What it does
Survival is a triggered ability that checks at the beginning of your second main phase: if you control a tapped creature, the survival ability triggers and gives some benefit (varies by card). It's a newer mechanic designed to reward you for attacking, since creatures that attacked are tapped during your second main.
The common misconception: Survival only triggers once per turn, not once per tapped creature. You just need at least one tapped creature when your second main begins—it doesn't matter if you have one or ten. Also, the creature doesn't have to have attacked; any tapped creature counts (tapped for mana, from an effect, etc.).
In Commander, Survival pairs well with go-wide aggression and tap-based strategies. Vigilance can be a non-bo if you need creatures tapped, but usually you're tapping out to attack anyway, so it reliably turns on each turn.
Iconic cards with Survival
See all 13 →
