Outlast
| Outlast | |
|---|---|
|
[[File:{{#setmainimage:MTGA Outlast.png}}|70x70px]] | |
| Keyword Ability | |
| Type | Activated |
| Introduced | Khans of Tarkir |
| Last used | Modern Horizons 3 |
| Reminder Text |
Outlast [cost] ([Cost],  : Put a +1/+1 counter on this creature. Activate only as a sorcery.) |
| Storm Scale | 7[1] |
| Statistics |
11 cards  54.5%  18.2%  18.2%  9.1% |
| Scryfall Search | |
| keyword:"Outlast" | |
Outlast is a keyworded activated ability that was introduced as the clan-specific mechanic for the Abzan Houses in Khans of Tarkir.
Description
Outlast grants a +1/+1 counter on the creature for a small cost: two mana for commons, and one mana for uncommons. The ability in and of itself is not complex, but the longevity given to the controller as a mana sink meant that it couldn't be pushed too far. In Khans, the counters were given bonus value through six "counter lords", each granting their own keyword. One card cared about the activation of its ability (Herald of Anafenza) and two final Outlasters were printed with no other text, being defensively-styled creatures.
The mechanic was unpopular due to the ability reading poorly, despite its power, leading to the high Storm Scale.[2] Additionally, the "invisible" power made the design space small - "bad" blockers and size-scaling abilities were poor choices unless the cost was made much higher. It made singular reappearances in Modern Horizons, Modern Horizons 2 and Modern Horizons 3 and was one of the non-evergreen, non-deciduous keywords included in the Unfinity sticker sheets.[3]
Rules
From the glossary of the Comprehensive Rules (June 7, 2024—Modern Horizons 3)
- Outlast
- A keyword ability that allows a creature to grow larger over time. See rule 702.107, “Outlast.”
From the Comprehensive Rules (June 7, 2024—Modern Horizons 3)
- 702.107. Outlast
- 702.107a Outlast is an activated ability. “Outlast [cost]” means “[Cost], {T}: Put a +1/+1 counter on this creature. Activate only as a sorcery.”
Rulings
- The cost to activate a creature's outlast ability includes the tap symbol (). A creature's outlast ability can't be activated unless that creature has been under your control continuously since the beginning of your turn.
- Several creatures with outlast also grant an ability to creatures you control with +1/+1 counters on them, including themselves. These counters could come from an outlast ability, but any +1/+1 counter on the creature will count.
Examples
Example
Herald of Anafenza
Creature — Human Soldier
1/2
Outlast 
(, : Put a +1/+1 counter on this creature. Outlast only as a sorcery.)
Whenever you activate Herald of Anafenza's outlast ability, put a 1/1 white Warrior creature token onto the battlefield.
References
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (February 29, 2016). "Storm Scale: Khans of Tarkir Block". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (February 29, 2016). "Storm Scale: Khans of Tarkir Block". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Matt Tabak (May 31, 2019). "Modern Horizons Mechanics". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
