Menace

Menace
Keyword Ability
Type	Evasion
Introduced	Fallen Empires (mechanic) Magic Origins (keyword)
Last used	Evergreen
Reminder Text	Menace (This creature can't be blocked except by two or more creatures.)
Statistics	99 cards (Statistics need update)
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keyword:"Menace"

Menace is an evergreen keyword ability. Creatures with menace can't be blocked except by two or more creatures.

History

Menace was introduced in Magic Origins to replace Intimidate which had turned out to be too "swingy"—its strength varied too heavily based on the colors of the opponent's deck. The Menace mechanic had existed since Goblin War Drums from Fallen Empires and used to be primary in black and secondary in red. Nowadays menace is primary in both black and red. There's been some talk that a third color should be secondary or tertiary.

Some older cards with this ability received errata so they now have menace.

Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths introduced menace counters.

Rules

From the glossary of the Comprehensive Rules (April 12, 2024—Outlaws of Thunder Junction)

Menace

An evasion ability that makes creatures unblockable by a single creature. See rule 702.111, “Menace.”

From the Comprehensive Rules (April 12, 2024—Outlaws of Thunder Junction)

• 702.111. Menace
  • 702.111a Menace is an evasion ability.
  • 702.111b A creature with menace can’t be blocked except by two or more creatures. (See rule 509, “Declare Blockers Step.”)
  • 702.111c Multiple instances of menace on the same creature are redundant.

Rulings

• Once a creature with menace is legally blocked by two or more creatures, removing those blockers from combat won't change or undo the block.

Example

Example

Boggart Brute
Creature — Goblin Warrior
3/2
Menace (This creature can't be blocked except by two or more creatures.)