Text | Escalate [cost] (Pay this cost for each mode chosen beyond the first.) |
| Storm Scale | 5[1] |
| Scryfall Statistics | |
Escalate is a keyword ability appearing on modal instants and sorceries, i.e., ones with the "Choose one or more —" clause. It was first featured in Eldritch Moon.
Description
By paying the escalate cost, additional modes may be activated.[2][3] Escalate was designed by Sam Stoddard's development team, and inspired by the old entwine mechanic.[4]
History
Escalate was reused as a one-off in Modern Horizons 3.[5]
Rules
From the glossary of the Comprehensive Rules (July 25, 2025—Edge of Eternities)
- Escalate
- A keyword ability on some modal spells that adds a cost for choosing additional modes. See rule 702.120, “Escalate.”
From the Comprehensive Rules (July 25, 2025—Edge of Eternities)
- 702.120. Escalate
- 702.120a Escalate is a static ability of modal spells (see rule 700.2) that functions while the spell with escalate is on the stack. “Escalate [cost]” means “For each mode you choose beyond the first as you cast this spell, you pay an additional [cost].” Paying a spell’s escalate cost follows the rules for paying additional costs in rules 601.2f–h.
Examples
Example
Blessed Alliance 
Instant
Escalate 
(Pay this cost for each mode chosen beyond the first.)
Choose one or more —
• Target player gains 4 life.
• Untap up to two target creatures.
• Target opponent sacrifices an attacking creature of their choice.
See also
References
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (2017-03-27). "Storm Scale: Innistrad and Shadows over Innistrad". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Matt Tabak (June 27, 2016). "Eldritch Moon Mechanics". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Sam Stoddard (July 1, 2016). "Developing Eldritch Moon". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2020-11-08.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (July 4, 2016). "Over the Moon, Part 2". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Matt Tabak (May 21, 2024). "Modern Horizons 3 Mechanics". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.