Tiered

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Tiered
Keyword Ability
Type	Static
Introduced	Final Fantasy
Last used	Final Fantasy Commander
Reminder Text	Tiered (Choose one additional cost.)
Scryfall Statistics
cards

Tiered is a keyword ability appearing on modal instants and sorceries. Each spell has a base cost (its mana cost) and a number of modes, of which a player may choose only one when casting the spell. The modes cost different amounts of mana. The mechanics was introduced in Final Fantasy.

Description

Each card with tiered is a modal spell with three different modes ("tiers"). Each mode includes an additional cost with the first option having the smallest cost and effect and the last option having the largest cost and effect. The layout is similar to spree, but critically, only one mode can be chosen. Another difference is that the first additional cost is always , so in contrast to spree the mana cost in the corner is indeed the cheapest it can be cast for. The three modes are thematically linked and escalate, even if the effects are non-numerical. In this way, it is like a two-cost kicker spell using modal templating. It offers scaling power over the course of a game.

To cast a spell with tiered, a player chooses one of its modes and the associated additional cost. No matter which mode is chosen, the spell's mana value remains the same (a spell's mana value is always based on that spell's mana cost, not any additional costs you pay). Additionally, the card name of the spell always remains the same. In Final Fantasy, the tiers each have a flavor word, with many using Final Fantasy's tiered magic system of X, X-a and X-aga.

Rules

From the glossary of the Comprehensive Rules (September 19, 2025—Marvel's Spider-Man)

Tiered

A keyword ability found on some modal spells that requires you to pay an additional cost for the mode you choose. See rule 702.183, “Tiered.”

From the Comprehensive Rules (September 19, 2025—Marvel's Spider-Man)

• 702.183. Tiered
  • 702.183a Tiered is a static ability found on some modal spells (see rule 700.2) that applies while the spell is on the stack. Tiered means “Choose one. As an additional cost to cast this spell, pay the cost associated with that mode.”

Rulings

• You must choose exactly one of the listed modes and pay its associated additional cost in order to cast a spell with tiered.
• You choose the mode as you cast the spell with tiered. Once the mode is chosen, it can't be changed.
• If a mode requires a target, you can select that mode only if there's a legal target available. Ignore the targeting requirements for modes you don't choose.
• The mana value of a spell with tiered is determined only by its mana cost (in the upper right corner of the card). It doesn't matter which mode you choose or which additional costs you pay, including any additional costs imposed by other effects.
• If a spell with tiered is copied, the effect that creates the copy may allow you to choose new targets. You cannot choose a new mode.
• If an effect allows you to cast a spell with tiered "without paying its mana cost," you must still choose exactly one mode and pay the associated additional cost.

Examples

Example

Ice Magic
Instant
Tiered (Choose one additional cost.)
• Blizzard — — Return target creature to its owner's hand.
• Blizzara — — Target creature's owner puts it on their choice of the top or bottom of their library.
• Blizzaga — — Target creature's owner shuffles it into their library.

See also

• Entwine
• Escalate
• Spree