Menace
Menace is an evergreen keyword ability. Creatures with menace can’t be blocked except by two or more creatures.
From the Comprehensive Rules (November 8, 2024—Edge of Eternities)
- 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.
- 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.
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.[2][3][4] Nowadays menace is primary in both black and red. There’s been some talk that a third color should be secondary or tertiary.[5]
Some older cards with this ability received errata so they now have menace.
Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths introduced menace counters.
Menace in practice
Menace is an evasion ability, tries to make it difficult for the opponent to block these creatures.
This works in Menace advantage as attacking you might get rid of two creatures without losing you attack either by forcing a block and casting a spell that buffs or removes one the blockers at your advantage.
