Magic Arena: What is Ward | Explained

Ward is a natural trait some creatures possess in Magic Arena. It acts as a defensive shield, making them harder to remove with spells or abilities. Here’s how it works:

How to Pay Ward Cost in Magic Arena

A notification will appear if you attempt to use a spell or ability on your opponent’s creature. The notification will mention the creature’s ward and its cost. A prompt asking if you want to continue targeting it will then show up.

• Pay Ward Cost: To pay the ward cost, you’ll have to pay it alongside the original cost of your spell or ability. The spell or ability will then resolve normally.
• Don’t Pay Ward Cost: If you choose not to pay the ward cost, your spell or ability targeting the creature will be countered.

In Game Look

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Important Notes:

• Ward is automatically activated and your opponent will be prompted about these specific cards.
• Ward is somewhat of a shield that increases the difficulty of eliminating your creatures. It could provide you with a tactical edge by making your opponent spend additional resources dealing with your warded cards.
• Ward has different effects, some prompt your opponent to discard a card, sacrifice life, or spend mana.

Specific Magic Arena Ward Example

Let’s say your opponent has “Owlin Shieldmage” on the field. Owlin Shieldmage has Ward 3 and you must pay 3 life to target it with a spell or ability.

• Original Spell Cost: Let’s say your spell to destroy a creature normally costs 1 mana.
• Ward Cost: Owlin Shieldmage has Ward 3 (life).

There are two separate costs to consider:

1. The cost of your spell: This is the base cost, like the 1 mana for your removal spell.
2. The Ward cost: This is the additional cost you must pay to target the warded creature with your spell.

Total Cost:

When you decide to pay the Ward cost, you must add it to the original cost of your spell:

• Original Spell Cost: 1 mana
• Ward Cost: 3 life

Total Cost = Original Cost + Ward Cost = 1 mana + 3 life

So, paying 3 life acts as an additional cost that effectively brings the total cost to 4 “resources” (1 mana + 3 life) to bypass Ward and have your spell affect the warded creature.