How exactly does regenerate work?

Asked by CJ_95 11 years ago

I was wondering if regenerate only works while in combat phase. Say for example I have an Isperia, Supreme Judge on the field attacking, and my opponent uses Doom Blade or Arrows of Justice . Can I use Mending Touch to regenerate her back to the field? Or does she have to be in combat for regenerate to work?

Sam_I_am says... #1

Nope, regenerate works whenever your creature is destroyed, unless an effect specifically says that it can't be regenerated.

August 19, 2013 5:04 p.m.

Sam_I_am says... Accepted answer #2

701.12a If the effect of a resolving spell or ability regenerates a permanent, it creates a replacement effect that protects the permanent the next time it would be destroyed this turn. In this case, Regenerate [permanent] means The next time [permanent] would be destroyed this turn, instead remove all damage marked on it and tap it. If its an attacking or blocking creature, remove it from combat.

August 19, 2013 5:05 p.m.

CJ_95 says... #3

@ Sam_I_am Ok then. But if my opponent deals enough damage to my creature with a damage spell, wouldn't it still be destroyed? Or does the card have to specifically say "destroy" even though other spells could kill it for example for regenerate to work?

August 19, 2013 5:11 p.m.

Sam_I_am says... #4

701.6b The only ways a permanent can be destroyed are as a result of an effect that uses the word destroy or as a result of the state-based actions that check for lethal damage (see rule 704.5g) or damage from a source with deathtouch (see rule 704.5h). If a permanent is put into its owners graveyard for any other reason, it hasnt been destroyed.

August 19, 2013 5:16 p.m.

Sam_I_am says... #5

701.6c A regeneration effect replaces a destruction event. See rule 701.12, Regenerate.

August 19, 2013 5:17 p.m.

Epochalyptik says... #6

@CJ_95: I notice that you used the phrase "regenerate her back to the field," which implies you are misunderstanding how regenerate works. A regenerated permanent never leaves the field. Its destruction would normally place it into its owner's graveyard. Regeneration instead causes it to remain on the battlefield, and certain other things happen instead.

August 19, 2013 9:07 p.m.