Evolve
Evolve is a keyword introduced in Gatecrash where it serves as the guild mechanic for the Simic Combine.
From the Comprehensive Rules (November 8, 2024—Edge of Eternities)
- 702.100. Evolve
- 702.100a Evolve is a triggered ability. “Evolve” means “Whenever a creature you control enters, if that creature’s power is greater than this creature’s power and/or that creature’s toughness is greater than this creature’s toughness, put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.”
- 702.100b A creature “evolves” when one or more +1/+1 counters are put on it as a result of its evolve ability resolving.
- 702.100c A creature can’t have a greater power or toughness than a noncreature permanent.
- 702.100d If a creature has multiple instances of evolve, each triggers separately.
History
Evolve reappeared as a one-off in the Tyranid Swarm commander deck from Warhammer 40,000 Commander Decks.
Though not identical mechanically, Evolving Adaptive from Phyrexia: All Will Be One “evolves” through Oil counters. Sharp-Eyed Rookie from Murders at Karlov Manor has the ability written out without the keyword, with the additional effect of investigating whenever the ability triggers.
Evolve also appeared in Ravnica: Clue Edition and Modern Horizons 3.
Evolve in practice
Evolve consists on bigger creatures getting on the battlefield and steadily increase the power and toughness of the creature, its not an immediate threat but eventually will become one, great to pair this ability with counters effects the more counters you could get on creatures the better.
